Cookie dough bars are a sweet confection that many find irresistible, combining the nostalgic flavors of cookie dough with the joy of a layered dessert. They have quickly become my go-to treat for every celebration, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a festive holiday. With the perfect balance of chewiness and crunch, these bars embody everything we love about cookies, but in a convenient bar form. Let’s dive into why this recipe is not just delicious but also highly coveted.

What makes this recipe special

There’s something about cookie dough that sparks joy in everyone from kids to adults. These cookie dough bars are quick and budget-friendly, making them the perfect treat when you need to satisfy a sweet tooth without breaking the bank. The layers of cookie dough, chocolate, and M&Ms create a delightful crunch and richness that’s simply irresistible. Plus, they can be prepared in advance, which is handy for busy days or impromptu gatherings.

“These cookie dough bars are always a hit! The combination of flavors is out of this world, and they disappear faster than I can make them!” – A happy home baker

Preparing Cookie Dough Bars

Making these cookie dough bars is straightforward and doesn’t require fancy equipment or skills. The process involves whipping butter and sugar, incorporating baked flour for that safe-to-eat cookie dough flavor, and layering on melted chocolate and M&Ms for the ultimate indulgence. Here’s a peek into the steps involved:

1. Prepare the baking dish.
2. Mix the base ingredients to form the dough.
3. Freeze briefly for perfect consistency.
4. Top with melted chocolate and extra treats.
5. Chill until set, then slice into bars.

This method makes it easy to involve young chefs, providing a fun bonding experience in the kitchen!

Gather these items

To make these delightful cookie dough bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 10 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (baked at 350°F for 5 minutes)
• 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup miniature chocolate chips
• 1 cup miniature M&Ms
• Cooking spray
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons salted butter (for topping)
• 3/4 cup miniature M&Ms (for topping)

Pro Tip:

Feel free to swap regular chocolate chips for dark chocolate if you’d like a richer flavor, or even use white chocolate for a unique twist!