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To make the best cookie dough bars, you need some key ingredients. Each plays a part in creating that rich, creamy flavor. Here’s what you will need: - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 3/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk - 1 cup mini chocolate chips - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) - 1 cup dark chocolate chips (for topping) The butter gives the bars a rich base. The sugars add sweetness and moisture. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor. Flour helps to bind it all together. Sea salt balances the sweetness. Sweetened condensed milk makes the dough creamy. Chocolate chips add bursts of chocolate goodness. If you like, you can add nuts for crunch. Finally, dark chocolate on top makes it all come together beautifully. When you gather these ingredients, you set the stage for a delicious treat. This recipe is simple and lets you enjoy the joy of cookie dough in a new way. For the full recipe, check the section below. 1. Creaming the butter and sugars Start by placing the softened butter in a large bowl. Add the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them together. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes. 2. Mixing in the wet ingredients Next, pour in 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Blend this in until it is fully mixed. This step adds great flavor to your bars. 3. Incorporating flour and salt Gradually sift in 2 cups of all-purpose flour. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your bars tough. 1. Adding sweetened condensed milk Slowly pour in 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk. Mix on low speed or by hand until the dough is smooth and creamy. This gives the bars their rich texture. 2. Folding in chocolate chips and nuts Gently fold in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, if you like. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. 3. Pressing the dough into the baking dish Take a 9x9 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the sides. This helps lift the bars out later. Use a spatula to press the dough evenly into the dish. Make sure the surface is smooth. 1. Melting dark chocolate chips In a microwave-safe bowl, add 1 cup of dark chocolate chips. Heat them in 30-second bursts. Stir well in between until the chocolate is completely smooth. 2. Spreading melted chocolate over the bars Carefully pour the melted chocolate over the pressed cookie dough layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the top. This gives a delicious finish. 3. Refrigeration time Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This helps the bars become firm. Once they set, lift them out using the overhanging parchment paper. Cut into 16 squares and enjoy! For the Full Recipe, refer back to the main article for all the details. How to avoid overmixing To avoid overmixing, mix the dough just until you see no dry flour. This keeps the bars soft and chewy. Stir gently when adding the sweetened condensed milk. Ensuring the right dough texture Your dough should be smooth and creamy. If it feels too thick, you can add a splash of milk. If it seems too thin, add a bit more flour. Tips for a smooth chocolate topping Melt your dark chocolate chips slowly. Use short bursts in the microwave, stirring in between. This helps prevent burning and gives you a nice, glossy finish. Plating and presentation ideas Place the cookie dough bars on a bright plate. You can dust them with powdered sugar for a nice touch. Adding a few mini chocolate chips on top makes them look fancy. Pairing options with beverages These bars pair well with milk, coffee, or even hot chocolate. The sweet dough and rich chocolate make a perfect match with any of these drinks. Suggestions for flavor add-ins You can add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg for warmth. A splash of almond extract gives a nice twist too. Using different types of chocolate Try using milk chocolate or white chocolate chips for a different flavor. You can mix and match types of chocolate for a fun taste experience. For more details, check out the Full Recipe for Cookie Dough Bliss Bars. {{image_4}} You can easily change up the flavors in cookie dough bars. Here are three tasty ideas: - Brownie cookie dough bars: Mix cocoa powder into the dough. Add chocolate chunks for a rich taste. You’ll get a brownie-like flavor that’s irresistible. - Peanut butter cookie dough bars: Replace some butter with creamy peanut butter. This will add a nutty twist that many love. You can also add chopped peanuts for extra crunch. - Oatmeal cookie dough bars: Stir in oats and a dash of cinnamon. This gives a chewy texture and a warm flavor. You can even add raisins or chocolate chips for fun. You can enjoy cookie dough bars even if you have dietary needs: - Gluten-free version: Swap all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour. This makes the bars gluten-free and adds a nice flavor. Just make sure to follow the same measurements. - Vegan alternatives: Use vegan butter and replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream. This way, you keep the creamy texture while making the bars vegan-friendly. Toppings can take your cookie dough bars to the next level: - Drizzled caramel or ganache: Melt caramel or chocolate for a tasty drizzle. This adds richness and makes the bars look fancy. - Sprinkled candy or sprinkles: Add colorful candy or sprinkles on top. This is a fun way to make the bars festive and appealing to kids. These variations let you customize your cookie dough bars. You can make them fit your taste and dietary needs easily! To keep your cookie dough bars fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Line the container with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Seal the container tightly. This keeps air out and moisture in. You can store cookie dough bars for about one week at room temperature. If you keep them in the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. Check for signs of spoilage like a strange smell or mold. If you see these, it's time to toss them. To freeze cookie dough bars, cut them into squares. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about two hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. This way, they won't stick together. For best results, eat them within three months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours. You can also microwave for 15-20 seconds for a quick fix. For the full recipe, visit the detailed section. How to make cookie dough bars without eggs? To make cookie dough bars without eggs, simply leave them out. You can use sweetened condensed milk instead. This gives a creamy texture and sweetness. Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can use other flours. Almond flour or oat flour works well. Just remember, different flours may change the taste and texture. Where can I find premade cookie dough bars? You can find premade cookie dough bars at most grocery stores. Look in the frozen section or the snack aisle. Some bakeries may also sell them fresh. How to customize cookie dough bars for special occasions? To customize cookie dough bars, add fun toppings. You can use sprinkles, crushed cookies, or even colored chocolate chips. These add color and fun to your treats. Are cookie dough bars safe to eat if they contain raw flour? Raw flour can have harmful bacteria. To make cookie dough bars safe, heat the flour first. Spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5 minutes. Let it cool before using it in your recipe. For the Full Recipe, check out the detailed steps and ingredients I provided earlier! Making cookie dough bliss bars is a fun and easy process. First, you cream the butter and sugars together. This makes the mix light and fluffy. Next, you blend in the vanilla extract. Then, gradually sift in the flour and salt. Mix until just combined. After that, you slowly add the sweetened condensed milk. This step gives the dough its creamy texture. Next, fold in the mini chocolate chips and nuts if you want. The nuts add a nice crunch. Prepare a 9x9 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. This makes it easy to lift out the bars later. Press the dough evenly into the dish. Make sure the surface is smooth. Now, melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well until smooth. Pour this melted chocolate over the pressed cookie dough. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This helps the bars set properly. After they are firm, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Place them on a cutting board and slice into 16 squares. You can serve them chilled or at room temperature. This simple recipe is great for any occasion. You can find the full recipe to guide you step-by-step as you create these delightful treats. You now have all you need to make delicious cookie dough bars. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about flavor variations and how to store your bars for freshness. With this recipe, you can create a treat that delights everyone. These bars are fun, easy, and perfect for sharing. Enjoy making them your own, and let your creativity shine. The sweet taste of success is just a bake away!

Cookie Dough Bars

Indulge in the ultimate treat with these Cookie Dough Bliss Bars! Delightfully creamy, loaded with mini chocolate chips and topped with rich dark chocolate, these bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. Easy to make with simple ingredients, they require just a bit of chilling time to set. Perfect for gatherings or a tasty snack at home! Click through for the full recipe and make your dessert dreams come true!

Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

1 cup mini chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans, optional)

1 cup dark chocolate chips (for topping)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

    Add the vanilla extract into the mixing bowl and blend until fully incorporated.

      Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and sprinkle in the sea salt, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tougher.

        Slowly pour in the sweetened condensed milk while mixing on low speed or by hand until the dough reaches a smooth and creamy texture.

          Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and the chopped nuts (if using) until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

            Prepare a 9x9 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the bars out later.

              Using a spatula, press the cookie dough mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring the surface is smooth and even.

                In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well in between until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted.

                  Carefully pour the melted dark chocolate over the pressed cookie dough layer, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the top.

                    Cover the baking dish and refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours or until they are firm to the touch.

                      After the bars have set, lift them out of the dish using the overhanging parchment paper. Place on a cutting board and slice into 16 squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

                        Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 16 squares

                          - Presentation Tips: Arrange the bars neatly on a decorative platter. For an elegant finish, consider dusting the top with a light coating of powdered sugar just before serving, and garnish with a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or a few whole nuts for added flair!