Elevate your dessert game with these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Delight Bars – a decadent fusion of classic cookie dough and a luscious, gourmet-inspired treat. Indulge in the irresistible combination of rich, buttery cookie dough and a delicate, refined chocolate topping that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. This recipe is a beautiful, elegant take on a comforting favorite, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to a moment of cozy, joyful indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Delight Bars
Prepare to be swept off your feet by the ultimate gourmet comfort food experience. These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Delight Bars are the perfect marriage of classic cookie dough and a refined, tempting chocolate topping. The buttery, satisfying cookie dough base is topped with a delicate, luscious chocolate layer, creating a heavenly, indulgent dessert that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re craving a sweet, cozy treat or looking to impress with a beautiful, gourmet-inspired creation, these bars are sure to delight.
Ingredients
To craft these decadent Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Delight Bars, you’ll need a few simple, high-quality ingredients. The cookie dough base is made with butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and of course, chocolate chips. The refined chocolate topping is a combination of melted dark chocolate and heavy cream, creating a rich, glossy layer that complements the cookie dough perfectly.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) – Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup – Light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon – Vanilla extract
- 2 cups – All-purpose flour
- 1 cup – Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 12 ounces – Dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup – Heavy cream
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chocolate Topping: For a richer, more indulgent flavor, you can use a combination of milk and dark chocolate in the topping.
- Chocolate Chips: If you prefer a sweeter touch, swap in semi-sweet chocolate chips in the cookie dough.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Delight Bars
Prepare to be swept away by the mouthwatering process of creating these decadent treats.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract, then fold in the all-purpose flour and chocolate chips, mixing just until combined.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Press the cookie dough into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake the cookie dough base for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden and set. Allow the cookie dough to cool completely before proceeding.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
In a double boiler or heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the chopped dark chocolate. Remove the chocolate from the heat and stir in the heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Pour the chocolate topping over the cooled cookie dough base, using a spatula to spread it evenly.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
For an extra elegant touch, you can sprinkle a light dusting of cocoa powder or finely chopped nuts over the top of the chocolate layer. Allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is set, then slice and serve.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Try adding a swirl of creamy peanut butter to the cookie dough base for a delightful flavor combination.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce over the chocolate topping for added texture and depth of flavor.
- Festive Twist: Fold in crushed peppermint candies or sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive holiday touch.
- Flavor Variations: Get creative with mix-ins and toppings to make these bars your own, like adding a hint of sea salt or experimenting with different chocolate varieties.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an extra indulgent touch.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The bars can also be frozen for longer-term storage, making them a great make-ahead dessert option.
Reheat: When ready to serve, simply thaw the frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the cookie dough base up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the bars. Just be sure to let the dough come to room temperature before pressing it into the pan.
Nutrition Information
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Delight Bars are a rich, indulgent treat, so it’s important to enjoy them in moderation. Each serving contains a balance of comforting carbohydrates, satisfying fats, and a touch of sweetness to satisfy your cravings. Remember, the key to nourishing yourself is finding that balance between wholesome, cozy comfort and the occasional gourmet indulgence.
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbs: 45 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of chocolate in the topping?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for dark chocolate, you can easily swap in milk, semi-sweet, or a combination of chocolates to suit your personal preferences.
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough base up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the bars. Just be sure to let the dough come to room temperature before pressing it into the pan.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Delight Bars gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Bob’s Red Mill and King Arthur both make excellent options.
Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! These bars freeze beautifully. Once the chocolate topping is set, cut the bars into squares and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Do I have to chill the bars before serving?
While you don’t have to chill the bars, it’s highly recommended. The chocolate topping will be much firmer and more satisfying when chilled, and the cookie dough base will be deliciously fudgy and soft.
Try These Next
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bliss Bars
- Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Delight Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Delight Bars are a decadent treat that combines the rich flavors of cookie dough with a chewy bar texture. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
4. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually blend into the creamed mixture.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips and mini chocolate chips.
6. Spread the dough evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
8. Allow to cool in the pan before cutting into bars.
Notes
For a fun twist, add nuts or swap out chocolate chips for your favorite candy pieces.
Store bars in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sweet Tooth Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg