No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet, soft bars with the nostalgic flavor of raw chocolate chip cookie dough, perfect for an easy dessert without an oven. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 10 minutes layers (113g), softened unsalted butter, (50g) brown sugar, (50g) granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 9, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Serves 9 American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup granulated sugar using a hand mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
  2. Step 2: Mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk until fully combined.
  3. Step 3: Gradually add 1 cup heat-treated all-purpose flour and 1/4 tsp salt, mixing on low speed to avoid lumps until a soft dough forms.
  4. Step 4: Fold in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips evenly using a spatula.
  5. Step 5: Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and press the dough evenly into the pan using your hands or a spatula.
  6. Step 6: Refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour until the bars are firm enough to cut into squares and serve chilled.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 9 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 9). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.