Picture this: it’s a sweltering summer day, and the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven. That’s where Easy No Bake Cookie Dough Bars come to the rescue! These indulgent, chocolatey bars are everything you love about cookie dough, but in a safe-to-eat, no-bake form. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat for a backyard BBQ or a quick dessert to satisfy your cravings, this recipe has you covered.
Why are these bars so irresistible? They’re made with pantry staples, come together in about 15 minutes, and require zero baking. Plus, they’re completely customizable for dietary needs or flavor preferences. If you’re a cookie dough fan like me, you’re in for a real treat!
The Story Behind No Bake Cookie Dough Bars
I’ll be honest—cookie dough has always been my guilty pleasure. Growing up, sneaking a spoonful of raw cookie dough while baking was a thrill, even though I knew I probably shouldn’t. Fast forward to today, and thanks to this easy recipe, I can enjoy that nostalgic flavor without the risk (and without heating up my kitchen).
No bake desserts like these bars are perfect for summer. Who wants to crank up the oven when it’s already hot outside? These treats are inspired by classic cookie dough but made safe with heat-treated flour and no eggs. And let’s not forget the decadent chocolate layer on top—pure bliss!
These bars have also become a go-to treat for gatherings. They’re easy to transport, loved by kids and adults alike, and can be tweaked for special occasions. Every time I bring them to a potluck, they’re the first to disappear. They’ve truly become a summertime staple in my home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about these No Bake Cookie Dough Bars is how simple the ingredients are. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Flour: Use all-purpose flour, but make sure to heat-treat it first (details below). For gluten-free, substitute with almond or oat flour.
- Butter: Unsalted is best to control the sweetness. Vegan butter also works well!
- Brown Sugar: Gives the dough that signature caramel-like flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: A must for that classic cookie dough taste.
- Milk: Any milk will do—dairy or plant-based.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Mini chips distribute better, but regular ones work too. Use dairy-free if needed.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors.
- Chocolate Chips (for topping): Melted and spread on top, creating a luscious chocolate layer.
Pro tip: For a nutty twist, you can add chopped walnuts or pecans. And if you’re feeling adventurous, mix in some white chocolate chips or sprinkles for a fun variation!
Equipment You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy tools for this recipe, which is part of its charm. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowls: One for the dough and one for melting chocolate.
- Hand Mixer or Spoon: A hand mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar a breeze, but a sturdy spoon works too.
- 8×8-Inch Baking Pan: Line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Microwave or Double Boiler: For melting the chocolate.
- Offset Spatula: Optional, but it helps spread the chocolate evenly.
If you don’t have an 8×8-inch pan, a 9×9 pan works too—just note that the bars will be thinner. And don’t forget to chill your bars overnight in the fridge if your kitchen is particularly warm.
How to Make Easy No Bake Cookie Dough Bars
- Heat-Treat the Flour: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the flour evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes. Let it cool completely.
- Make the Dough: In a bowl, cream together 1/2 cup (115g) of softened butter, 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, and 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in 1 tablespoon (15ml) of vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons (30ml) of milk.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add 1 1/4 cups (155g) of heat-treated flour and a pinch of salt to the wet ingredients. Stir until a dough forms. Fold in 1/2 cup (90g) of mini chocolate chips.
- Press into Pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. Press the cookie dough mixture evenly into the pan.
- Add the Chocolate Topping: Melt 1 cup (175g) of chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Spread the melted chocolate over the cookie dough layer.
- Chill: Refrigerate the bars for 2–3 hours or until firm.
- Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut the chilled bars into squares. Enjoy!
Note: If the dough feels too sticky, chill it for 10 minutes before pressing it into the pan. And if the chocolate cracks when slicing, let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting.
Tips for Perfect No Bake Cookie Dough Bars
- Avoid Gritty Sugar: Cream the butter and sugar thoroughly to dissolve the granules.
- Chill Time Matters: Let the bars chill fully before slicing for clean, sharp edges.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: Since the topping is a big part of the flavor, good chocolate makes a difference.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the dough before pressing it into the pan and tweak the sugar if needed.
Making cookie dough bars is all about balance—soft, chewy dough with a crisp, chocolatey finish. It’s a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed!
Variations and Adaptations
The beauty of these bars is how adaptable they are. Here are some ideas:
- Peanut Butter Lover’s Edition: Swap half the butter with peanut butter and sprinkle crushed peanuts on top.
- Gluten-Free: Use almond or oat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Vegan-Friendly: Use vegan butter, plant-based milk, and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Holiday Twist: Add crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles around the holidays.
Feel free to experiment and make these bars your own. I once added a swirl of caramel to the chocolate layer, and it was a huge hit!
Serving and Storage
These bars are best served chilled to keep their structure firm. Arrange them on a platter with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch. They pair wonderfully with a glass of milk, iced coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
For storage, keep the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Let frozen bars thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Nutritional Information and Benefits
Here’s a rough estimate of what you’re getting per bar (based on 16 servings):
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
While these bars are indulgent, they’re made with simple, recognizable ingredients. You can feel good about skipping the store-bought desserts loaded with preservatives and processed sugars. Plus, you can control the portion sizes and ingredients, making them as wholesome as you like!
Conclusion
These Easy No Bake Cookie Dough Bars are the ultimate summer dessert for cookie dough lovers everywhere. They’re simple, versatile, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a barbecue, a birthday, or just because, these bars are sure to impress.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, skip the oven, and make this heat-friendly treat today. I guarantee it’ll become a favorite in your household, just like it has in mine!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment below with your thoughts or any fun variations you came up with. And don’t forget to pin this recipe for later—happy no-baking!
FAQs
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond or oat flour. Both work wonderfully in this recipe.
How do I heat-treat flour?
Spread the flour on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Let it cool before using.
Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! Wrap each bar individually, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
What can I use instead of butter?
Vegan butter or coconut oil are great substitutes. Just make sure they’re softened for easy mixing.
Why did my chocolate topping crack?
This usually happens if the bars are too cold. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing.
Print
Easy No Bake Cookie Dough Bars
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
These indulgent, chocolatey bars are everything you love about cookie dough, but in a safe-to-eat, no-bake form. Perfect for summer days when you want a quick and easy dessert without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups (155g) heat-treated all-purpose flour (or almond/oat flour for gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened (or vegan butter)
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/2 cup (90g) mini chocolate chips (use dairy-free if needed)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup (175g) chocolate chips (for topping, melted)
Instructions
- Heat-Treat the Flour: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the flour evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes. Let it cool completely.
- Make the Dough: In a bowl, cream together 1/2 cup (115g) of softened butter, 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, and 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in 1 tablespoon (15ml) of vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons (30ml) of milk.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add 1 1/4 cups (155g) of heat-treated flour and a pinch of salt to the wet ingredients. Stir until a dough forms. Fold in 1/2 cup (90g) of mini chocolate chips.
- Press into Pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. Press the cookie dough mixture evenly into the pan.
- Add the Chocolate Topping: Melt 1 cup (175g) of chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Spread the melted chocolate over the cookie dough layer.
- Chill: Refrigerate the bars for 2–3 hours or until firm.
- Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut the chilled bars into squares. Enjoy!
Notes
If the dough feels too sticky, chill it for 10 minutes before pressing it into the pan. Let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing to prevent the chocolate topping from cracking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: no bake, cookie dough bars, summer dessert, easy dessert, chocolate dessert