Name: Cookie Dough Bark Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 and 1/2 cups almond flour; 1/4 cup cashew butter (or peanut butter); 1/4 cup maple syrup; 2 tbsp melted coconut oil; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup chocolate chips; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1 tsp coconut oil; Flaky sea salt, optional

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If you adore the nostalgic, sweet allure of cookie dough but want a fun, shareable twist, this Cookie Dough Bark Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It combines the buttery richness of almond flour and cashew butter with the decadent melt of chocolate chips, creating a wonderfully textured treat that feels both indulgent and playful. Whether you want to impress guests or just treat yourself, this dessert offers a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet – all without needing to bake for hours. Ready to dive into a dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat? Let’s break down this wonderful Cookie Dough Bark Recipe together!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl with a light beige rim, filled with two visible layers. The bottom layer is a crumbly, sandy-colored dough with a coarse texture, covering the entire bowl base. On top, there is a thick pile of small, smooth, dark brown chocolate chips, mostly centered but spreading slightly towards the edges. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Cookie Dough Bark Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building that luscious texture and flavor you crave, while keeping things delightfully straightforward.

Almond flour: Provides a naturally gluten-free, nutty base that mimics that classic cookie dough crumb perfectly.
Cashew butter (or peanut butter): Adds creamy richness and binds the dough with a subtle nutty flavor.
Maple syrup: Offers natural sweetness along with a hint of caramel depth.
Melted coconut oil: Creates smoothness and helps achieve that firm bark texture once chilled.
Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm aromatic note that elevates the entire flavor profile.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness.
Chocolate chips for mix-in: Provide delightful little bites of melted chocolate inside the dough layer.
Chocolate chips for topping: Melted to form the glossy top layer that seals in the cookie dough base.
Coconut oil for melting chocolate: Helps the chocolate set shiny and smooth on the bark.
Flaky sea salt (optional): Sprinkled on top for a finishing touch that teases your palate with contrast.

How to Make Cookie Dough Bark Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Start by combining the almond flour, cashew butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl. Stir everything well until the mixture is uniform and creamy. This is where the magic begins, as the dough takes shape with the perfect balance of moistness and texture. Then fold in the chocolate chips to introduce those irresistible bursts of chocolate throughout.

Step 2: Press the Dough

Lay a piece of parchment paper over a cutting board or large plate, then transfer the cookie dough mixture onto it. Using a silicone spatula or your clean hands, firmly press the dough to spread it evenly into a half-inch thick layer. This step is key to getting that satisfying bark consistency — think firm but still soft enough for that classic cookie dough feel.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

Next, get a small bowl ready with the chocolate chips and the teaspoon of coconut oil. Heat the mixture in 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring in between, until the chocolate melts completely smooth and glossy. This silky melted chocolate is going to be the luscious top layer that makes this recipe shine.

Step 4: Layer the Chocolate

Pour the melted chocolate over the cookie dough base and gently spread it in an even layer. If you want to add a delightful flavor contrast, sprinkle flaky sea salt across the top while the chocolate is still warm. This tiny touch takes the Cookie Dough Bark Recipe to the next level!

Step 5: Chill and Cut

Pop the whole thing into the freezer for about 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to fully set and the bark to firm up. Once chilled, lift the bark from the parchment paper and chop it into large, rustic chunks. Now you have the perfect snack or dessert that’s ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Cookie Dough Bark Recipe

The image shows a pile of broken cookie dough bark pieces on white parchment paper, placed on a white marbled surface. Each piece has two layers: a top layer of smooth, dark chocolate sprinkled with flaky sea salt, and a bottom layer of golden cookie dough with visible dark chocolate chips scattered throughout. The shapes are mostly triangles and irregular polygons, with some edges showing a rough but firm texture. Around the parchment paper, there are small bowls and measuring spoons holding additional sea salt flakes and dark chocolate chips. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the flaky sea salt is a must-try finish, consider sprinkling some crushed nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of white chocolate for extra flair. These garnishes add pops of texture and visual delight that make serving this bark feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This cookie dough bark pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a dreamy dessert plate. For a more decadent experience, try it alongside fresh berries or a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Cookie Dough Bark Recipe on a rustic wooden board or a pretty platter lined with parchment paper, perfect for sharing at parties. You can also package chunks in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a charming homemade gift. Cutting the bark into fun shapes with cookie cutters before chilling is another playful idea that kids and adults alike will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cookie dough bark keeps beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the fridge for up to a week. Be sure to layer pieces between parchment paper to prevent sticking. This makes it perfect to make in advance for gatherings or casual weekday treats.

Freezing

You can freeze Cookie Dough Bark Recipe chunks for up to two months without any loss in texture or flavor. Wrap pieces individually or in small batches and thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge. Freezing is a great way to always have a sweet snack on hand.

Reheating

This bark is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature for that signature crisp and chewy contrast. If you want a slightly melty experience, a quick 5-10 second zap in the microwave works wonders — just don’t overdo it or the bark will get too soft.

FAQs

Can I use peanut butter instead of cashew butter?

Absolutely! Peanut butter works perfectly in this recipe and adds its own unique, familiar nutty flavor. Just use a natural, creamy variety for the best results.

Is this Cookie Dough Bark Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, since almond flour is naturally gluten-free and there is no wheat in the ingredients, this recipe is a safe and tasty option for those avoiding gluten.

Can I substitute maple syrup with another sweetener?

You can swap maple syrup for honey or agave nectar if you prefer, but keep in mind this may slightly alter the flavor and sweetness level. Adjust to taste as needed.

What if I don’t have coconut oil?

Coconut oil helps with texture and melting, but you can substitute with unsalted butter or another neutral oil. It might change the consistency a bit, but the bark will still be delicious!

How thick should I make the cookie dough layer?

About half an inch thick is ideal to balance chewiness and firmness. Thicker layers might take longer to set and be harder to bite, while thinner layers could become overly crisp.

Final Thoughts

This Cookie Dough Bark Recipe is one of those desserts that feels like a little slice of joy in every bite. Its effortless assembly, combined with incredible flavor and texture, makes it a sure-fire favorite for any occasion. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears from the plate — trust me, your friends and family will be asking for the recipe before the first bite is even finished!