Vegan: No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars (Vegan)

Three no-bake chocolate chip cookie dough bars on top of each other.

Create a batch of these simple no-bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars using simple, vegan-friendly ingredients and minimal prep time! These bars, studded with chocolate chips,also sport a luscious layer of peanut butter and chocolate, making them an irresistible treat that will quickly become your new go-to dessert.

Not only are these bars tasty, but they’re also simple to make, so they’re reliable for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. Whip up a batch of these no-bake chocolate chip cookie dough bars in nearly no time, then just keep them handy for a guilt-free indulgence whenever a craving strikes!

No Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars

Are you guilty of eating cookie dough? We definitely are!

Especially when it comes to our from-scratch chocolate chip cookies. They’re just so good!

So, we decided to create cookie dough bars that are full of the same chocolatey flavor but are totally safe to eat. We even took them one step further and added a peanut butter chocolate topping.

They’re like a peanut butter cup meets chocolate chip cookie. Can you say YUM?

Plus, they require minimal prep time, no cook time, make enough to feed a crowd, and store well. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get in the kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cookie Dough Bars

Peanut Butter – Silky butter works finest. Avoid natural peanut butter options as they tend to separate and can cause your bars to become soggy.
Coconut Oil – This helps combine the ingredients.
Maple Syrup – Adds a touch of sweetness without the need for extra refined sugar. If you’re not following a vegan diet, feel free to use honey instead if preferred.
Vanilla Extract – This adds extra depth and enhances the sweet flavor.
Sea Salt – Just a pinch brings out the taste of the rest of the ingredients.
Almond Flour – This forms the base of the dough and adds healthy fats and fiber!
Mini Chocolate Chips – Use dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips. Opt for vegan varieties if following a vegan diet.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Topping

Chocolate Chips – Use the same chocolate chips you include in the bars.
Peanut Butter – Again, avoid natural varieties as they won’t create a smooth, cohesive topping.

How to Craft Cookie Dough Bars – Go Ahead and Lick the Spoon!

Prepare the Cookie Dough Bars

Combine the wet ingredients. Add the peanut butter, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt to a large mixing bowl. Stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
Add the dry ingredients. Gradually add the almond flour to the bowl of wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms. You may need to use your hands! Then, fold in the chocolate chips.
Press the dough. Using your hands, press the cookie dough into a square baking dish lined with parchment paper.
Freeze. Transfer the baking dish to the freezer until the cookie dough is solid.

Make the Topping

Melt the ingredients. Melt the chocolate and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl or a double broiler, stirring until smooth. Then, set the mixture aside to cool slightly.

Layer the Bars

Pour. Pour the melted topping over the solid bars in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
Chill. Return the baking dish to the freezer to set.
Slice. Use the edges of the parchment paper to lift the bars from the baking dish. Then, place the slab on a cutting board, and use a sharp knife to slice it into bars or squares.

A cookie dough bar on its side next to two stacked on top of each other.

Flavor Variations to Satisfy All Your Cravings

Mix-Ins – Feel free to omit or add to the chocolate chips with fun mix-ins like Heath bar bites, M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, chopped peanut butter cups, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes.
Salted – Add a sprinkle of salt to the chocolate topping before it solidifies for a salted chocolate taste.
Oats – Fold in two cups of speedy oats and ¼ to ½ cup flour to replicate the taste and texture of oatmeal cookies.
Festive – Mix and match holiday ingredients like colored M&Ms and festive sprinkles to make these bars suitable for all your go-to holidays.

How to Store and Freeze

Store leftover cookie dough bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Allow them to come to room temperature for a softer, chewier texture before serving.

Freeze leftover bars for up to two to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight, and allow them to come to room temperature.

Note: Place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers of cookie dough bars to prevent them from clumping together in the fridge or freezer!

Common Questions About These No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars

Can I use regular chocolate chips in vegan cookie dough bars?

Sure—just make sure they’re dairy-free! Many dark chocolate chips are naturally vegan, but it’s always good to double-check the label.

What keeps the cookie dough together without eggs?

Nut butter and coconut oil help bind everything together. They keep the texture soft and rich without needing eggs or dairy.

What makes vegan cookie dough bars taste like real cookie dough?

It’s all about the combination of vanilla, a hint of salt, and those sweet chocolate chips. Using almond flour helps mimic that classic doughy texture too.

What can I add to these bars for extra flavor?

Try tossing in chopped nuts or shredded coconut. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top also adds a fun, gourmet touch!

More No-Bake Desserts

If you’re all about simple desserts that don’t require heating up the kitchen, we have tons of options the we know you’ll love!

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 12 servings

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 2 mins
Chill Time: 30 mins
Total: 42 mins

Make these no-bake chocolate chip cookie dough bars with simple, vegan-friendly ingredients and minimal prep time! Email

Ingredients

For the Vegan Brookies:

1/2 cup silky peanut butter
1/4 cup melted coconut oil
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 1/4 cups almond flour
1 cup mini chocolate chips

For the Chocolate Peanut Butter Topping:

1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup peanut butter

Instructions

For the Vegan Brookies:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the silky peanut butter, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Stir until the mixture is well combined.1/2 cup silky peanut butter, 1/4 cup melted coconut oil, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Gradually add the almond flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Use two hands to incorporate the almond flour, if needed.2 1/4 cups almond flour
Once the dough is well mixed, fold in the mini chocolate chips.1 cup mini chocolate chips
Line a square baking dish (8×8 inches) with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for simple removal later.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the lined baking dish. Use fingers or a spatula to smooth it out.
Place the baking dish in the freezer, and let it set for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

For the Chocolate Peanut Butter Topping:

In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate chips and peanut butter together until smooth. Do this in 20 to 30-second increments in the microwave, stirring between each increment. Or, melt it over low heat in a double boiler on the stovetop.1 cup dark chocolate chips, 1/4 cup peanut butter
Once the chocolate and peanut butter are melted and combined, remove them from the heat, and let them cool slightly.

Assembly:

Remove the baking dish with the firm cookie dough layer from the freezer.
Pour the melted chocolate peanut butter topping over the almond mixture into the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
Return the baking dish to the refrigerator, and let it set for at least 1-2 hours or until the topping is firm.
Once the cookie dough bars are fully set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the dish. Place them on a cutting board, and cut them into squares or bars.
Serve, and enjoy the vegan cookie dough bars with a tasty chocolate peanut butter topping!