Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars

Sharing is caring!

There’s something about cookie dough that brings out the kid in all of us. That rich, buttery, chocolate-studded goodness is irresistible in every form—whether it’s scooped straight from the mixing bowl (we’ve all done it) or baked into golden, chewy perfection. But today, I’m bringing you the best of both worlds: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars.

These bars are everything you love about a classic chocolate chip cookie, but in thick, soft, and indulgent form. There’s no need for chilling dough or scooping individual cookies—just mix, spread, bake, and enjoy! Plus, a sprinkle of sea salt on top takes them from sweet to swoon-worthy.

Let me take you back to how these bars became a staple in my kitchen.

A Family Favorite with a Story

A few years ago, I was hosting a game night with my family. I needed a dessert that was quick, easy, and sure to please everyone (which, in a family with varied tastes, is no small feat). Cookies were my first thought, but I didn’t have time to chill the dough or bake multiple trays. That’s when the idea hit me—what if I pressed all the dough into one pan and made cookie bars instead?

Let’s just say that night, the game was forgotten, but the dessert stole the show. My husband went back for seconds (and thirds), and my kids were practically licking the crumbs off their plates. Since then, these cookie dough bars have been my go-to for bake sales, potlucks, and any time I need a foolproof dessert that wows.

Now, it’s your turn to bake up some magic!

Key Ingredients

Each ingredient in these bars plays a role in making them soft, chewy, and perfectly balanced.

• Unsalted Butter – The heart of any great cookie! It gives these bars a rich, buttery flavor and a soft texture. Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level.
• Brown Sugar – Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and extra chewiness. I use light brown sugar for a balanced taste, but dark brown sugar works too for a more intense molasses flavor.
• Granulated Sugar – Helps with structure and a slight crispiness on the edges. The mix of brown and white sugar creates that perfect texture.
• Eggs – They bind everything together and give the bars their soft, dense bite.
• Vanilla Extract – A must-have for enhancing the warm, cozy flavors of the cookie dough.
• All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of the bars, providing structure without making them cakey.
• Baking Soda – Helps the bars rise slightly, creating a light yet fudgy texture.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of the chocolate and butter.
• Chocolate Chips – The star of the show! I use semi-sweet chocolate chips for the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, but feel free to mix it up with dark, milk, or even white chocolate.
• Sea Salt (for topping) – A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top makes these bars utterly addictive. It enhances the chocolate and cuts through the sweetness beautifully.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars

Baking these bars is a breeze! Just a few simple steps and you’ll have thick, gooey bars ready to enjoy.

1. Prepare the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×10-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhang for easy removal later.

Pro Tip: If you only have a 9×9-inch pan, that works too! The bars will be slightly thicker and might need an extra minute or two in the oven.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is key for getting that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that classic cookie flavor.

4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly fold this into the wet ingredients using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix!

Why? Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher bars instead of soft, chewy ones.

5. Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently stir in the chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed.

Mix it Up: Try using a combination of milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even butterscotch chips for a fun twist!

6. Press and Bake

Scoop the dough into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Press a few extra chocolate chips on top for that bakery-style look.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center has a slight wobble.

Pro Tip: The bars will continue to set as they cool, so don’t overbake! If the entire pan jiggles, bake in 2-minute increments until just set.

7. Sprinkle with Sea Salt and Cool

As soon as you take them out of the oven, sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Let them cool completely in the pan before cutting.

Patience Pays Off: For the cleanest slices, refrigerate for an hour before cutting. If you can’t wait (I don’t blame you), they’ll be gooier but just as delicious!

Serving Suggestions

These bars are fantastic on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level:

• Warm them up and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Drizzle with melted chocolate for extra decadence.
• Sandwich them with ice cream for the ultimate cookie dough ice cream sandwich.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Fridge: Keeps well for a week—the cold makes them extra chewy!
• Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temp or microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.

2. Why did my bars turn out cakey?
Cakey bars usually mean too much flour or overbaking. Make sure to measure the flour correctly (fluff, spoon, and level—not scoop!) and pull them out when the center is just slightly wobbly.

3. Can I make these into cookies?
Absolutely! Add an extra ¼ cup of flour, roll the dough into balls, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars are proof that sometimes, simple is best. They’re rich, chewy, packed with chocolate, and just a little bit salty—everything you want in a dessert.

So, whether you’re baking for a crowd, meal-prepping your weekly sweet fix, or just craving something warm and gooey, these bars are the answer.

Now, tell me—what’s your favorite way to enjoy them? Are you a chilled, straight-from-the-fridge fan, or do you prefer them warm with melty chocolate? Let’s chat in the comments!

Happy baking! 💛

Print