If you have a sweet tooth and a love for classic cookie dough, you are in for an absolute treat with this No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe. These bars combine the nostalgic flavor of cookie dough with the irresistible smoothness of a chocolate topping, all without turning on your oven. The magic happens as soft, buttery cookie dough packed with mini chocolate chips gets a luscious chocolate melt poured on top, then chilled until perfectly set. The result? A rich, chewy, and luscious dessert bar that’s delightfully simple to make and guaranteed to impress friends and family alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows eight small bowls on a white marbled surface, each holding a different baking ingredient. Starting from the top left, there is a small white bowl with dark brown vanilla extract, a large clear glass bowl filled with light brown sugar, and a white scalloped bowl with dark chocolate chips. Below the large bowl, there is another clear glass bowl containing white flour. To its right, a white scalloped bowl holds a pale yellow thick liquid, likely a batter or mixture. Further down, there is a small white bowl filled with miniature dark chocolate chips, a white bowl with white cream or milk, and lastly a white bowl containing small cubes of pale yellow butter. The bowls are neatly spaced in a somewhat circular arrangement. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Nothing fancy here—just simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a marvelously textured and flavorful treat. Each component plays a vital role, from the buttery richness of the base to the silky chocolate topping that finishes it off.

All-purpose flour (2 cups, heat-treated): Make sure to heat-treat the flour for safety while keeping it perfect for raw dough consumption.
Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): This provides the creamy fattiness that makes the dough tender and rich.
Light brown sugar (¾ cup, packed): Adds subtle molasses notes and moisture for chewy texture.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Balances sweetness and adds a slight crunch.
Whole milk (¼ cup): Brings everything together for the perfect dough consistency.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): A classic flavor enhancer that makes the dough truly irresistible.
Salt (1 tsp): Just enough to keep the flavors bright and balanced.
Mini chocolate chips (1½ cups): These little gems soften just enough when chilled, infusing every bite with chocolatey goodness.
Chocolate chips for topping (1½ cups): Melt these into a glossy layer that adds a smooth contrast to the cookie dough.
Coconut oil or butter (3 tbsp): Helps melt and soften the chocolate for a perfect pourable texture.

How to Make No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, allowing enough overhang on the sides. This simple step makes removing your bars from the pan afterward a breeze and helps keep the edges perfectly intact.

Step 2: Create the Cookie Dough Base

Start by creaming together your softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until everything is light and fluffy. Adding the vanilla extract and whole milk next gives the dough that classic cookie dough flavor and the moisture to bring it all together.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in your heat-treated flour and salt—this ensures even incorporation without overworking the dough. Finally, fold in the mini chocolate chips gently but thoroughly so every bar gets an even distribution of those melty chocolate bits.

Step 4: Press Into Pan

Firmly press the cookie dough mixture into your prepared pan. Use the back of a measuring cup or offset spatula to smooth it into an even, level layer. This step is crucial for bars that hold together beautifully and slice cleanly later on.

Step 5: Create the Perfect Chocolate Topping

Melt your chocolate chips combined with coconut oil (or butter) in short 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring between each to create a silky smooth chocolate topping. This glossy finish adds richness and that dream-worthy chocolate snap on top.

Step 6: Add the Topping

Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the pressed cookie dough and spread it with an offset spatula. For an extra touch of charm and texture, sprinkle a few more mini chocolate chips right on top while the chocolate is still warm.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Transfer your pan to the refrigerator and let the bars chill for at least 2 hours. This step is the game-changer that allows the chocolate to harden and the cookie dough to firm up perfectly, making slicing neat, tidy squares a total breeze.

Step 8: Cut and Serve

Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the whole block out of the pan. Slice into 12 squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for the cleanest edges. And just like that, you’re ready to enjoy these dreamy No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars!

How to Serve No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe

The image shows a thick layer of light beige cookie dough with small chocolate pieces spread evenly all over the base. On top of the dough, slightly off-center, there is a shiny, smooth dark brown chocolate spread in a thick circular shape with some texture lines and swirls, giving it a glossy finish. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or drizzle with extra melted chocolate for a little wow factor. Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pop of color and elevate the look for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness. A chilled glass of milk or a cup of coffee creates a nostalgic and comforting pairing that everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider layering them in a clear glass trifle bowl with alternating layers of whipped cream for a stunning dessert display. Or wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine for adorable party favors. These bars can be the star of birthday parties, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness. The bars hold their texture and flavor beautifully, so no worries if you make a batch in advance.

Freezing

Freeze the bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving to preserve the perfect chewy and chocolatey texture.

Reheating

These bars are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer a slightly melty chocolate topping, leave them at room temperature for about 10 minutes before digging in. Avoid microwaving to keep their shape intact.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour without heat-treating it?

Heat-treating the flour is essential if you’re eating the dough raw to eliminate any harmful bacteria. If you don’t want to heat-treat, you can use commercially heat-treated flour sold in some stores or skip this recipe in favor of baked desserts.

What can I substitute for the coconut oil in the chocolate topping?

Butter works great as a substitute and will give a slightly richer flavor. You could also try vegetable oil, but keep the amount the same to maintain the right melting consistency.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even Reese’s pieces make excellent additions. Just fold them in alongside the mini chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.

Why is the dough pressed firmly into the pan?

Pressing firmly ensures the bars hold together when sliced. If the dough is too loose or uneven, the bars might crumble or fall apart when you cut them.

How long do the bars need to chill for best results?

At least 2 hours is ideal, but overnight chilling is even better to let the flavors meld and the chocolate topping fully harden for perfect slicing.

Final Thoughts

This No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars Recipe is a wonderful way to indulge in that classic cookie dough craving without heating up your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a party, a cozy night in, or just because you deserve a treat, these bars deliver comforting flavors, lovely textures, and a bit of chocolate magic in every bite. Grab your ingredients, set aside a couple of hours, and prepare to fall in love with a bar that’s as easy to make as it is impossible to resist.