Have you ever made a Cheesecake Cookie Bars? If not, please stop whatever you're doing, go raid your fridge, and then get down to business. They are the best treats ever only second to my famous Slutty Brownie recipe.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
Layers of homemade cookie dough and cheesecake mixed together results in the most decadent (but easy) Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookie Bars! Omg get ready....
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookie Bars have been around my house for literally decades!! I can remember the first time one of my aunts made them for us when I was a kid. It was the recipe on the back of the cream cheese box and I just about died. It was heaven. The recipe has gone through a few dozen modifications because nowadays I can ONLY use my most favorite chocolate chip cookie dough recipe in the whole wide world. Which makes these bars even better! Then the cookie dough gets split in half, layered in the bottom of a baking tin, topped with the cheesecake mixture and then dolloped with more cookie dough. HELLO PERFECTION!
Ingredients & Substitutions
For the Cookie Layer
- Unsalted Butter
- Brown Sugar
- White Sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla Extract
- All Purpose Flour
- Salt
- Baking Soda
- Baking Powder
- Chocolate Chips
For the Cheesecake Layer
- Cream Cheese
- White sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla Extract
*For the full list of ingredients and directions please see recipe card below
How to Make Cheesecake Cookie Bars
Cookie Dough
Step 1: Cream together the butter and sugars in a large stand mixer
Step 2: Add the eggs and vanilla, making sure to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl
Step 3: Add the flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder and mix on low until everything is incorporated.
Step 4: Toss in a handful of the chocolate chips and mix for a quick second. Chill the dough while you make the cheesecake layer.
Cheesecake
Step 1: Whip together the cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla for 3 minutes until everything is evenly combined and smooth.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9x13 baking pan with tin foil and spray it with non-stick baking spray. Press ½ of the cookie dough mixture into the bottom of the pan to make 1 even layer.
Step 3: Spread the cheesecake mixture on top of the cookie dough.
Step 4: Crumble and sprinkle the remaining cookie dough on top of the cheesecake mixture and then sprinkle with the remaining chocolate chips.
Step 5: Place it into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the cookie dough is golden brown. The inner part of the dish might look a bit jiggly, but not to fear. Once the Cheesecake Cookie Bars have baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the counter for 30 minutes. Then transfer them to the fridge and cool completely for at least 2 hours. Cut and serve as needed.
How to Store Cheesecake Cookie Bars
You should let these set in the fridge for two hours before serving. Leftovers should be stored in the fridge, for 3-4 days.
How to Freeze Cheesecake Cookie Bars
You can also freeze these cheescake cookie bars!! Cut them into squares and store in a freezer bag for up to a month.
Tips & Tricks
Try different varieties of chocolate chips or a mix. You could even use chopped nuts.
Make sure the bars are cooled before putting them in the fridge. Putting warm bars in the fridge can make them soggy.
FAQs
How to tell that the cheesecake cookie bars are baked?
The cookie part should be golden brown. The inner part of the dish might look a bit jiggly, but don't be worried about that. Make sure you do not overcook it, since that can make the cookie crisper and the cheesecake layer dry.
Does the cream cheese need to be softened?
Yes, the cream cheese blends much better and smoother when it is softened and at room temperature. Just let it sit on the counter or place a hot cup over it if you are in a hurry.
If you tried this recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting today!
Cheesecake Cookie Bars
Ingredients
For the Cookie Layer
- 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese room temp
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
For the Cookie Layer
- Cream together the butter and sugars in a large stand mixer for 3 minutes. Add the eggs and vanilla, making sure to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl. Add the flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder and mix on low until everything is incorporated. Toss in a handful of the chocolate chips and mix for a quick second. Chill the dough while you make the cheesecake layer.
For the Cheesecake Layer
- Whip together the cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla for 3 minutes until everything is evenly combined and smooth.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Line a 9x13 baking pan with tin foil and spray it with non-stick baking spray.
- Press ½ of the cookie dough mixture into the bottom of the pan to make 1 even layer.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture on top of the cookie dough.
- Crumble and sprinkle the remaining cookie dough on top of the cheesecake mixture and then sprinkle with the remaining chocolate chips.
- Place it into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the cookie dough is golden brown. The inner part of the dish might look a bit jiggly, but not to fear. Once the Cheesecake Cookie Bars have baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the counter for 30 minutes. Then transfer them to the fridge and cool completely for at least 2 hours. Cut and serve as needed.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Photo by Matt Armendariz / Food Styling by Adam Pearson / Recipe from What’s Gaby Cooking
Yum I have to try these! You could switch in other color M&Ms for other holidays too!
I want the whole pan!
My Valentine would go crazy for these!
I want these so much! I will make them, I may not share!
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!!
Valentine's perfect,Gaby!
These are adorable. Who doesn't want cookie bars on Valentine's Day?
I know right!! Nobody I know 🙂
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 look delish & perfect for any Valentine 🙂
Such a cute treat! My little girl would be all over these.
Perfect treats for Valentines day.
these look awesome Gaby! so cute!
These are perfect for Valentine's Day! So cute and festive...not to mention fabulous!
This recipe looks delicious! What size bag of M & Ms did you use?
Just the regular 19 ounce bags!
This recipe is so perfect for Valentine's Day. Simple and so delicious!