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No Bake Cookie Dough Bars: Easy & Delicious Dessert

Indulge in the sweet, creamy goodness of No Bake Cookie Dough Bars. You won’t believe how simple it is to make this dessert without even turning on your oven! Loaded with flavor and made from kitchen staples, these bars bring the flavor of classic cookie dough into a delightful treat. After testing this recipe multiple times to perfect the texture and balance, I can promise you’ll be reaching for seconds!

These bars are not only easy to whip up but also require minimal equipment and no baking. In just over an hour, you can have a delicious, satisfying treat that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Let’s dive into how you can create these glorious bars.

Why This Recipe Works

No eggs: By not including eggs, we make the cookie dough safe to eat while maintaining its classic flavor.
Chilled for perfection: Allowing the bars to chill helps the flavors meld, resulting in a rich taste.
Texture balance: The combination of brown sugar and butter gives a soft, chewy texture reminiscent of cookie dough.
Versatility: You can easily add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.
Quick and easy: These bars come together in just 30 minutes of active prep time.

Ingredients Breakdown

250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour: The base of our bars. Make sure to heat-treat the flour (see expert tips) to eliminate any raw taste.
200 g (1 cup) brown sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture, giving the bars their chewy texture.
115 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing without melting the dough.
240 ml (1 cup) sweetened condensed milk: Provides creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
150 g (1 cup) chocolate chips: For that classic cookie dough flavor, folding these in will provide sweet pockets in every bite.

Essential Equipment

Mixing bowl: A medium-sized bowl will do for combining ingredients.
Rubber spatula: Ideal for folding in chocolate chips and mixing the dough.
9-inch square baking pan: This size gives the perfect thickness. If you don’t have one, you can use a similar-sized pie dish.
Parchment paper: Lining the baking pan makes for easy removal and cleanup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 16 bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Base

In a mixing bowl, combine 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour and 200 g (1 cup) brown sugar. Mix well using a rubber spatula until there are no lumps. This should take about 1-2 minutes.

Step 2: Add Butter

To the dry mixture, add 115 g (1/2 cup) softened unsalted butter. Use your spatula to mix until crumbly, resembling wet sand. This should take around 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Incorporate Condensed Milk

Pour in 240 ml (1 cup) sweetened condensed milk and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix everything until it comes together to form a dough, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold 150 g (1 cup) chocolate chips into the dough. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep that chewy texture intact! This takes just a minute.

Step 5: Transfer to Pan

Line your 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Spread the dough evenly into the pan and press down firmly with clean hands or a spatula to ensure it’s compact.

Step 6: Chill

Refrigerate the pan for at least 45 minutes. This sets the bars and makes them easier to cut.

Step 7: Cut and Serve

Once chilled, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and enjoy your delicious no bake cookie dough bars!

Expert Tips & Pro Techniques

Heat-affected flour: For food safety, microwave the all-purpose flour for 1 minute before using. This will eliminate any harmful bacteria.
Common mistake: Don’t skip chilling the dough! It is essential for setting the bars’ structure.
Make-ahead option: These bars can be prepared 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge for optimal flavor.
Professional technique: Try pressing the dough into the pan using a clean, flat-bottomed object (like a measuring cup) for an even surface.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store these bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: They freeze well! Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: You don’t need to reheat these bars, as they’re best enjoyed chilled. If stored in the fridge, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

Variations & Substitutions

Nut-Free Version: Omit chocolate chips and substitute with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free treat.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Mint Chocolate Flavor: Add 1/2 tsp peppermint extract along with the vanilla for a refreshing twist.
Peanut Butter Addition: Fold in 100 g (1/2 cup) of peanut butter with the condensed milk for a nutty richness.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Pair with your favorite coffee or milk for a delightful treat.
Serve alongside fresh fruit to contrast the rich sweetness.
Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Nutrition Information

Per serving (1 bar, makes 16 bars):

Calories: 180
Total Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Cholesterol: 20 mg
Sodium: 50 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 27 g
Dietary Fiber: 1 g
Sugars: 14 g
Protein: 2 g

Nutrition values are estimates. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my no bake cookie dough bars turn out dry?
If your bars are dry, it may be due to too much flour or not enough moisture from the condensed milk.

Can I make this without eggs?
Yes! This recipe does not include eggs, making it safe for eating raw and perfect for those avoiding them.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and use a larger pan, such as a 13×9-inch baking dish.

Can I prepare this the night before?
Yes! These bars hold well overnight in the fridge, making them a perfect make-ahead treat.

How long do these keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.