M&M Cheesecake Cookie Bars

4.85 from 13 votes

M&M Cheesecake Cookie Bars! It’s a combo of sugar cookies, cheesecake and M&M’s all layered together to make the ultimate dessert bar!

Prep Time10

Cook Time40

Chill2

Total Time2 50

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: bars

Author: Gaby Dalkin

Ingredients

For the Cookie Layer

1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature (Tillamook unsalted is my preference)
½ cup brown sugar
1 ½ cup white sugar
2 eggs
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ½ cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup M&M’s

For the Cheesecake Layer

8 oz cream cheese room temp (again, Tillamook is my fav)
½ cup white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large stand mixer, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together on medium speed for 3 minutes, until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.On low speed, gradually mix in the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder until a dough forms. Toss in 1 cup of Christmas M&M’s and mix for just a second to distribute them evenly. Chill the dough in the refrigerator while you prepare the cheesecake layer.
Make the Cheesecake Layer: In a separate bowl, whip the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract together for about 3 minutes, until smooth and creamy.
Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with foil, allowing some overhang for easy removal, and spray it with non-stick baking spray.
Assemble the Bars: Press half of the chilled cookie dough into the prepared pan to form an even layer at the bottom. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cookie dough layer.Crumble the remaining cookie dough on top of the cheesecake layer and sprinkle the remaining M&M’s over the top
Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the cookie dough is golden brown. The center may still look slightly jiggly, but don’t worry—it will firm up as it cools
Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool on the counter for 30 minutes, then transfer the pan to the refrigerator to chill completely for at least 2 hours. Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the foil overhang, cut into squares, and enjoy!
Pro Tip: For neat slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts

Notes

M&Ms come in SO many colors - you'll be able to match this dessert with any celebration!

Nutrition