Cookie Dough Bars (Grain + Egg Free)

These Cookie Dough Bars are incredibly simple and delicious. No baking required and you only need six ingredients! This is a must make dessert or snack for cookie dough lovers!

Update: This recipe was originally published in 2021 and has been republished with all new photos.

Welcome to my family’s very favorite dessert. There’s just no contest. I first made these indulgent bars after creating my recipe for Cookie Dough Bites. I wanted to use the basics of that recipe to make a version that’s even more chocolatey. And here we are!

There’s zero baking involved. (The word dough is in the title so there’s your big clue.) The cookie dough just requires stirring together a few simple ingredients. Then pour on that melted chocolate and let it all chill.

Instead of the white flour often used in cookies we’re using almond flour. This means we can enjoy it without first cooking it (all purpose flour shouldn’t be eaten raw as it can contain e. coli and/or salmonella). Almond flour is the perfect swap and the finished chocolate chip cookie dough really tastes every bit as delicious as you’d hope!

After pressing the finished cookie dough into bars we’re topping them with melty chocolate and flaky salt. I’m telling you this dessert will blow your mind.

Ingredients for Cookie Dough Bars

• Almond flour: There are several great brands to choose from when it comes to almond flour. Two of my favorites are Bob’s Red Mill Super-Fine Almond Flour and Nature’s Eats Almond Flour. Just make sure you get blanched almond flour because that means the skin has been removed.
• Nut butter: You can use any nut butter you like but I recommend choosing a creamy variety. Peanut, almond, and cashew butters all work especially well! I use almond butter in my home because of my son’s peanut allergy. You can even use a seed butter like SunButter if you’re avoiding all nuts.
• Honey or maple syrup: Honey or pure maple syrup are perfect for sweetening these bars. You can use either and you won’t notice the flavor in the finished bars.
• Vanilla extract: We’re adding just a bit of vanilla to balance out the flavors of the nut butter and chocolate.
• Chocolate chips or chunks: I prefer dark chocolate chips or chunks but semi-sweet or milk chocolate are great too.
• Coconut oil: We’re melting the chocolate chips with coconut oil to create a smooth consistency that will spread easily on top of the bars. It will quickly firm up in the freezer for easy slicing too!

How to Make Cookie Dough Bars

To make these bars, stir together the almond flour, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla, and chocolate chips or chunks. Spread in a single layer in a parchment paper lined 8 x 8 baking dish.

Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil until smooth in a bowl in the microwave or in a small pot on the stovetop. Pour over the cookie dough. Place in the freezer until chocolate is firm. Top with sea salt flakes and slice!

Can You Use All Purpose Flour?

No, all purpose flour shouldn’t be consumed raw as it can contain harmful bacteria like e.coli and salmonella.

Can You Use Coconut Flour?

Please don’t. Whenever I share a recipe with almond flour I receive questions about using coconut flour instead. While I do enjoy coconut flour, it absolutely cannot be subbed for almond flour (or any flour) at a 1:1 ratio. It is incredibly absorbent so it can make your food dry and crumbly when not used correctly. I recommend sticking with the almond flour in this recipe.

Are These Bars Paleo?

Yes, these are paleo if you use a paleo nut butter and chocolate chips.

Are These Bars Vegan and Dairy Free?

Yes, these are vegan and dairy free if you use maple syrup and vegan chocolate chips.

Can You Omit the Salt?

You definitely can skip the salt flakes if you like. But I’m telling you that salt really adds something! If you’re not topping your chocolate treats with a bit of salt you don’t know what you’re missing!

Can You Use a 9 x 13 Baking Dish?

I personally wouldn’t because your dough and chocolate will be spread really thin. I love the thickness of these bars when using the 8 x 8 baking dish!

How to Store Cookie Dough Bars

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

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