Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars
Indulge in creamy Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery crust, luscious cheesecake filling, and a sweet cookie dough topping with chocolate chips. This easy-to-make dessert combines the best of both worlds, delivering rich flavor and perfect texture in every bite. Ideal for parties, holidays, or any sweet craving, these customizable bars are sure to impress and satisfy.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 60 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend)
For the Crust
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- Pinch of salt
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
For the Cookie Dough Layer
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (mini or regular)
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, granulated sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt until crumbly but well combined. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×9 or 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper to form an even, sturdy crust.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: In a separate large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream, vanilla extract, and sugar until well incorporated and creamy, but do not overmix.
- Craft the Cookie Dough Layer: Combine brown sugar, softened butter, flour, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl until a dough forms. Fold in chocolate chips gently to preserve texture.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the prepared crust. Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough across the cheesecake layer and gently press in to create a marbled effect or cover entirely, depending on your preference.
- Bake and Cool: Bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 35-40 minutes or until the edges are set but the center still slightly jiggles. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until fully chilled and firm before slicing.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to ensure a smooth batter without lumps.
- Mix the cheesecake ingredients until just combined to prevent air bubbles and cracks.
- Chill the assembled pan in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before baking to reduce spreading.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and neat slicing.
- Remove bars from the oven while the center is still slightly jiggly to avoid overbaking and dryness.
- These bars can be customized with mix-ins like nuts, peanut butter swirl, cocoa powder, or berries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16th of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: cookie dough, cheesecake bars, dessert, easy baking, layered dessert, chocolate chip, gluten free option