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no-bake chocolate chip cookie bars

No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

dana vento
There's nothing about baking I don't like, except the heat from the oven! 
Attractive baking words with kids home and underfoot are those that equal no-bake. 
Some of the sultriest baking words are, melt, mix, stir and press. 
Therefore, when I share a no-bake recipe, my intent is to bring a smile to your face and keep the heat out of the kitchen! 
No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the answer to the appetency for a chocolate chip cookie. 
Even assuming you don't have time to make these, your kids can effortlessly make them.
Yes, no-bake chocolate chip bars are that easy. 
Much like home-baked chocolate chips, yet no baking trays and cooling racks to deal with, no-bake chocolate chip cookie bars are the answer. 
Therefore, an investment of both minimal ingredients and time, combined to create the likes of a delicious chocolate chip cookie, but produce something better! 
Outrageous indulgence for those of you who can't live without a chocolate chip cookie, but can live without baking! 
That is why you want to make this recipe. 

No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars 

Maybe you have never heard of a bar cookie. 
Or, conversely, you know what a bar cookie is and you snub them. 
Either way, let me share a bit of insight about a bar cookie. 
Despite the fact that the end result of no-bake bar cookie is a trayed mix of batter, that is eggless and needs to be cut into multiple pieces before its served, it is still considered a dessert. 
Some bar cookies are baked, while some are not. 
Additionally, bar cookie dough is generally more coarse and stiff to work with. 
Almost to the point that you might think it is not even a dough that will come together. 
Have faith it will. 

Cookie Bars Are About the Batter 

More rigid batter leads to the bar and pan relationship, which fosters so nicely. 
Simply put, bar cookies are mixed, poured and then pressed into a pan. 
Once they are either baked or set (refrigerated), they are then sliced into bars. 
By extension though, often bar cookies are cut with cookie cutters, into fun shapes, or cut into large or very small portions. 
Nonetheless, with the right recipe and the right choice of bar cookie that fits your yearning, it's perfect. 

Simple 2 Layer with a Chocolate Topping 

That is why I kept my no-bake chocolate chip cookie bar simple. 
2 Layer simple. 
I did add a little extra in between the 'icing' portion but that is totally optional. 
Despite it being a cookie bar, it will not hinder creativity! 
Prep Time 6 minutes
Additional Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 36 minutes
Course Recipes
Cuisine dessert
Servings 36 bars
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Cup Butter softened not MELTED
  • 1/2 C Brown Sugar PACKED
  • 2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 3/4 C Flour
  • 1/3 C Chocolate Chip Morsels
  • 8 oz Chocolate for melting)
  • 1/2 C Condensed Milk
  • 9 x13 baking pan - sprayed lightly with nonstick spray.
  • Sprinkles *optional

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl using a mixer (stand or hand) combine butter, vanilla extract, and brown sugar.
  • Mix it very well until it is all crumbly.
  • Next, add in flour and again mix to combine again with a mixer of choice.
  • The dough will be crumbly, if it is powdery, add a few tablespoons of water (up to 3) to correct.
  • Press dough firmly and evenly into pan.
  • Top with a scattering of chocolate chips.
  • I then added sprinkles to this layer *OPTIONAL
  • Cover and refrigerate while you prep the next step.
  • In microwave-safe bowl place chocolate and melt (per directions on package)
  • Stir to ensure it is all melted without lumps or chunks.
  • Next, add in condensed milk and again stir to combine.
  • Remove covered pan from refrigerator, and cover the entire surface with chocolate.
  • Cover again.
  • Refrigerate to set. (1 hour)
  • After an hour remove from refrigerator and cut into portions.
  • Keep any uneaten portions both covered and refrigerated for up to 5 days.