Introduction
Indulging in the sweet world of desserts can be a rewarding experience, especially when it involves cookie dough and chocolate ganache. This delightful recipe combines the rich flavors of heat-treated cookie dough with a velvety ganache frosting, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. With easy-to-follow steps and ingredients readily available in your pantry, you can impress family and friends with these delicious cookie dough bars topped with a silky ganache.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Cookie Dough:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour, heat treated
– ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
– ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
– 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
– 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
– ¾ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
– ½ cup mini M&M’s
Ganache Frosting:
– 6 ounces semi-sweet baking bar, finely chopped
– ½ cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
– ½ cup mini M&M’s
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
– Cook Time: 10 minutes
– Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (including chilling time)
– Yield: 16 squares
Follow the simple steps outlined in the instructions to create this delightful dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Enjoy the process of making these cookie dough bars and sharing them with loved ones!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a medium rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Heat-Treat the Flour
Spread the all-purpose flour evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes until it’s no longer warm to the touch.
3. Prepare the Baking Pan
Line an 8×8-inch straight-sided baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
4. Mix Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature butter and packed light brown sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
With the mixer on low, gradually add the cooled, heat-treated flour to the butter mixture. The mixture will resemble coarse sand.
6. Add Sweetened Condensed Milk
Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and mix on low until fully combined, achieving a classic cookie dough texture.
7. Fold in Chocolate and M&M’s
Gently fold in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips and mini M&M’s until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
8. Transfer Dough to Baking Pan
Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared baking pan, spreading it into an even layer. Set aside.
9. Prepare Ganache
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the finely chopped semi-sweet baking bar and heavy cream. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then let it rest for 30 seconds before stirring until smooth.
10. Incorporate Light Corn Syrup
Stir in the light corn syrup until fully incorporated.
11. Cool and Pour Ganache
Allow the ganache to cool for 4-5 minutes before pouring it over the cookie dough layer, spreading it evenly.
12. Sprinkle M&M’s
Sprinkle the remaining mini M&M’s over the ganache.
13. Chill the Bars
Refrigerate the bars for 3-4 hours to allow the cookie dough to chill and the ganache to set.
14. Slice and Serve
Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into 16 squares and serve.
Notes
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Variations
Feel free to substitute the mini M&M’s with other candies or nuts according to your preference.
Texture
For a firmer bar, ensure the ganache is fully set before slicing and serving.
Cook techniques
Heat Treating Flour
To eliminate potential bacteria in flour, spread it evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. This step ensures the flour is safe for consumption.
Making Cookie Dough
First, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually incorporate the heat-treated flour and sweetened condensed milk to achieve a classic cookie dough consistency. Fold in chocolate chips and M&M’s for added flavor and texture.
Preparing Ganache
Combine finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl, microwaving until melted. Stir in light corn syrup for added gloss and smoothness, allowing it to cool slightly before spreading over the cookie dough.
Chilling and Setting
Refrigerate the layered dessert for 3-4 hours to allow the ganache to set solidly on the cookie layer, ensuring clean cuts when serving.
FAQ
What is heat-treated flour and why do I need it?
Heat-treated flour is flour that has been baked to eliminate any harmful bacteria. This is particularly important when making no-bake desserts.
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini ones?
Yes, you can substitute regular chocolate chips for mini chocolate chips, but adjust the quantity according to your preference for chocolate flavor and distribution.
What can I use instead of heavy cream for ganache?
You may use coconut cream or a non-dairy cream alternative, though the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
How long do these bars need to chill?
The bars should be refrigerated for at least 3-4 hours to ensure the ganache sets properly and the layers firm up.
Can I add more Mix-ins to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, dried fruit, or other candies to the cookie dough as desired, adjusting based on your taste preferences.
Conclusion
The combination of cookie dough and ganache frosting creates a deliciously indulgent treat that is both rich and satisfying. The sweet and slightly chewy cookie base, blended with chocolate chips and M&M’s, pairs perfectly with the smooth chocolate ganache. These bars are sure to delight anyone with a sweet tooth.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Oreo Cookie Truffle Bars
Swap the cookie dough base for crushed Oreo cookies mixed with cream cheese and top with a chocolate ganache.
Peanut Butter Brownie Bars
Use a brownie base instead of cookie dough, and swirl in peanut butter before baking. Top with a chocolate ganache for a decadent flavor.
Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Incorporate chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough mixture for added crunch and flavor.
Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
Layer yogurt, mixed berries, and granola for a refreshing and healthy dessert option.
Salted Caramel Brownies
Make a layer of salted caramel sauce to drizzle over chocolate brownie bars for a sweet and salty combination.
Matcha White Chocolate Cookies
Replace the cocoa elements with matcha powder and fold in white chocolate chips for a unique, vibrant green treat.
