If you’re craving the ultimate sweet treat but have zero interest in turning on your oven, these No Bake Cookie Dough Bars are about to be your new best friend. We’re talking thick, fudgy bars packed with mini chocolate chips, layered with a glossy shell of melted chocolate, and bursting with all the joy of classic cookie dough — minus the eggs or baking! Perfectly safe, wildly decadent, and guaranteed to disappear at parties, these bars are simply the happiest hack for every dessert lover.

No Bake Cookie Dough Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of pantry staples come together to make magic in this recipe. Each ingredient plays its own important role, giving these bars classic cookie dough flavor, irresistible texture, and a beautiful finish.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): The creamy richness here sets the luxurious base for your dough.
Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Adds classic cookie sweetness and a subtle hint of molasses for authentic flavor.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Don’t skip this! It provides warmth and depth — that classic cookie aroma.
All-purpose flour (2 cups, heat-treated): Heat-treating the flour keeps things safe and ensures perfect texture.
Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 oz): This is the secret behind that ultra-smooth, luscious dough.
Mini chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): Perfect for even chocolate distribution with every single bite.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): Used for the topping, they melt into a gorgeous, fudge-like shell.
Coconut oil or vegetable shortening (2 tablespoons): Just enough to keep the melted chocolate layer snappy and smooth.

How to Make No Bake Cookie Dough Bars

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter with the brown sugar until the mixture is super light and fluffy. This takes just a couple of minutes but builds the perfect, creamy cookie dough base that melts right in your mouth.

Step 2: Add Vanilla

Mix in the vanilla extract until it’s fully incorporated and fragrant. The vanilla takes your dough from basic to classic, giving everything that signature cookie dough essence.

Step 3: Incorporate Flour and Condensed Milk

Gradually add in the heat-treated flour and sweetened condensed milk, alternating between the two. Mix on low speed and keep going until everything blends into a lovely, smooth dough. It should be soft but not sticky — just perfect for slicing later!

Step 4: Stir in Mini Chocolate Chips

Fold in the mini chocolate chips with a spatula to make sure they’re distributed throughout the dough. Every square will get plenty of chocolatey goodness.

Step 5: Press Dough Into Pan

Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy lifting later. Press the cookie dough mixture evenly and firmly into the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula or clean hands. This step is oddly satisfying!

Step 6: Melt Chocolate for Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil (or shortening). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until the mixture is completely melted and silky smooth. Don’t overheat — just gently melt until pourable.

Step 7: Top and Chill

Pour the melted chocolate mixture over your pressed cookie dough, then spread it all the way to the edges for a perfect finish. Pop the bars in your fridge and let them chill for at least 2 hours so they firm up and slice beautifully.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Once fully set, lift the entire slab out of the pan using the parchment, and slice into 16 glorious bars. Serve chilled, and prepare for big smiles all around!

How to Serve No Bake Cookie Dough Bars

Garnishes

For an extra-special presentation, sprinkle a handful of extra mini chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles over the freshly spread chocolate layer before chilling. A pinch of flaky sea salt on top is also a game changer, balancing the sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

No Bake Cookie Dough Bars are wonderful on their own, but they shine alongside creamy vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or even a cold glass of milk. For parties, serve with a selection of no bake treats for a fun, variety-packed dessert tray.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your bars into fun shapes using cookie cutters, or layer squares in mini mason jars with extra chocolate drizzle for a grab-and-go treat. For holidays, wrap each piece individually and tie with ribbon as a delightful homemade gift!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover No Bake Cookie Dough Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay perfectly chewy and fresh for up to one week (though honestly, good luck making them last that long in a cookie-loving household).

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, these bars freeze beautifully. Place the cut squares in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for up to three months with no loss in quality.

Reheating

You won’t need to reheat these, but if you love a lightly softened bar, let one sit out at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before enjoying. They’ll taste just as decadent as day one!

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips in the dough?

You can! While mini chocolate chips give the most even distribution, regular-sized chips will work just fine and provide a little extra chocolatey punch in each bite.

Why do I need to heat-treat the flour?

Raw flour can contain bacteria, so a quick trip through the oven or microwave makes it safe to eat in these No Bake Cookie Dough Bars. It’s a simple step that keeps things worry-free!

Can I use plant-based condensed milk to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite dairy-free sweetened condensed milk and a plant-based butter to make delicious vegan No Bake Cookie Dough Bars without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this recipe?

Definitely. Chopped toasted nuts, white chocolate chips, or even rainbow sprinkles fold in wonderfully right alongside the mini chips, letting you fully customize your bars.

How do I cut the bars cleanly without cracking the chocolate topping?

For neat slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and dried between each cut. This will glide through the chocolate layer and dough, giving you picture-perfect bars every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a batch of No Bake Cookie Dough Bars, whether it’s at a family celebration or a solo Friday night treat. They’re quick, wildly satisfying, and totally crave-worthy — the kind of recipe you’ll make over and over again. Give them a try, and see why these bars are destined to become your go-to sweet fix!

No Bake Cookie Dough Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these irresistible No Bake Cookie Dough Bars, a delightful treat that combines the flavors of classic chocolate chip cookie dough with a luscious chocolate topping. These bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without turning on the oven.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups heat-treated all-purpose flour
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups mini chocolate chips

Chocolate Topping:

1 1/2 cups mini chocolate chips
2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable shortening

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Instructions

Prepare Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract. Gradually add heat-treated flour and condensed milk, alternating between the two, mixing until smooth. Stir in mini chocolate chips.
Assemble Bars: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Press the cookie dough mixture evenly into the pan.
Make Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth.
Chill and Serve: Pour melted chocolate over the cookie dough layer. Spread evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm. Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

To heat-treat flour, bake at 350°F for 5 minutes or microwave for 1 minute, stirring halfway.
You can use white chocolate or peanut butter chips as a topping.
Store bars in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American