Oh, let me tell you about my love for chocolate cookie bars! There’s something simply magical about biting into a rich, chocolaty treat that requires absolutely no baking. This chocolate cookie bars no bake recipe is not just quick and easy; it’s a lifesaver for those hot summer days when the last thing I want to do is turn on the oven. I remember one sweltering afternoon, I whipped these up for a gathering with friends. The kids went wild over them, and honestly, so did the adults! It felt like a little victory to have such a delightful dessert ready in just 15 minutes of prep time. Trust me, you’re going to want to keep this recipe handy for any occasion! It’s an indulgent treat that never fails to impress.
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (you can use your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted (make sure it’s cooled a bit before mixing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (trust me, it adds a lovely depth of flavor)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark, depending on your preference)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, grab a big mixing bowl and combine the chocolate cookie crumbs with the unsweetened cocoa powder. Give it a good stir to ensure everything’s evenly mixed.
- Next, pour in that melted butter and sweetened condensed milk. Oh, and don’t forget the vanilla extract! It really elevates the flavor! Mix everything together until it’s all combined and looks like a delicious chocolatey paste.
- Now, it’s time to fold in the chocolate chips. I like to use semi-sweet for that perfect balance, but feel free to go dark if that’s your jam!
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper—this makes removal a breeze later. Then, press that chocolatey mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. You really want to pack it down so it holds together well.
- Pop the baking dish in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours. This is crucial for the bars to firm up, so don’t skip this step!
- Once chilled, cut into bars and serve. You’re in for a treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes of hands-on time!
- No baking required—perfect for those hot days when you want something sweet without heating up the kitchen.
- Decadent chocolate flavor that satisfies any sweet tooth.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Great for sharing—these bars are a crowd-pleaser at parties and gatherings.
- Customizable—swap in your favorite chocolate cookies or add nuts for extra crunch.
- Perfectly portioned for easy snacking—no messy slicing required.
Tips for Success
- Make sure your butter is melted but not too hot—this prevents the chocolate chips from melting when you add them!
- Press the mixture firmly into the baking dish. The more compact it is, the easier it will be to cut into bars later.
- If you want to add a little crunch, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or using crunchy chocolate cookies.
- For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before chilling for a sweet-and-salty combo!
- Let the bars chill for the full 2 hours—this is key for the best texture and flavor. Patience is a virtue here!
Nutritional Information Section
Just a quick note: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just a rough estimate. For one of these delicious chocolate cookie bars, you can expect around 220 calories, 10g of fat (with about 5g of that being saturated), 15g of sugar, and 3g of protein. They also pack in about 30g of carbohydrates, which definitely makes them a sweet treat! Keep in mind, moderation is key, even with something as delightful as this!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of cookies for this chocolate cookie bars no bake recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap in any type of chocolate cookies you like—Oreo, chocolate wafer cookies, or even homemade chocolate cookies work perfectly. It’s a fun way to experiment with flavors!
How long do these chocolate cookie bars need to chill?
You’ll want to chill them for at least 2 hours. This is crucial for them to set up properly and hold their shape when cut into bars. Trust me, waiting will be worth it!
Can I make these chocolate cookie bars ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, they’re great for making ahead. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They’ll be ready whenever you need a sweet treat!
What should I do if the mixture seems too crumbly?
If your mixture is a bit crumbly, don’t worry! Just add a touch more melted butter or sweetened condensed milk until it holds together better. It should be thick but moldable.
Can I freeze these chocolate cookie bars?
Definitely! You can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. Thaw them in the fridge before serving for the best texture!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your chocolate cookie bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat! If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you can also freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat; they’re best served chilled straight from the fridge!
Serving Suggestions
These chocolate cookie bars are delightful on their own, but why not take the experience up a notch? I love serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for that perfect contrast! Fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, add a lovely tartness that complements the rich chocolate beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle a bit of caramel or chocolate sauce over the top for an extra indulgent treat. And don’t forget a nice cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk to wash it all down—trust me, it makes for a heavenly pairing!
Print
Chocolate Cookie Bars No Bake Recipe: 15-Minute Delight
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious no-bake chocolate cookie bars.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs and cocoa powder.
- Add melted butter and sweetened condensed milk to the mixture.
- Stir in vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add chocolate chips and mix well.
- Press the mixture into a lined baking dish.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Use any type of chocolate cookies for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: chocolate cookie bars no bake recipe