I did a whole lot of cooking this weekend. I’m all cooked out. I spent the whole day saturday and sunday in the kitchen prepping for a big week. I’ve got a few dinner parties, a boat load of meetings, Valentine’s Day, and some other fun things to tend to. And I don’t know about you, but when I have a busy week coming up, it helps when I cook up a storm before the madness begins. That way, I know that no matter what happens, there is something to eat in the fridge that we can whip out and heat up for dinner.
I roasted some potatoes, created my new favorite kind of carrots (recipe to come soon), threw some BBQ chicken in the slow cooker and then I made these Cheesecake Cookie Bars. And while everything else I made got 2 thumbs up from Thomas, it was these Cheesecake Cookie Bars that really stole the show. I can’t even deal. I seriously am considering sending them to work with him tomorrow because knowing me, they will all be gone within 24 hours. I just can’t help myself. I combined a WAY easy cheesecake recipe with my favorite Valentine’s Day themed m&m cookies and voila… Cheesecake Cookie Bars that are dotted with colorful milk chocolate m&m’s. They are delish. And a really fun V-Day themed treat to bring into the office or bake up for your sweetie if you’re planning anything like that this year. I’ll probably devour all of these, and then make some more for Valentine’s Day. And then I’ll do a juice cleanse next week. Everything in moderation right? (my mom is probably shaking her head at me right now)
So make these and indulge a bit. Because it’s Valentine’s Day week… the biggest Hallmark Holiday of them all… and then go buy yourself some flowers because you deserve it!
Ingredients
Instructions
This recipe is so perfect for Valentine’s Day. Simple and so delicious!
This recipe looks delicious! What size bag of M & Ms did you use?
Just the regular 19 ounce bags!
These are perfect for Valentine’s Day! So cute and festive…not to mention fabulous!
these look awesome Gaby! so cute!
Perfect treats for Valentines day.
Such a cute treat! My little girl would be all over these.
These look delish & perfect for any Valentine
these are so festive and cute!! busy week, lady! glad you were able to get into the kitchen and cook away this weekend
these are perfect for Thursday! xo
These are adorable. Who doesn’t want cookie bars on Valentine’s Day?
I know right!! Nobody I know
Valentine’s perfect,Gaby!
I was so hoping you wouldn’t share the recipe but they are calling my name so I must oblige:)
Sorry to disappoint
Gotta spread the sugary love!!
I want these so much! I will make them, I may not share!
My Valentine would go crazy for these!
I want the whole pan!
Yum I have to try these! You could switch in other color M&Ms for other holidays too!
The perfect treat for Valentines Day, or indeed any other day, as far as I am concerned!! Yum!
Two of my favorites… Cheesecake & cookies! These sound and look amazing! Off to pin
I want one of these RIGHT. NOW.
Hi Gaby! I have an 8×8 pan- any suggestions on cooking time or modifications to the recipe?!
Mine are in the oven right now! Cannot wait to share with my 3 boys tomorrow for Valentine’s Day. They look delicious.
Thanks Gaby!
yay!! hugs and kisses to the whole Whipple clan! Happy V-Day!
I used the 9×9 pan but mine are a lot thicker than yours look in the picture…did you change it when you made them?
Hi Elyse – hmmmmm no I didn’t change anything when I made them. Have you let them cool for a bit? They will shrink down a bit as they cool. The sides of mine did get a bit thicker – but not so thick that it would make a huge difference. Let me know!
These bars look gorgeous and the recipe sounds easy. Happy V-Day, Gaby!
I’ve just pulled mine out of the oven, so haven’t tasted yet. They smell and look delicious! I followed the recipe exactly, but put them in a 9×13 pan, and let my daughter have enough dough to make 2 large sugar cookies to decorate, and it STILL almost overflowed the 9X13 pan. I can’t imagine cooking this in a 9X9. It’s okay with me… more cookies to enjoy!
Yum! These bars look great. I too try to cook a lot when I know I have a busy week ahead of me.
Loved the flavors but lots of challenges in the baking. I felt there was way too much batter for a 9×9 pan but followed the instructions exactly. The bake time was way off and they were not done at 40 minutes, I went 50 and they were “jiggly” as stated so removed them, but found lots of under cooked (pretty much raw) areas when cutting the bars. The edges puffed way up and the center completely fell in after removing from the oven so I ended up with very few bars that were edible and presentable. A bigger pan could have made all the difference in the overall success of these. I really regret not using a 9×13. But going back to flavor, unbelievable good. My son and I really enjoyed these and would attempt again in the bigger pan.
Thanks for the feedback Deb! I’m going to test it in a 9×13 this week!
I tried these again today in the 9×13 pan and was much happier with the results. Used all green M&M’s to keep them in touch with the currant holiday theme. Thanks for the tasty recipe!
yay!! glad they were green for St. Patty’s Day! I wish I had some
Oh yum! My daughter would love these—she’s an M&M freak! I’ll have to whip up a batch for her!
Wow! These look just lovely. I also did a lot of baking and cooking this week…and I’m ready for some take-out. Then again, I might just have to make a batch of these! I’m glad I found your blog! So many great treats here. Thank you for sharing!
These are adorable! It looks like the perfect dessert to give to someone as a gift. I love it!