Have you ever craved the sweet, buttery taste of cookie dough but worried about eating it raw? Well, here’s some good news—cookie dough bars are a no-bake dessert that lets you enjoy the nostalgic flavor of cookie dough safely. With a creamy, chocolatey topping and pops of crunch from miniature M&M’s and chocolate chips, these bars are perfect for parties, snacks, or even a quick indulgence at home. Ready to create your new favorite treat? Let’s get started!
Why Cookie Dough Bars Are the Ultimate Treat
There’s something magical about cookie dough. It reminds you of carefree childhood days sneaking spoonfuls from the bowl while baking cookies. Now, you can enjoy that nostalgic flavor without worry. These cookie dough bars are easy to make, don’t require an oven, and deliver a rich, chewy, and colorful experience that will delight kids and adults alike.
What makes this dessert so irresistible?
- No-Bake Simplicity: Perfect for hot days or when you want a fuss-free recipe.
- Versatile Flavor: Packed with chocolate chips, M&M’s, and a smooth chocolate topping.
- Safe to Eat: Baking the flour and skipping raw eggs ensures you can indulge without concern.
Ingredients for Cookie Dough Bars
Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to make these bars:
Cookie Dough Layer
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Salted butter (softened) | 10 tablespoons |
| Brown sugar | ¾ cup |
| Vanilla extract | ½ tsp |
| All-purpose flour (baked*) | 2 cups |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 14 oz can |
| Miniature chocolate chips | 1 cup |
| Miniature M&M’s | 1 cup |
| Cooking spray | As needed |
(*Bake the flour at 350°F for 5 minutes to kill any bacteria before using it in the recipe.)
Topping
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 1 cup |
| Salted butter | 2 tbsp |
| Miniature M&M’s | ¾ cup |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cookie Dough Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the all-purpose flour on a baking sheet for 5 minutes. Let it cool completely. This step is crucial to eliminate any bacteria in raw flour.
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly spray it with cooking spray for easy removal later.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough Base
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until creamy and smooth.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the baked and cooled flour, alternating with the sweetened condensed milk. Mix until a thick dough forms.
- Fold in the miniature chocolate chips and M&M’s until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookie Dough Layer
Press the cookie dough mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to smooth the surface.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Topping
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and salted butter in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cookie dough layer and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Step 5: Add the M&M Topping
Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of miniature M&M’s over the melted chocolate while it’s still warm. Gently press them down so they stick to the topping.
Step 6: Chill the Bars
Refrigerate the dish for at least 2 hours or until the bars are firm enough to cut.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Remove the cookie dough bars from the baking dish and cut them into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Cookie Dough Bars
- Customize the Toppings: Swap M&M’s for sprinkles, nuts, or crushed cookies to match your preference.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and bake it as directed.
- Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened for easy mixing and a creamy texture.
- Storage: Store cookie dough bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or freeze them for up to two months.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional value per bar (makes 16 bars):
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~240 |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient brands and serving size.)
Why You Should Bake the Flour
Raw flour can contain harmful bacteria, which is why baking it for a few minutes ensures it’s safe to consume. This step might seem small, but it’s critical for making edible cookie dough that’s both delicious and worry-free.
Variations and Add-Ons
One of the best things about cookie dough bars is their versatility. Here are some fun ways to make them your own:
1. Swap the Chocolate Chips
Replace semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate, dark chocolate, or peanut butter chips for a new flavor.
2. Add a Crunchy Layer
Press crushed pretzels or graham crackers into the cookie dough before adding the chocolate topping.
3. Make It Festive
Use holiday-themed M&M’s or sprinkles to match the season.
4. Dairy-Free Version
Use dairy-free butter, sweetened condensed coconut milk, and vegan chocolate chips to make the bars dairy-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Yes! These bars can be made a day or two in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.
2. Do I Have to Use Sweetened Condensed Milk?
Yes, sweetened condensed milk is essential for the creamy texture of the cookie dough. You can use dairy-free condensed milk if needed.
3. What Can I Use Instead of M&M’s?
Feel free to swap M&M’s for Reese’s Pieces, chopped candy bars, or nuts.
4. How Do I Store Leftover Bars?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to two months.
5. Can I Use Unbaked Flour?
No, it’s important to bake the flour to make it safe for consumption. This eliminates any risk of harmful bacteria.
6. Are These Bars Gluten-Free?
They can be! Simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative.
Ready to Make These Cookie Dough Bars?
Now that you have all the steps, tips, and tricks, it’s time to whip up your own batch of cookie dough bars. With their gooey texture, chocolate topping, and colorful M&M crunch, these bars are sure to become a household favorite.
Gather your ingredients, follow the recipe, and share the love with family and friends. Let these bars bring a little extra sweetness to your day!
Print
Cookie Dough Bars: A No-Bake Dessert You’ll Love
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
Description
These cookie dough bars are a no-bake dessert packed with creamy cookie dough goodness, chocolate chips, M&M’s, and a smooth chocolate topping. Perfect for parties, snacks, or when you need a quick indulgent treat, these bars are fun to make and even better to eat!
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 10 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (baked at 350°F for 5 minutes to make it safe for consumption)
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup miniature chocolate chips
- 1 cup miniature M&M’s
- Cooking spray
Topping
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- ¾ cup miniature M&M’s
Instructions
- Prepare the Flour: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the all-purpose flour on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes to eliminate any bacteria. Let it cool completely.
- Line the Pan: Use cooking spray or parchment paper to line an 8×8-inch baking dish. This makes it easier to remove the bars later.
- Make the Cookie Dough: Beat the softened butter and brown sugar together in a large bowl until light and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually add the baked flour and sweetened condensed milk, alternating them until fully combined and a thick dough forms. Fold in the miniature chocolate chips and M&M’s.
- Press the Dough: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan, pressing it down firmly with a spatula or your hands.
- Prepare the Topping: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and salted butter together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the cookie dough layer and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Add the M&M Topping: Sprinkle the remaining M&M’s on top of the melted chocolate. Press them down gently so they stick.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cookie dough bars for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate topping is firm and the bars are set.
- Slice and Serve: Once chilled, remove the bars from the pan and slice into squares or rectangles. Enjoy!
Notes
- Baking the Flour: Raw flour can contain harmful bacteria, so don’t skip this step.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
- Customizations: Add nuts, sprinkles, or swap out M&M’s for other candies for a personal touch.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter, sweetened condensed coconut milk, and vegan chocolate chips to make these bars dairy-free.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
