Cookie Dough Bars

$- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon 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) When making cookie dough bars, start with the right ingredients. Each one plays a key role in taste and texture. The unsalted butter gives a rich base. Brown sugar adds a nice caramel flavor, while granulated sugar adds sweetness. The vanilla extract brings warmth to the overall mix. All-purpose flour makes the bars soft and chewy. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavors. Sweetened condensed milk adds creaminess and helps the bars hold together. Mini chocolate chips add bursts of chocolate in every bite. If you like, toss in chopped nuts for crunch. Finally, melting dark chocolate on top creates a perfect finish. - Vegan substitutes - Gluten-free flour options - Alternative sweeteners Feel free to customize your cookie dough bars! If you want a vegan version, swap out the butter for a plant-based option. Use flaxseed meal mixed with water instead of sweetened condensed milk. For gluten-free bars, you can try almond or coconut flour. If you want less sugar, use stevia or monk fruit as alternatives. Each choice allows you to create your own twist! For the full recipe, check out the Cookie Dough Bliss Bars . Enjoy the fun of baking! 1. Creaming the butter and sugars Start with a large bowl. Add 1 cup of softened butter, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Mix them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for a smooth texture. 2. Adding in the wet ingredients Next, stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Make sure it blends well with the butter and sugar mix. This adds a lovely flavor to your bars. 3. Incorporating dry ingredients Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing; this keeps your bars soft and chewy. Then, slowly pour in 1 can of sweetened condensed milk. Mix until the dough is smooth and creamy. Finally, fold in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of chopped nuts if you choose. 1. Preparing the baking dish Line a 9x9 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some overhang on the sides. This makes it easy to lift out the bars later. 2. Pressing the dough Take the cookie dough mixture and press it evenly into the lined dish. Use a spatula to smooth out the top. Make sure it’s packed well for even baking. 3. Melting and layering the chocolate In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup of dark chocolate chips. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Once smooth, pour the melted chocolate over the pressed cookie dough. Spread it evenly with a spatula for a nice finish. 1. Refrigeration time Place the baking dish in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This helps the bars set and firm up nicely. 2. Cutting and displaying the bars Once the bars are firm, lift them out of the dish using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares. You can stack and display them on a pretty platter. If you want, dust with powdered sugar for an added touch. These cookie dough bars are a delightful treat that everyone will love. For the full recipe, refer back to the earlier section. To get the right texture in your cookie dough bars, you can aim for either chewy or crunchy. For chewy bars, cream the butter and sugars well. This adds air and creates a soft bite. Use all-purpose flour, which keeps it tender. For a crunchier bar, bake a little longer, and let it cool fully. You can also try baking them in a larger pan, which spreads the dough thinner. If you want a softer texture, try chilling the dough before pressing it into the pan. One common mistake is overmixing the dough. Mixing too much can make the bars tough. Mix just until you see no dry flour. Another issue is incorrect refrigeration time. If you don't chill them long enough, they won’t set properly. Always wait at least two hours. This helps the bars firm up nicely for cutting. When serving, stack the bars on a nice platter. This makes them look fancy and fun. You can dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. If you want to add some flair, drizzle melted chocolate on top before serving. You can also add a scoop of ice cream on the side for a treat. These small changes can make your cookie dough bars even more special. {{image_2}} When it comes to cookie dough bars, you can get creative! Here are some fun variations to try. Vegan Cookie Dough Bars Make these bars vegan by swapping out some ingredients. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter. Replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream or a nut-based milk. You can also use flaxseed meal as an egg replacer. This keeps the bars just as tasty. Gluten-Free Cookie Dough Bars For gluten-free bars, use a gluten-free flour blend. Many blends work well, and you can find them easily at stores. Just make sure to check the labels to avoid any gluten traces. Your bars will still be delicious! Different kinds of chocolate Chocolate is key to these bars! You can switch from mini chocolate chips to white chocolate or milk chocolate. You can even mix flavors, like dark and milk chocolate. This adds a nice twist! Adding flavor extracts (like almond) You can also play with flavor extracts. Try adding almond or mint extract for a new taste. Just remember to start with a small amount, like half a teaspoon. You can always add more if you want a stronger flavor. Pairing with ice cream What goes great with cookie dough bars? Ice cream! Serve a bar with a scoop of your favorite flavor. This will make a yummy dessert. You can even drizzle chocolate sauce on top for extra sweetness. Making cookie dough bar sandwiches Try making cookie dough bar sandwiches! Take two bars and put a scoop of ice cream in the middle. Press them together gently. This fun treat is perfect for parties or a fun family night! These variations and serving ideas will keep your cookie dough bars exciting and delicious. Don't forget to check the Full Recipe for the base of these delightful treats! To keep your cookie dough bars fresh, you need proper refrigeration. Once you cut the bars, place them in an airtight container. This helps seal in moisture and flavor. If you don’t have one, use a plastic wrap. Wrap each bar separately for best results. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Cut the bars into squares and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Use a label to mark the date. To thaw, take them out and let them sit in the fridge overnight. You can also thaw at room temperature for a few hours. In the fridge, these cookie dough bars last about one week. Keep an eye out for signs of spoilage. If you see any mold or an off smell, it’s best to toss them. Enjoy your sweet treat fresh for the best taste! You can easily make cookie dough bars without eggs. Just skip the eggs and use sweetened condensed milk instead. This milk adds sweetness and moisture. You get a rich and creamy texture without any eggs. It's perfect for those who avoid eggs in their diet. Yes, you can use whole wheat flour. It adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. The bars might be a bit denser, but they will still taste great. Just make sure to adjust the moisture if needed, as whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid. Store leftover cookie dough bars in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep them in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Yes, some brands offer ready-made cookie dough bars. Look for them in your local grocery store. Brands like Ben & Jerry's and Nestle often have delicious options. Check the frozen section for convenience. The nutritional facts can vary based on ingredients. On average, each cookie dough bar has about 150-200 calories. They contain around 8-10 grams of fat and 15-20 grams of sugar. For exact numbers, check the ingredient labels or use a nutrition calculator with the Full Recipe. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious cookie dough bars. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for great texture. We covered variations, including vegan and gluten-free options, along with storage advice. Now you can create these tasty treats and impress your family or friends. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors. Enjoy your baking adventure!$

Indulge in the ultimate treat with these Cookie Dough Bliss Bars! This easy recipe combines creamy cookie dough and rich chocolate for a deliciously satisfying dessert. In just under 15 minutes of prep time, you can create a sweet sensation that will impress your friends and family. Click through to explore the full recipe and discover how to make your own decadent bars that are perfect for any occasion!

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Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon 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)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Stir in the vanilla extract to the mixture until well combined.

Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until just incorporated.

Slowly pour in the sweetened condensed milk, mixing until smooth and creamy.

Fold in the mini chocolate chips and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Line a 9x9 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Press the cookie dough mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.

Pour the melted chocolate over the pressed cookie dough layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours until firm.

Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper, cut into squares, and serve.

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

- Presentation Tips: Serve the bars chilled, stacked on a decorative platter, and optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elevated touch!