Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars

If you love the taste of raw cookie dough but want a safe and delicious way to indulge, these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars are the perfect treat! Combining the irresistible flavors of classic chocolate chip cookies with a gooey, indulgent center, these bars are the ultimate dessert for cookie lovers. With a soft, buttery dough and a sweet, creamy condensed milk layer, they offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them on a cozy night in, these cookie dough bars will have everyone asking for seconds!

The best part? These bars are incredibly easy to make and require only simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. The layers of cookie dough and sweetened condensed milk come together to create a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. The combination of mini and milk chocolate chips makes each bite even more decadent, ensuring these bars are as delicious as they are comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No Raw Eggs: These bars are made with safe-to-eat dough, so you don’t have to worry about raw eggs!
• Irresistible Texture: The layers of soft, chewy cookie dough with a gooey condensed milk center create a dessert that’s truly addictive.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have these delicious bars ready in under an hour.
• Perfect for Parties: These bars are easy to cut into squares, making them ideal for sharing at gatherings or parties.
• Customizable: Add more chocolate chips, nuts, or even drizzle with caramel for a personalized twist.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Light brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Mini chocolate chips
• Milk chocolate chips
• Sweetened condensed milk

Variations

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Use Dark Chocolate Chips: If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, swap the milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate.
• Caramel Swirl: Drizzle some caramel sauce on top before baking for a rich caramel flavor.
• Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top of the bars for a sweet and salty twist.

How to Make the Recipe

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients: Mix in the flour and salt until well combined.
4. Incorporate the Chocolate Chips: Stir in both mini and milk chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Press the Dough into the Pan: Press half of the cookie dough mixture into the prepared baking dish, forming an even layer at the bottom.
6. Add the Condensed Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cookie dough layer.
7. Top with More Cookie Dough: Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the condensed milk, covering it as evenly as possible.
8. Bake the Bars: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
9. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for the smoothest dough.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the flour, mix until just combined to avoid tough cookie dough.
• Let Cool Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure they hold their shape.
• Even Layering: Press the dough firmly into the pan and crumble the top layer evenly for the best texture.
• Check for Doneness: Bake until the edges are golden, but be careful not to overbake to maintain that soft, chewy texture.

How to Serve

• Serve as Bars: These bars are perfect on their own as a sweet snack or dessert.
• Pair with Ice Cream: Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• Bring to Parties: Cut them into small squares and serve at birthdays, potlucks, or holiday parties for a crowd-pleasing dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container.
• Reheating: To enjoy warm, microwave individual bars for 15-20 seconds or bake them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the recipe, but you can use salted butter if that’s all you have—just reduce the added salt.
2. Can I use different chocolate chips? Yes! Feel free to use dark chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or any other variety you like.
3. Do I need to refrigerate these bars? No, these bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store them longer, freeze them.
4. Can I make these bars without the sweetened condensed milk? The sweetened condensed milk is key to creating the gooey, rich layer, so it’s recommended for the best results.
5. How can I tell when the bars are done? The edges will be golden brown, and the center will be set but still soft when you press it gently.
6. Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes! These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve them.
7. Can I make these bars gluten-free? You can try using a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for regular flour.
8. How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan? Use parchment paper to line your baking dish for easy removal after baking.
9. Can I add other ingredients to the dough? Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a swirl of caramel for a different flavor.
10. Why are my bars too dry? If the bars are too dry, they may have been overbaked. Be sure to watch them closely and remove them when the top is golden brown but the center is still soft.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars are the perfect combination of chewy cookie dough and gooey, sweetened condensed milk. They’re easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a simple treat or pairing them with ice cream for a decadent dessert, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the perfect bite of cookie dough without the worry of raw eggs, and indulge in a dessert that will have everyone coming back for more!

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