No-Bake Cookie Dough Bars

Kitchen Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• 9×9-inch baking dish
• Parchment paper
• Spatula

How to Make No-Bake Cookie Dough Bars

Follow these steps to make the best cookie dough bars:

1. Prepare the Baking Dish
   Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to make it easy to lift out the bars.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes with an electric hand mixer or stand mixer.
3. Add Vanilla and Salt
   Add the vanilla extract and salt to the butter mixture, beating until well combined.
4. Heat Treat the Flour
   To make the flour safe to eat, heat-treat it by spreading it out on a baking sheet and baking at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or microwaving in 30-second intervals until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Let the flour cool before using.
5. Combine Flour and Chocolate Chips
   Slowly add the heat-treated flour to the butter mixture, mixing until smooth. Then, fold in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
6. Press the Dough into the Baking Dish
   Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Prepare the Chocolate Layer
   In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil (or vegetable oil). Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
8. Spread the Chocolate Layer
   Pour the melted chocolate over the cookie dough layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate layer is set and the bars are firm.
9. Slice and Serve
   Once firm, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares, serve, and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect No-Bake Cookie Dough Bars

• Heat-Treating Flour: Heating the flour kills any potential bacteria, making it safe to eat raw. You can bake it in the oven or microwave as described above. Make sure to let it cool before mixing it into the dough.
• Customizing the Chocolate Layer: The chocolate layer can be as thick or as thin as you like. If you want a thinner layer, reduce the chocolate chips to 1 cup.
• Texture Preference: For a chewier bar, use dark brown sugar instead of light. This adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor.

Storing No-Bake Cookie Dough Bars

These bars store beautifully! Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.