No Bake Cookie Dough Bars Recipe

Say hello to your new dessert obsession: No Bake Cookie Dough Bars! Imagine all the sweet, nostalgic thrill of sneaking bites of cookie dough, but in a thick, chewy bar form—no oven required. These irresistible bars are packed with mini chocolate chips and the buttery, caramel tones of brown sugar, leaving every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Plus, they’re wonderfully easy to whip up in minutes, making them the perfect treat when that sweet tooth calls and you want something fun, fast, and fabulously satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of No Bake Cookie Dough Bars is their simplicity; each ingredient brings its own magic, from richness to the essential chewy texture, creating that cookie dough experience you crave. A quick scan of your pantry is all it takes to see you’re halfway there!

• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Make sure to heat-treat the flour for food safety—this forms the soft, classic cookie dough base.
• Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Gives the bars their ultra-rich, buttery texture and flavor.
• Brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Adds caramel notes and a deeper sweetness for that nostalgic cookie dough taste.
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Gives an extra kick of sweetness and helps with that perfect cookie dough texture.
• Milk or dairy-free milk (1/4 cup): Loosens the dough just enough for the perfect chew—add more as needed if your mixture is too dry.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Don’t skip this! It brings warmth and that classic cookie aroma every dough needs.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a hint to balance the sweet and round out the flavors.
• Mini chocolate chips (1 cup): Sprinkled throughout for irresistible pockets of gooey chocolate—use regular chips chopped if you prefer.

How to Make No Bake Cookie Dough Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Flour

For edible cookie dough, safety comes first! Start by heat-treating your flour: microwave it in a bowl for 1-2 minutes or bake at 350°F for 5-10 minutes. This quick step eliminates any risk, and once cooled, your flour is ready for dough-making magic.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In your biggest mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt. Stir until the mixture is silky-smooth and the sugars are nearly dissolved—you’re already on your way to gooey cookie dough bars!

Step 3: Add the Flour

Gradually add your cooled, treated flour into the wet mixture. Gently stir or fold—this helps prevent overmixing. If the dough feels stiff or a bit dry, add extra milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it feels thick but pliable and soft.

Step 4: Stir in Chocolate Chips

Now for the fun part: gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, making sure they’re dotted throughout the dough. Every bite of your No Bake Cookie Dough Bars should have a generous chocolatey surprise!

Step 5: Press into Pan

Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment or give it a quick grease. Spoon the dough in, then press and spread it evenly into all the corners. Smooth the top with a spatula—this helps create extra-clean edges when you cut your bars later.

Step 6: Chill

Pop the pan in your fridge for at least 1-2 hours. This is when the magic happens—the bars firm up, set, and become flawlessly cuttable, with the perfect chewy bite.

Step 7: Serve

Once chilled and solid, lift the bars out using the parchment paper, then slice into squares. Stack them high on a plate and get ready for the sweet chorus of “YUM!” from everyone lucky enough to snag a piece.

How to Serve No Bake Cookie Dough Bars

Garnishes

Top your No Bake Cookie Dough Bars with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to make the chocolate chips pop, or drizzle with a little extra melted chocolate for extra flair. Even a scatter of colorful sprinkles invites a whimsical, party-ready finish.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside cold glasses of milk, a steamy mug of coffee, or your favorite hot chocolate. For a summer treat, pair them with fresh berries for a sweet and juicy contrast—the ultimate quick-and-easy dessert plate!

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful! Cut the bars into mini bites for a finger-food dessert platter, or stack them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent cookie dough sundae. You can even use them to top milkshakes or crumble them over fro-yo for next-level indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your No Bake Cookie Dough Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to a week—though good luck making them last that long!

Freezing

These bars are freezer-friendly, too! Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top bag or container. You can enjoy a chilled, fudgy square straight from the freezer or thaw them overnight in the fridge for a softer bite.

Reheating

No reheating required for these beauties! If you prefer a slightly softer texture, let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving. Just be warned: leaving them out too long will make them disappear fast!

FAQs

Can I make No Bake Cookie Dough Bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free baking blend—just be sure to heat-treat it as you would regular flour. The texture remains chewy and delicious with the right blend.

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini?

Yes! If you only have regular-sized chocolate chips, simply give them a quick chop before folding them into the dough. This ensures you get bits of chocolate in every bite.

Are these safe to eat raw?

Yes, as long as you heat-treat the flour and use no eggs, these No Bake Cookie Dough Bars are perfectly safe for snacking straight from the pan. No oven (and no worry!) needed.

Can I use dairy-free ingredients?

Definitely! Swap dairy-free butter and plant-based milk to make these bars completely vegan and allergy-friendly, with zero compromise on flavor or texture.

How do I make the bars thicker or thinner?

For thicker bars, use a smaller pan, such as a loaf pan. For more bite-sized, thinner bars, spread the dough in a larger pan—just keep an eye on the chill time for optimum texture and hold.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a no-fuss treat that’s both playful and delicious, give these No Bake Cookie Dough Bars a try! They’re easy, endlessly customizable, and absolutely guaranteed to become a go-to favorite in your dessert lineup. Grab your ingredients and savor every chewy, chocolatey square!

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