Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the pure joy of cookie dough bars! These little pieces of heaven are like a hug in dessert form. Seriously, who doesn’t love the rich, buttery flavor of cookie dough? I remember the first time I whipped up a batch of these bars—my kitchen was filled with the warm, sweet aroma of melting chocolate and brown sugar, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make! Just a handful of ingredients and a little time, and you’re on your way to snacking bliss. I often make these when I need a quick treat, or when friends pop over unexpectedly. Trust me, they disappear faster than you can say “cookie dough bars!” Whether you’re craving a late-night indulgence or a sweet surprise for guests, these bars are the perfect solution. So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s get started on a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Looking for another easy no-bake treat? Try these White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters — festive, crunchy, and sweet!
Ingredients List
To whip up these delightful cookie dough bars, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that are probably already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s nice and creamy for that rich texture!)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (it adds that lovely depth of flavor)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for that perfect sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (trust me, this is key for enhancing the flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (just a pinch to balance the sweetness)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (go for semi-sweet or even dark chocolate, your call!)
These ingredients come together to create a chewy, decadent treat that’s oh-so-satisfying! Gather them up and let’s bake some cookie dough magic!
Craving a fruity cookie twist? Try these Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies — soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor!
How to Prepare Cookie Dough Bars
Alright, let’s dive into the magic of making these cookie dough bars! You’ll see just how simple it is, and before you know it, you’ll have a pan of deliciousness cooling on your counter. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your bars to bake evenly and come out just right!
- Mix the sugars and butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer or a good old-fashioned whisk, mix them together until you achieve a creamy, dreamy consistency. Trust me, this is where the magic starts!
- Add the flavor: Next up, pour in that glorious vanilla extract and sprinkle in the salt. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This is going to add depth and richness to your bars!
- Incorporate the flour: Now, gradually add the all-purpose flour to your mixture. I like to do this in batches to avoid a flour explosion—no one wants that mess! Mix just until combined; you don’t want to overmix here.
- Fold in the chocolate chips: Time for the star of the show! Gently fold in your chocolate chips with a spatula or wooden spoon. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture. I often sneak a few extra chocolate chips in there because, why not?
- Spread and bake: Grease a baking dish (about 8×8 inches works great) and spread the cookie dough mixture evenly into the dish. You might need to use your hands to help press it down a bit. Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Ooh, that smell!
- Cool and cut: Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, you can transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’re cooled, it’s time to cut them into bars and indulge!
And there you have it! Simple, straightforward steps for creating cookie dough bars that are sure to impress. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, these cookie dough bars come together in a flash!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of buttery, sugary goodness and rich chocolate chips makes each bite a delightful treat.
- Perfect for Snacking: Whether you need a midday pick-me-up or a sweet treat after dinner, these bars are the ultimate snack.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite add-ins, like nuts or dried fruit, to make them your own!
- Kid-Friendly: These bars are a hit with kids and adults alike—perfect for family gatherings or playdates.
Trust me, once you try these cookie dough bars, you’ll find them becoming a go-to recipe in your home!
Tips for Success
Making the perfect cookie dough bars is all about a few key tips that can take your bars from good to absolutely amazing! First off, make sure your butter is softened but not melted—this helps achieve that creamy texture. If you want a chewier bar, try using a mix of brown and white sugars—trust me, it makes a difference!
Also, keep an eye on your baking time. I usually start checking for doneness around the 15-minute mark. You want them to be slightly underbaked in the center for that gooey goodness that will firm up as they cool. And don’t forget, if you’re a chocolate lover like me, feel free to add extra chocolate chips or even some chopped nuts for a little crunch. Enjoy the process, and happy baking!
Want a nutty bite-sized delight? Try these Pistachio Wedding Cookies — delicate, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers! Each cookie dough bar is an estimated delight containing around 150 calories. You’ll find about 8 grams of fat in there, with 5 grams being saturated fat. As for sugars, they carry about 10 grams, perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth! Each bar also packs in roughly 2 grams of protein and 1 gram of fiber, making them a fun snack to enjoy. Just keep in mind that these figures can vary a bit based on the exact ingredients you use and any adjustments you make. But hey, it’s all about balance, right? Enjoy these cookie dough bars as a treat and savor every bite without guilt!
Need a chocolatey indulgence? Try these Coffee Caramel Swirl Brownies — fudgy, rich, and swirled with caramel goodness!
Print
Delightful Cookie Dough Bars: 7 Comforting Treats to Savor
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cookie dough bars that are easy to make and perfect for snacking.
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 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy.
- Add the vanilla extract and salt, and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- These bars can be frozen for later use.
- Adjust chocolate chips according to preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 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: 20mg
Keywords: cookie dough bars, dessert, snack, chocolate chip
FAQ Section
Got questions about these delightful cookie dough bars? No worries, I’m here to help! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Common Questions About Cookie Dough Bars
Can I use gluten-free flour? Absolutely! If you want to make these bars gluten-free, just substitute regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. It works like a charm!
How should I store leftover bars? To keep your cookie dough bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to save some for later, they freeze wonderfully too!
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins? Yes! Feel free to get creative. Chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even a swirl of peanut butter can elevate these bars to the next level!
What if I don’t have chocolate chips? No problem! You can chop up a chocolate bar or use any other candy you have on hand. White chocolate or butterscotch chips would be fantastic too.
Can I make these bars ahead of time? Definitely! You can prepare the dough and keep it in the fridge for a day or two before baking. Or bake them ahead and store. They’re perfect for making in advance for parties or gatherings!
These cookie dough bars are so adaptable, and I hope these answers help you enjoy them even more!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your cookie dough bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay tasty for about a week—if they last that long! If you want to save some for later, these bars freeze beautifully. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll be good for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a bit. No need to reheat; they’re just as delicious cold, but if you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy the gooey goodness all over again!
Love unique cookies? Try these Neapolitan Swirl Cookies — colorful, fun, and full of flavor!
For daily recipes you can follow me on Facebook and Pinterest.
