If you love the rich flavor of cheesecake and the irresistible charm of cookie dough, these Cheesecake Cookie Dough Bars are your new go-to treat. Combining a buttery cookie base, a creamy cheesecake layer, and chunks of edible cookie dough, these bars are indulgent, decadent, and perfect for any dessert table.
Easy to make and impossible to resist, they are ideal for parties, bake sales, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth at home.
Ingredients
Makes 16 bars
Cookie Dough Base:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/4 cups (150g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips
Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Edible Cookie Dough Topping:
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour, heat-treated
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (45g) chocolate chips
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Baking time: 20 minutes
- Cooling time: 30 minutes
- Total time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Cookie Dough Base
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Add flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Press dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 12–15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare Cheesecake Layer
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the warm cookie base.
Step 3: Prepare Edible Cookie Dough Topping
- In a small bowl, combine heat-treated flour, brown sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough evenly over the cheesecake layer, gently pressing down slightly.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes to set the cheesecake and cookie dough layers.
- Cut into 16 squares and serve chilled.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for extra decadence.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or cold milk for a perfect snack.
- Ideal for dessert platters, bake sales, or gift boxes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 bar, approx. 1/16) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Protein | 4 grams |
| Total Fat | 15 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 9 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 32 grams |
| Sugars | 22 grams |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sodium | 130 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Cream cheese adds creamy texture and protein.
- Chocolate chips provide sweet bursts of chocolate flavor.
- Heat-treated flour in cookie dough topping ensures it is safe to eat raw.
Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Cookie Dough Bars
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth cheesecake layer.
- Press the cookie dough topping gently—too much pressure can mix it with the cheesecake layer.
- Chill bars thoroughly before slicing to get clean edges.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for best flavor.
Variations to Try
- Add crushed nuts to the cookie dough base or topping for added crunch.
- Swirl in caramel or peanut butter into the cheesecake layer before adding the cookie dough.
- Use white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips instead of traditional chocolate chips.
- Make mini bars in a cupcake pan for individual servings.
These Cheesecake Cookie Dough Bars are the ultimate indulgence, combining the richness of cheesecake, the familiarity of cookie dough, and the sweetness of chocolate into one irresistible dessert. Perfect for entertaining or treating yourself, they offer a fun and creative way to enjoy two desserts in one.