Cookie Dough Bars: A Sweet and Safe Treat

If you’re like me, you might love cookie dough even more than the actual baked cookies! There’s something so satisfying about the creamy, rich, and chocolatey goodness of raw cookie dough. However, we all know that traditional cookie dough contains raw eggs and uncooked flour, which can pose health risks. That’s where cookie dough bars come in! These treats are egg-free, and with a little preparation, the flour can be made safe to eat too. They’re the perfect snack for parties, after-school treats, or any time you’re craving that classic cookie dough flavor in a fun, bite-sized form.

In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into how to make these delicious cookie dough bars, offering tips and tricks to ensure your bars turn out perfect every time. We’ll cover everything from ingredient variations to storage tips. So let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love These Cookie Dough Bars

Cookie dough bars are a handheld version of everyone’s favorite cookie dough but without the risk of eating raw eggs or uncooked flour. They’re rich, creamy, and loaded with chocolate, making them irresistible to both kids and adults alike. You can customize them with your favorite mix-ins, from classic chocolate chips to M&M’s or even peanut butter cups.

What Makes These Bars Stand Out?

• Safe to eat: These bars are made without eggs, and we’ll show you how to make the flour safe, so you don’t have to worry about harmful bacteria.
• Quick and easy: They require no baking, and the prep time is just about 20 minutes.
• Customizable: You can mix and match your favorite toppings to create a treat that’s uniquely yours.
• Crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re serving these at a party or packing them in a lunchbox, they’re sure to be a hit!

The Key to Safe Cookie Dough: Prepping Your Flour

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s address the safety concerns with cookie dough. While these bars are egg-free, flour is another ingredient that can potentially harbor harmful bacteria like E. coli. But don’t worry! It’s super easy to make your flour safe to eat by heat-treating it.

How to Heat-Treat Flour:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread the flour evenly on a baking sheet.
3. Bake the flour for 5 minutes, ensuring it reaches a temperature of 165°F to kill off any bacteria.
4. Let the flour cool completely before using it in the recipe.

By taking this simple step, you can enjoy cookie dough without any worries.

Ingredients for Cookie Dough Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious cookie dough bars:

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup miniature chocolate chips
• 1 cup miniature M&M’s

For the Topping:

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3/4 cup miniature M&M’s

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cookie Dough Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Flour

As we mentioned earlier, it’s important to bake the flour to make it safe for consumption. Spread your flour onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5 minutes. Let it cool while you move on to the next steps.

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating that soft and creamy texture you expect from cookie dough. Add in the vanilla extract and mix for another minute until fully incorporated.

Alternate between adding the flour and sweetened condensed milk to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed. Continue until all ingredients are fully combined and a dough begins to form.

Step 3: Add the Mix-ins

Now for the fun part! Fold in your miniature chocolate chips and M&M’s. You can get creative here—add peanut butter cups, toffee bits, or even chopped nuts if you want to mix things up.

Step 4: Press the Dough into the Pan

Line an 8″x8″ square pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, then coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Press the cookie dough mixture evenly into the pan, using an offset spatula to smooth out the top. Place the pan in the freezer for 30 minutes to let the bars firm up.

Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Topping

While your cookie dough bars are chilling, melt the chocolate chips and butter together. You can do this by microwaving them in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval until the mixture is smooth.

Step 6: Add the Topping

Once your cookie dough bars have firmed up, pour the melted chocolate over the top and spread it evenly. Press the remaining M&M’s into the chocolate layer for a colorful and crunchy finish.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to let the chocolate topping set. When you’re ready to serve, cut the bars into squares and enjoy!

Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about cookie dough bars is how customizable they are. Here are a few ideas to make them your own:

• Switch up the chocolate: Try using white chocolate chips or a mix of dark and milk chocolate.
• Add a salty element: Sprinkle some sea salt on top of the chocolate for a sweet-and-salty contrast.
• Go nutty: Fold in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for extra texture and flavor.
• Make them festive: Use seasonal M&M’s (red and green for Christmas, pastel for Easter) and add some sprinkles for a holiday-themed treat.

Tips for Perfect Cookie Dough Bars

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cookie dough bars turn out perfectly every time:

• Use softened butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature before you start. This will make it easier to cream with the sugar, resulting in a smoother dough.
• Let the flour cool: After heat-treating your flour, be sure it’s completely cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients. Warm flour could melt the butter and ruin the dough’s texture.
• Chill the bars: Don’t rush the chilling process. The bars need time to firm up in the freezer and again in the fridge to set properly.
• Cut them small: These bars are quite rich, so it’s best to cut them into small squares. They’ll be easier to eat and serve that way.

Storage Instructions

These cookie dough bars should be stored in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Place them in an airtight container and they’ll stay good for up to one week. You can also freeze the bars for longer storage. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, just let them thaw in the fridge overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?

Yes, you can make these cookie dough bars gluten-free by using gluten-free all-purpose flour. Be sure to heat-treat the gluten-free flour the same way you would with regular flour to ensure it’s safe to eat.

Can I Use Regular-Sized Chocolate Chips?

While miniature chocolate chips and M&M’s are recommended for their smaller size, you can definitely use regular-sized chocolate chips if that’s what you have on hand. Just note that the bars may be a bit chunkier.

How Can I Make the Bars Dairy-Free?

To make these cookie dough bars dairy-free, substitute the butter with dairy-free butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips. You can also swap out the sweetened condensed milk with a dairy-free condensed milk alternative.

Conclusion: A Treat Everyone Will Love

Cookie dough bars are an easy, no-bake treat that’s perfect for all occasions. They’re customizable, fun to make, and—most importantly—safe to eat! Whether you’re a cookie dough fanatic or just looking for a quick dessert, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and whip up a batch today!