Go Back
Easy No Bake Cookie Dough Bars

Easy No Bake Cookie Dough Bars

Easy No Bake Cookie Dough Bars are your ultimate shortcut to a delightful, no-fuss dessert that tastes just like your favorite cookie dough, minus the oven and the waiting! This incredibly useful recipe is perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings in minutes, offering a delicious treat that's incredibly simple to whip up.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 2 sticks or 225g
  • 1 cup granulated sugar 200g
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar 100g
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, heat-treated 250g
  • ⅓ cup milk any kind you prefer, 80ml
  • 1 ½ cups mini chocolate chips, plus more for topping 250g

Equipment

  • 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking dish
  • Parchment paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer
  • Spatula
  • Wooden spoon
  • Baking sheet (for heat-treating flour)
  • Microwave-safe bowl (alternative for heat-treating flour)

Method
 

  1. Line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it super easy to lift the bars out once they're set.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar. Beat them together with an electric mixer (a hand mixer or stand mixer works perfectly) until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
    1 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  3. Stir in the pure vanilla extract and mix until just incorporated.
    2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  4. Add the heat-treated all-purpose flour to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until the flour is mostly incorporated. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
    2 cups all-purpose flour, heat-treated
  5. Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to mix on low speed. Continue mixing until the dough comes together and has a thick, cookie dough consistency. You want it to be firm enough to hold its shape but still wonderfully creamy.
    ⅓ cup milk
  6. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Reserve a small handful of chocolate chips to sprinkle on top if you like.
    1 ½ cups mini chocolate chips, plus more for topping
  7. Transfer the cookie dough mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or your hands (you can lightly dampen them with water or oil if it’s sticky) to firmly and evenly press the dough into the pan. Make sure the top is as smooth and level as possible.
  8. If you reserved some chocolate chips, sprinkle them evenly over the top of the pressed cookie dough.
    1 ½ cups mini chocolate chips, plus more for topping
  9. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm and set. For even firmer bars, you can chill them for longer.
  10. Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block of cookie dough out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into desired bar shapes and sizes. Enjoy your delicious Easy No Bake Cookie Dough Bars!

Notes

To ensure food safety since raw flour is used, you must heat-treat it. Spread the flour evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through, until it reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, microwave flour in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 1 minute, stir, and microwave for another 30 seconds, repeating until it reaches 165°F (74°C). Let it cool completely before using.