Short Description
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars are the ultimate treat for cookie dough lovers! They feature a safe-to-eat cookie dough base, coated in rich melted chocolate, and topped with extra chocolate chips. These bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings with a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) packed brown sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour (heat-treated*)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp milk (more if needed)
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips
- 2 cups milk chocolate (or semi-sweet), melted
- ½ cup chocolate chips (for topping)
Preparation
Step 1: Make the Safe Cookie Dough
- Heat-treat the flour by spreading it on a baking tray and baking at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to kill any bacteria.
- Let the flour cool completely.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
Step 3: Form the Dough
- Add the cooled, heat-treated flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix until combined.
- Add the milk, 2 tablespoons at a time, and mix until a soft dough forms. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve the desired consistency.
- Fold in 1 ½ cups of chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
Step 4: Shape the Bars
- Line a 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Freeze the pan for at least 30 minutes to allow the cookie dough to firm up. This will make it easier to cut into bars.
Step 5: Coat with Chocolate
- Remove the dough slab from the freezer and lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
- Cut the dough into bars of your desired size.
- Melt 2 cups of milk chocolate (or semi-sweet chocolate) in a double boiler or microwave until smooth.
- Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Place the coated bars on a tray lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle the extra ½ cup of chocolate chips on top of the bars while the chocolate coating is still wet.
Step 6: Set and Serve
- Refrigerate or freeze the bars until the chocolate is firm and set.
- Enjoy the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars chilled for the perfect chewy-cookie-dough-meets-crunchy-chocolate texture!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Safe to eat: The heat-treated flour ensures the cookie dough is safe for consumption.
- Easy to customize: Use your favorite type of chocolate chips or add other mix-ins.
- Perfect for freezing: These bars can be made ahead and stored in the freezer for a quick treat.
- No-bake: This recipe requires no baking beyond the flour treatment, making it great for hot days or when you want a quick dessert.
- Delicious flavor and texture: A wonderful combination of soft cookie dough and crunchy chocolate coating.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled straight from the refrigerator or freezer.
- Enjoy with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Cut into smaller pieces for bite-sized treats at parties.
- Package them up as a homemade gift for friends and family.
Tips
- Ensure the flour is heat-treated properly to eliminate any bacteria.
- Adjust the amount of milk depending on the consistency of the dough. If it’s too dry, add a little more milk.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the coating to enhance the flavor.
- For a smoother chocolate coating, add a teaspoon of coconut oil to the melted chocolate.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5-7 minutes (for heat-treating flour)
Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)
Nutrition Information: (Estimates will vary based on specific ingredients used)
- Calories: Approximately 350-450 per bar
- Protein: 4-6g
- Sodium: 100-150mg
Conclusion
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars are a delightful and indulgent treat that combines the best of both worlds: the irresistible flavor of cookie dough and the satisfying crunch of chocolate. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
5 Questions and Answers about this Recipe
Q1: Is it really safe to eat the cookie dough in these bars?
A: Yes! The key is to heat-treat the flour before using it. Baking the flour at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes kills any bacteria that might be present, making it safe to consume.
Q2: Can I use different types of chocolate chips or add other mix-ins?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate, white chocolate, or peanut butter chips. You can also add other mix-ins like chopped nuts, pretzels, or sprinkles.
Q3: How long do these bars last, and how should I store them?
A: These bars can last up to a week in the refrigerator or up to a month in the freezer. Store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and texture.
Q4: Can I make this recipe vegan or gluten-free?
A: Yes, with some modifications. To make it vegan, use vegan butter and chocolate chips, and substitute the milk with plant-based milk. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Q5: What if I don’t have a 9×9 inch pan? Can I use a different size?
A: Yes, you can use a different size pan, but the thickness of the bars will vary. If you use a larger pan, the bars will be thinner, and if you use a smaller pan, they will be thicker. Adjust the chilling time accordingly.
