Oh, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars – where do I even start? These delightful treats have a special place in my heart (and my kitchen!). Growing up, I’d always sneak bits of cookie dough while my mom was baking. It was like stealing bites of happiness, and really, who could resist that sweet, buttery flavor? This recipe takes that nostalgia and turns it into a neat, no-bake bar that you can enjoy anytime you have a craving (which, let’s face it, is pretty much all the time).
I love making these bars for gatherings, and they never fail to impress friends and family. It’s like serving up a slice of childhood bliss wrapped in chocolatey goodness. Anytime I need a quick and cheerful dessert, these bars are my go-to! Plus, they’re easy to whip up and require no baking – can it get any better than that?
What’s in Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars?
Now let’s break down the deliciousness! Here’s what we’ll be using to create these cookie dough bars:
Butter: The star of the show, butter adds rich flavor and softness. I always use unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness.
Brown Sugar: This brings that signature deep sweetness and moisture to our cookie dough bars. Don’t skip on the packing for that gooey texture!
Granulated Sugar: A little extra sweetness to balance the brown sugar and help with that classic cookie dough taste.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of this creates an aromatic base that enhances all the flavors. High-quality extract is worth it!
All-Purpose Flour: Our binder, making the dough thick and chewy. It’s important to use heat-treated flour for safe consumption since we won’t be baking it.
Salt: A pinch of salt elevates the sweetness and rounds out the flavors perfectly.
Chocolate Chips: Because what’s a chocolate chip bar without chocolate? I prefer semi-sweet for a balance of sweetness, but feel free to mix it up with dark or milk chocolate.
Chocolate for Drizzling: Melted chocolate on top adds a delightful finishing touch and takes these bars over the top in the chocolate department!
Is Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health considerations. These bars are definitely a treat – nothing too virtuous about them (and that’s all part of the fun!).
Butter and Sugar: These ingredients offer lots of flavors but are high in calories, so I’d recommend enjoying these in moderation and savoring each bite!
All-Purpose Flour: If you’re watching gluten intake, you can swap in gluten-free flour easily for a similar kick of sweetness without the gluten.
Chocolate Chips: They bring antioxidants and may boost your mood! Plus, dark chocolate options give a healthier route because of the higher cocoa content.
Again, these should be considered an occasional treat rather than an everyday indulgence. But let’s face it, sometimes you just have to treat yourself!
Ingredients:
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– ¾ cup packed brown sugar
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– ½ cup melted chocolate for drizzling (optional)
This recipe makes about 12 bars, depending on how big you slice them!
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars?
Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive into the step-by-step from mixing to indulging:
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy – about 2-3 minutes.
2. Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
3. Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt. Stir until just combined; don’t overmix!
4. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. It’s okay to steal a few for yourself—nobody’s judging!
5. Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure it hangs over the sides. This makes it easier to lift out later.
6. Press the cookie dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish. Use your hands or a spatula to smooth it out.
7. For the ultimate finish, drizzle the melted chocolate over the top. If you’re feeling fancy, you can create a pattern with a fork!
8. Chill in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours until set.
9. Once firm, lift the bars out using the parchment paper, slice them into squares, and enjoy!
Sweet Tips and Serving Suggestions
Let’s sprinkle a little extra joy on top, shall we?
– **Customize It:** You can add nuts or swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate if you’re feeling adventurous.
– **Storage:** Keep those bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week (if they last that long).
– **Serving Idea:** Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a perfect dessert duo.
I hope you give these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars a try! Trust me, they’ll disappear faster than you can say, “Where’s my cookie dough?” If you do whip them up, I’d love to hear how they turned out or any creative twists you added. Enjoy every scrumptious bite!
