Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe

There is something absolutely irresistible about a treat that lets you enjoy the nostalgic taste of raw cookie dough without any worries. This Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe marries that beloved childhood indulgence with the satisfyingly rich flavor of dark chocolate, creating a dessert that’s as playful as it is decadent. Soft, buttery, and studded with mini chocolate chips inside a luscious chocolate coating, these bars are perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself on a cozy afternoon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, with everyday ingredients that come together to build layers of flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial role: from the heat-treated flour that ensures safety, to the brown sugar adding depth, and the velvety dark chocolate coating bringing it all home.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated): This step ensures the flour is safe to eat while keeping the dough tender.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich, creamy texture and flavor.
• 1/3 cup brown sugar: Provides a deep caramel-like sweetness and moistness.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness with a light crunch.
• 2 tablespoons milk: Helps bind ingredients for a smooth dough.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and enhances all flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Elevates sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile.
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips: The little bursts of chocolate that make every bite exciting.
• 200 g dark chocolate (for coating): Adds a glossy, bittersweet shell, balancing the sweet dough inside.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe

Step 1: Make the Flour Safe

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the flour evenly on a baking sheet and bake it for 5 minutes. This heat-treatment step is essential because it makes the flour safe to consume raw, so you can enjoy that classic cookie dough experience worry-free. Let it cool completely before using it in the dough.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, get to work creaming the softened unsalted butter with both the brown and granulated sugars. This step is where the magic starts, as beating them together creates a light, fluffy base that will give your bars their melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Add the Liquids and Flavor

Now stir in the milk, vanilla extract, and salt. These ingredients help unite the dough and heighten the flavors, giving the bars that familiar and comforting cookie dough taste you crave.

Step 4: Combine with Flour and Mini Chocolate Chips

Slowly add the cooled, heat-treated flour to the mixture. Gently fold everything together until your dough is smooth and perfectly combined. Don’t forget to fold in the mini chocolate chips last; these little gems bring delightful chocolate pops throughout your bars.

Step 5: Shape and Chill the Dough

Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, then press your cookie dough evenly into the pan. Pop the pan into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the dough firm up. This step makes it easier to cut your bars later and helps maintain their shape when coated in chocolate.

Step 6: Melt the Dark Chocolate

While the dough chills, melt your dark chocolate gently in the microwave or over a double boiler, stirring until smooth. This luscious chocolate will be the perfect shell for your cookie dough bars, adding elegance and rich flavor.

Step 7: Cut and Coat the Bars

After chilling, lift the cookie dough out of the pan using the parchment paper, then cut it into bars. Dip each bar into the melted dark chocolate, ensuring every bite gets a silky chocolate coat. Place the coated bars on a tray lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 8: Add Extra Chocolate Chips (Optional)

If you love chocolate as much as I do, sprinkle a bit of extra mini chocolate chips on top before the chocolate sets. It makes them look extra fancy and adds even more chocolatey goodness.

Step 9: Chill and Set

Finally, chill the bars in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. This step solidifies the chocolate coating, letting your bars set beautifully so they’re ready to be enjoyed. Once firm, they’re perfect for slicing, serving, and going back for seconds.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe

Garnishes

While these bars are divine on their own, a light dusting of flaky sea salt or a few colorful sprinkles can add an eye-catching finish and a surprise flavor twist. Fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of caramel sauce also make beautiful and tasty garnishes.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combo. For a grown-up twist, serve alongside a cup of rich coffee or a warm chai latte to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange your bars on a pretty platter with fresh berries and edible flowers to impress your guests. Wrapping individual bars in wax paper tied with twine makes a charming edible gift or party favor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These bars keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Keeping them chilled preserves the chocolate coating’s shine and the chewy cookie dough texture inside.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead, you can freeze the bars after they’ve been coated and chilled. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying for best taste and texture.

Reheating

Because these bars are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, reheating is not necessary. However, if you like your chocolate a bit melty, simply let the bar sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before eating.

FAQs

Can I use raw flour in this recipe?

Eating raw flour can be unsafe due to bacteria, so this recipe includes heat-treating the flour to make it safe for raw consumption while maintaining that cookie dough texture.

Why do I need to chill the dough before coating?

Chilling firms up the dough so it’s easier to handle and cut into clean bars. It also helps maintain their shape when you dip them into the melted chocolate coating.

What kind of chocolate is best for coating?

Dark chocolate works perfectly because its slight bitterness balances the sweet cookie dough. You can also use semi-sweet or even milk chocolate depending on your preference.

Can I make these bars dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk. Make sure your chocolate coating is dairy-free as well.

How long do these bars last?

Stored properly in the fridge, these cookie dough bars stay fresh for about one week. They also freeze well for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel just as excited as I do to make this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe your new favorite treat. It’s such a joy to have that safe, raw cookie dough feeling combined with the richness of dark chocolate all in one bite. Whether for special occasions or whenever a sweet craving strikes, these bars never fail to delight. Give them a try and see how quickly they disappear!

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