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Friends this is it...THE ONE dessert you need for any event, gathering or late night sweet craving you get...a super yummy Cookie Dough Bar (yes you've read that right)! AĀ safe-to-eat cookie dough filled with chocolate chunks and M&M's and topped with peanut buttery chocolate...O-M-G! Now, if you are like me, when you make regular cookies you lick the bowl, spatula and beater...I mean weĀ ALL do it right!? With this Cookie Dough Bar you are not running the risk of that icky tummy ache you get from the raw eggs in regular batter, and are rewarded with the most incredible treat that has ever hit your mouth. Add to that a nice little shot glass of milk and you are in for a real treat!Ā
This recipe was adapted from the version I saw on Coupon CravingsĀ and after a couple of small adjustments I am telling you that you will keep this recipe for years to come. I brought it to my brother-in-laws 40th birthday party the other week and the entire tray was devoured! I am not kidding you guys, there were 20 squares (plus more at home for when hubby and I got a craving a day or two later) and they were gulped down like they were a piece of candy. That is how you know you have a realĀ winner! We cut ours into about 24 bars, but you can get up to 40 if you want a smaller bite-sized piece (recommended if you are serving to little ones as they are quite a sweet and decadent treat). I have already added this to my Christmas Baking List (check out last years 13 different cookies, bars and more) and will use the lovely red and green M&M's you can find around the holidays to make them festive. They are going to be a huge hit on my cookie trays I give away...if they make it there!Ā
I mean guys seriously, looooook at these beauties:Ā
Okay, okay, what am I waiting for right? You guys just want me to get to the recipe! The only thing I will mention ahead of time here is that you NEED to make these in advance...they are not like a traditional cookie that is baked and ready in 30 minutes. Also, you will need to make sure you have a few good pieces of equipment to get the best turnout (and not have them stick to the pan). You will need:
-
- Parchment PaperĀ (this is always good to have on hand for any baking you do, leaving your pans clean and your cookies will never stick)
- 8x8 Baking Pan Ā (you can use a glass one or your traditional baking pan as you will be lining it with the parchment paper)
- Offset SpatulaĀ (this is aĀ MUST HAVE to make this square, you need it for the chocolate on top to ensure it spreads nicely over the base, and quickly!)
- Stand Mixer
Ā (another must have, for any kind of baking really, but it works wonders with this one as you need a nice creamy texture for the batter. You do not want any lumps or granulated sugar left as it doesn't get cooked away like a traditional cookie)
Edible Cookie Dough Bars with Candy
Ingredients
Base
- Ā½ c butter softened
- Ā¾ c packed light brown sugar
- 2 c all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 c chocolate chips
- Ā¾ cup m&mās or any candy coated chocolate you prefer
Icing
- Ā½ cup crunchy peanut butter
- Ā½ cup milk chocolate chips
Instructions
Base
- Line an 8Ć8 inch pan with your parchment paper and set aside.
- In stand mixer (or lg bowl), mix together softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy for (2-3 minutes)
- Add in vanilla and mix until combined. Alternate adding flour and sweetened condensed milk until well combined (will become creamy and smooth).
- Mix in the chocolate chips and M&Mās.
- Press the cookie dough into the bottom of a parchment paper lined 8Ć8 pan and cover. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, overnight is fine.
- Flip the cookie dough out onto a cutting board or plate and carefully peel back the parchment paper. Place back in the fridge while you make the āicingā.
Icing
- Combine the peanut butter and Ā½ cup chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on medium-high and be sure to stir every 30 seconds until melted. Pour and spread using your offset spatula over the top of the chilled dough. Chill until topping has hardened. Cut into pieces and serve!
- *we cut ours into about 24 squares but you can make them more ābite-sizedā and get even more out of this recipe!
These totally look delicious!! My guys would devour these like a piece of candy for sure!
Yes they are so yummy! My nephews kept "sneaking" another when they thought we weren't watching!
This looks amazingly delicious. We love baking with candy so this would be perfect for us to try!
Stephanie you will LOVE them, especially if you guys are the type that lick the beaters like us! Finally a recipe that tastes just like cookie dough!
These look sinfully delicious!!
They definitely are!! Just a small piece is enough to transport you to another world!! š
Love how you mixed it up with the peanut butter chocolate topping - great idea!
It is soooo yummy, I loved using the chunky peanut butter to give it some additional crunch!
These look amazing! Peanut butter and chocolate is my favorite!
Mine too! No better combination when it comes to food!
I bet these disappeared - they appeal to the kid in everyone! Love that there are safe alternatives to taking a chance on raw cookie dough.
You and me both Teresa!!! They went so quick I barely had time to grab seconds! š
Look fantastic! I will pin to make later!
These bars look so darn rich and appealing, like taking a candy bar and making it even better.
They sure are!! Be sure to make them so you can enjoy, and only share if you want to š
These look delicious! Thanks for sharing!
These look REALLY yummy! I would eat one now, as breakfast! lol!
xo, Amanda
Right?! I would eat it for every meal if that counts for anything!!! š
We love cookie dough anything! I love that you added chocolate to the bars. I've never thought to do that before.
<3 I hope you enjoy them Fatima!!
I'm almost embarrassed to admit how much cookie dough I've eaten in my lifetime. I'll have to give this a try with a minor tweak to make it gluten-free. Thanks for such a wonderful idea!
I think we all have š ha! Hope you enjoy them!!! I have already had requests to make them again, they are a new favorite here for sure!
These look so yummy and I love that they are no bake. I have a house full of visiting kids coming so I think I'll whip up a batch. Thanks for posting!
Ooo they will LOVE them!!! They are so incredibly easy to make and even easier to make disappear!!! š
YUM!! This looks so good! My kids LOVE cookie dough, so this would be a big hit with them!
That is the best thing about them! They taste like cookie dough and have the consistency of it too, they just don't make you sick from raw eggs!!! š
Oooo so tempting!! I love cookie dough!
Me too! This is my new go-to treat!