Imagine biting into a dessert that combines the best of both worlds: soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies and creamy, dreamy ice cream. These Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Bars are the ultimate treat for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or celebrating a birthday. With a deliciously rich chocolate chip cookie base and a generous layer of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, these bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

The beauty of these bars lies in their simplicity and the balance of flavors. The warm, buttery notes of the cookie dough perfectly complement the cold, creamy ice cream, creating an irresistible combination that will leave you wanting more. Plus, they are easy to make ahead of time, so you can enjoy effortless entertaining or a cozy night in with your favorite dessert on hand.

Why It Deserves a Spot

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Bars deserve a spot in your dessert repertoire for several reasons:

Versatile: You can customize the ice cream flavor or even add in your favorite mix-ins.
Make-Ahead: These bars can be prepared in advance, making them perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Kid-Friendly: They’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike, making them a crowd-pleaser.
Easy to Slice: Unlike traditional ice cream cakes, these bars are easy to cut and serve, perfect for sharing.

What’s in the Bowl

To make these delectable Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 1/8 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
12 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups chocolate chips
Sea salt for sprinkling over bars, if desired
1.5 quart of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, softened
1/3 cup chocolate chips
Hot fudge sauce for serving, if desired

Must-Have Equipment

Before you start baking, gather the following equipment:

Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
Whisk: To mix the wet ingredients smoothly.
Rubber Spatula: Perfect for folding in chocolate chips and ice cream.
9×13-inch Baking Pan: To bake the cookie base.
Parchment Paper: For easy removal of the bars.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Bars Cooking Guide

Follow these simple steps to create your own Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Bars:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Gently fold in the chocolate chips.

Step 5: Bake the Cookie Layer

Spread half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to press it evenly into the bottom. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan.

Step 6: Add Ice Cream Layer

Once the cookie base has cooled, spread the softened chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream evenly over the cookie layer. Sprinkle the additional 1/3 cup of chocolate chips on top.

Step 7: Top with Remaining Cookie Dough

Take the remaining cookie dough and drop small spoonfuls over the ice cream layer. Don’t worry about covering it completely; it’s okay if some ice cream peeks through.

Step 8: Final Bake

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cookie topping is golden and set.

Step 9: Cool and Chill

Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, place them in the freezer for at least 2 hours or until firm.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

When ready to serve, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into squares and sprinkle with sea salt if desired. Drizzle with hot fudge sauce for an extra treat!

Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions

If you need to make some adjustments, consider these swaps:

Butter: Use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free option.
Brown Sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option.
Eggs: For a vegan version, you can use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg substitute.
Ice Cream: Feel free to use any flavor of your choice, like vanilla or mint chocolate chip.

Pro Tips & Notes

Softening Ice Cream: Make sure your ice cream is softened to spread easily, but not completely melted.
Chilling Time: Don’t skip the chilling step; it ensures the bars hold their shape when sliced.
Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with whipped cream or extra hot fudge for a decadent dessert experience.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in the freezer for easy future treats. Here’s how to handle leftovers:

Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. This will keep them fresh and ready to enjoy whenever a craving strikes. Simply take them out of the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before indulging.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Bars Q&A

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them in the freezer until you’re ready to serve.

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour for a gluten-free version of these bars.

What if I don’t have chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream?

You can use any flavor of ice cream you enjoy, such as vanilla or cookies and cream. Just make sure it has a similar texture for the best results.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The edges should be golden brown, and the center should look set but not overcooked. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Serve & Enjoy

When it comes to serving your Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Bars, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re enjoying them as a late-night snack, serving them at a gathering, or packing them for a picnic, these bars are a delightful treat that everyone will love.

You can serve them plain or elevate the experience with a drizzle of hot fudge sauce and a scoop of whipped cream on the side. Each bite is a celebration of chocolatey goodness and creamy delight that will leave you and your guests craving more.

With their perfect textures and flavors, these Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Bars are sure to become a beloved dessert in your home. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to indulge in a sweet treat that combines the best of cookie and ice cream worlds! Enjoy every bite!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Bars

Indulge in these Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Bars! A dreamy blend of chewy cookies and creamy ice cream, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 35

Total Time 1

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Cookie Base:

2 1/8 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
12 tablespoons butter melted and cooled to room temperature
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups chocolate chips
Sea salt for sprinkling over bars if desired

For the Ice Cream Layer:

1.5 quart chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream softened
1/3 cup chocolate chips
Hot fudge sauce for serving if desired

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Rubber spatula
9x13-inch baking pan
Parchment paper
Measuring cups and spoons

Method

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
Step 5: Spread half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to press it evenly into the bottom. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan.
Step 6: Once the cookie base has cooled, spread the softened chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream evenly over the cookie layer. Sprinkle the additional 1/3 cup of chocolate chips on top.
Step 7: Take the remaining cookie dough and drop small spoonfuls over the ice cream layer. Don’t worry about covering it completely; it’s okay if some ice cream peeks through.
Step 8: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cookie topping is golden and set.
Step 9: Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, place them in the freezer for at least 2 hours or until firm.
Step 10: When ready to serve, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into squares and sprinkle with sea salt if desired. Drizzle with hot fudge sauce for an extra treat!