Cookie Dough Bars

If you’re a fan of raw cookie dough but prefer not to worry about the raw eggs, these Cookie Dough Bars are the perfect solution. With a rich, sweet dough that’s studded with mini chocolate chips, these bars offer all the indulgence of cookie dough without the baking step. They’re quick to make, require no oven, and are an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips

Directions

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together and is smooth.
4. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Press into Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Press the cookie dough mixture evenly into the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Chill: Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the dough is firm.
7. Cut and Serve: Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator and cut it into squares. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 bars
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling time)

Variations

1. Add Nuts: For extra crunch, fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips.
2. Different Chocolate: Switch up the mini chocolate chips with other varieties such as white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips for a twist.
3. Sprinkle Sea Salt: After chilling and cutting the bars, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top for a salted caramel-like flavor contrast.
4. Add Candy: Mix in mini M&M’s or crushed candy bars (like Snickers or Kit-Kat) for added flavor and texture.
5. Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version of these bars.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookie dough bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer freshness, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: You can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Just wrap them in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then thaw in the fridge before serving.

10 FAQs

1. Do I need to bake these cookie dough bars?
   No, these bars are no-bake! The dough is safe to eat as it doesn’t contain raw eggs, and the flour is heat-treated for safety.
2. Can I substitute margarine for the butter?
   Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, though butter will give the bars a richer flavor.
3. Can I make these bars without chocolate chips?
   Absolutely! You can make these bars plain or substitute the chocolate chips with other mix-ins like dried fruit or candy pieces.
4. Can I use all granulated sugar instead of brown sugar?
   Brown sugar adds a caramel-like flavor and moisture, but you can use all granulated sugar if that’s what you have on hand. The texture may be slightly different, but the bars will still be delicious.
5. How long should I chill the dough?
   It’s best to chill the dough for at least 2 hours to allow it to firm up properly. This makes it easier to cut into neat bars.
6. Can I make these bars vegan?
   Yes, you can make these bars vegan by using dairy-free butter and ensuring that your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
7. What’s the best way to cut these bars?
   Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into even squares. If the dough is too sticky, let it chill a little longer before cutting.
8. Can I make these bars in a bigger pan?
   Yes, if you use a larger pan, the bars will be thinner. You may need to reduce the chilling time slightly.
9. Can I add frosting to these cookie dough bars?
   You can definitely frost these bars with a simple buttercream or chocolate ganache for an extra indulgent treat.
10. How can I make the dough easier to press into the pan?
    If the dough is too sticky to press into the pan, try chilling it for 10-15 minutes before pressing. You can also lightly wet your hands to help prevent sticking.

Conclusion

These Cookie Dough Bars are the perfect no-bake dessert when you’re craving the rich, indulgent flavor of cookie dough but want a quick and easy treat. With a smooth, sweet dough and bursts of chocolate, these bars are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re enjoying them as an after-dinner snack, serving them at a party, or just treating yourself, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them!

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