Oh my goodness, if you’re a fan of cookie dough, then you are in for a real treat with these chocolate chip cookie dough bars! Trust me, they’re the ultimate indulgence—rich, chewy, and packed with gooey chocolate chips that melt in your mouth. I’ve been making these bars for years, and every time I whip up a batch, I can’t help but get excited when I smell that buttery, sweet aroma filling my kitchen. It’s like a warm hug from your favorite childhood snack!
What I love most about these chocolate chip cookie dough bars is how easy they are to make. Seriously, you don’t need any fancy equipment or techniques—just some simple ingredients and a bit of love. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a get-together, need a quick dessert for a family dinner, or just want to satisfy that late-night sweet tooth, these bars have got you covered.
So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this delightful world of chocolate chip cookie dough bars together. You won’t regret it, I promise!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (feel free to use semi-sweet or milk chocolate, whichever you prefer!)
How to Prepare Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars
Alright, let’s get down to business and whip up these scrumptious chocolate chip cookie dough bars! I promise, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create this sweet sensation. Just follow along, and I’ll walk you through each step!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your bars to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. I like to use a hand mixer for this, but you can also do it by hand with a sturdy spoon—just make sure it’s nice and fluffy!
- Next, add in that glorious vanilla extract and mix it all together until it’s well combined. Oh, the smell of vanilla is just heavenly!
- Now, gradually stir in the all-purpose flour and salt. I recommend adding the flour a little at a time to avoid a flour explosion—trust me, it can get messy! Mix just until everything is combined; don’t overdo it!
- Time to fold in those chocolate chips! Use a spatula to gently mix them in, ensuring every bite gets a chocolatey surprise.
- Grab a greased baking dish (I usually use an 8×8-inch pan) and spread your cookie dough mixture evenly into the bottom. Make sure to press it down gently so it holds together nicely while baking.
- Now, pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown and the center looks set. If you stick a toothpick in, it should come out with a few moist crumbs—perfect!
- Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This will help them firm up a bit before cutting. But try not to let them cool too long, or you’ll be tempted to eat them all right there!
- After they’ve cooled a bit, transfer them to a wire rack (or just leave them in the pan if you’re like me and love a good one-pan treat) and allow them to cool completely before cutting them into bars. This waiting game is tough, but it’s so worth it!
And there you have it! Your delicious chocolate chip cookie dough bars are ready to be devoured. I can’t wait for you to try them. Enjoy every sweet, chewy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy dessert that comes together in just 35 minutes!
- Perfectly chewy with a rich cookie dough flavor that satisfies any sweet tooth.
- Made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Great for sharing at parties, potlucks, or just because you deserve a treat!
- You can customize it by adding nuts or different types of chocolate.
- No fancy equipment is needed—just a bowl and a spatula!
- These bars stay soft and delicious for days when stored properly.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to dive into making these chocolate chip cookie dough bars, here are some of my best tips to ensure you get the most delicious results!
- Use quality ingredients: The flavor of your bars really shines through, so opt for good-quality butter and chocolate chips. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- Don’t skip the cooling time: Allowing the bars to cool properly in the pan helps them set and makes cutting them into neat squares much easier. I know it’s tempting to dive in right away, but patience is key!
- Measure flour correctly: Make sure to spoon and level your flour instead of scooping it straight from the bag. This prevents your bars from being too dry or dense. A little extra care goes a long way!
- Watch the baking time: Every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on your bars towards the end of the baking time. You want them to be golden brown around the edges and slightly soft in the center for that perfect chewy texture.
- Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to mix it up! Throw in some chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or even a swirl of peanut butter for a fun twist. The possibilities are endless!
- Store properly: To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for several days—if they last that long!
With these tips in your back pocket, I’m sure your chocolate chip cookie dough bars will turn out absolutely amazing. Enjoy the baking adventure!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to indulging in these chocolate chip cookie dough bars, it’s good to know what you’re getting! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (1 bar). Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a general idea:
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g
This nutritional info makes it a delightful treat to enjoy without too much guilt! Just remember, moderation is key, especially when these bars are calling your name. Happy indulging!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these chocolate chip cookie dough bars? No worries! Here are some common queries I get, along with my answers. Let’s clear up any confusion so you can bake with confidence!
Can I eat the cookie dough raw?
While the dough is super tempting to eat raw, it’s important to note that it contains raw flour, which can carry bacteria. I recommend baking the bars for the best and safest experience, but if you’re really craving that dough, you can always use heat-treated flour to make it safer to eat!
How do I store leftover bars?
To keep your chocolate chip cookie dough bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay delicious for up to a week! If you want to keep them longer, you can also freeze them for up to two months—just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
Can I substitute any ingredients?
Absolutely! You can swap out the butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free option, and if you want to reduce the sugar, you can use a sugar substitute. Just keep in mind that the texture might change slightly, but it’s a fun way to experiment!
What if I don’t have chocolate chips?
No chocolate chips? No problem! You can use chopped chocolate bars, white chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips for a tasty twist. Get creative with your add-ins—this recipe is super versatile!
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your other ingredients are gluten-free. They might have a slightly different texture, but they’ll still be delicious!
Hopefully, that clears up any questions you might have. I can’t wait for you to try making these chocolate chip cookie dough bars—happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve whipped up a batch of these scrumptious chocolate chip cookie dough bars, and now you’re wondering how to keep them fresh and tasty? No worries, I’ve got you covered with all the tips to store and reheat them perfectly!
First things first, if you have any leftovers (which might be a challenge because they’re so addictive!), let them cool completely in the pan. Once they’re cool, transfer the bars into an airtight container. This will help keep them soft and prevent them from drying out. You can store them at room temperature for up to a week—if they last that long, that is!
If you want to keep your bars for a longer period, you can freeze them! Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll stay delicious in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take out the desired number of bars and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can also let them sit at room temperature for a bit to speed up the process.
Now, if you prefer your bars warm (and who wouldn’t?), you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up just enough. This will make the chocolate chips all melty and delicious again. Just be careful not to overheat them, or they might get a bit too gooey!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor your chocolate chip cookie dough bars for days to come. Enjoy every last crumb!
Call to Action
I really hope you enjoyed making—and devouring—these chocolate chip cookie dough bars as much as I do! If you tried the recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Did you make any delicious tweaks? How did they turn out? Leave a comment below and let’s chat about your baking adventures!
Also, if you loved these bars, please consider rating the recipe. Your feedback helps me create even more tasty treats to share with all of you! And don’t forget to share your creations on social media. Tag me in your posts—I can’t wait to see your beautiful, gooey bars! Let’s spread the cookie dough love together!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars: 7 Indulgent Reasons to Enjoy
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious chocolate chip cookie dough bars that are easy to make and perfect for a sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually stir in the flour and salt until fully combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- You can add nuts for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: chocolate chip cookie dough bars, dessert, easy recipe
