Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars

If you’re looking for a dessert that will bring everyone together, look no further! These Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: rich cheesecake and gooey chocolate chip cookies. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe is not only easy to whip up but also incredibly satisfying. You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds (or thirds) before you even realize it!

What makes these bars truly special is their simplicity. With just five wholesome ingredients, you can create a dessert that feels indulgent yet is so straightforward to make. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a movie night, or simply craving something sweet, these bars are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make: With just five ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have these delicious bars ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves cookies and cheesecake, making this dessert a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare these bars in advance and store them in the fridge for quick treats throughout the week.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The creamy cheesecake pairs perfectly with the sweet chocolate chip cookie crust for an unforgettable taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual get-together or a special event, these bars will always be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients for these Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars. You probably have most of them in your kitchen already!

For the Cookie Base

• 1 18 oz roll refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with some fun variations.

• Add Some Crunch: Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch in your cheesecake filling.
• Switch Up the Flavors: Try adding peanut butter or almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile.
• Make It Festive: Top the bars with seasonal sprinkles or crushed candy canes during the holidays for a festive touch.
• Go Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative to make it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden brown color.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or non-stick foil. This makes it super easy to remove your bars once they’re baked—no sticky mess!

Step 3: Create the Cookie Dough Base

Take a little more than half of your chocolate chip cookie dough and spread it across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Press down firmly to create an even layer. This will serve as the delicious foundation for your cheesecake filling.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling

In a stand mixer or using a handheld mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy. It’s important to get this texture right so that your cheesecake filling turns out creamy and smooth!

Step 5: Sweeten It Up

Add in your granulated sugar and mix until well combined. The sugar adds sweetness while balancing out the tanginess of the cream cheese—yum!

Step 6: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla

Beat in one room-temperature egg and half a teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. This step is essential as it helps bind everything together, creating that luscious cheesecake texture.

Step 7: Assemble Your Bars

Pour your creamy cheesecake filling over the cookie dough base you created earlier. Spread it out evenly so every bite gets that delightful flavor.

Step 8: Top It Off

Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the top of the cheesecake filling. This will give you those lovely cookie bits on top once baked—who can resist?

Step 9: Bake Time!

Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown. The edges should be set while still being slightly soft in the center; trust me, this is where all the magic happens!

Step 10: Cool Before Cutting

Once baked, let your bars cool completely before cutting them into squares. Patience here pays off as they firm up nicely during cooling.

Step 11: Store & Enjoy!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator (if there are any!). These Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars are perfect straight from the fridge or at room temperature—enjoy every last bite!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars

These tips will help you create the perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars that everyone will love!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your cream cheese and egg to come to room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smoother cheesecake filling, avoiding lumps.
• Don’t Over-Bake: Keep an eye on your bars while they bake. They should be set but still slightly soft in the center; they will firm up as they cool.
• Chill Before Cutting: Letting your bars cool completely and then chilling them in the refrigerator for at least an hour makes cutting easier and gives the flavors time to meld together beautifully.
• Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add a handful of nuts or chocolate chips into the cheesecake layer for added texture and flavor. This customization can make your bars even more delightful!
• Line Your Baking Dish: Using parchment paper or non-stick foil not only prevents sticking but also makes it easy to lift out the entire batch for cutting.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars

These delectable bars are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in. Here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Fresh Berries: Adding a few fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries on top adds a pop of color and complements the sweetness of the bars.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate over the top can elevate the dessert visually and add an extra layer of indulgence.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with these bars, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option, whip up some coconut cream. It’s light, fluffy, and adds a tropical flair that complements the chocolate flavors perfectly.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance out the richness of the chocolate chip cookie cheesecake bars, making it a perfect side dish for any gathering.
• Coffee or Tea: Serving these delicious bars alongside a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances their flavors and makes for a delightful dessert experience.

Enjoy making these Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars, and don’t forget to share them with friends and family! They’re sure to become a favorite treat in no time.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time, so you have a delicious treat ready whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• If you’re planning to cut them into squares, wait until you’re ready to serve them for the best texture.

Freezing

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label your container with the date!

Reheating

• To enjoy a warm bar, preheat your oven to 350 F, place the bar on a baking sheet, and warm it for about 5-10 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave a single bar for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

If you’re curious about this delicious recipe, here are some common questions that might come to mind.

Can I use different cookie dough for Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with various cookie dough flavors like peanut butter or oatmeal chocolate chip for a fun twist on this classic dessert.

How do I know when my Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars are done baking?

The bars should be golden brown on top and slightly firm around the edges. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean but may have some cheesecake filling on it.

Can I make these Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars without cream cheese?

Yes! You can substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese or even cashew cream for a dairy-free version while still enjoying that creamy texture.

What can I serve with Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars?

These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or fresh fruit. A drizzle of chocolate sauce can also elevate the dessert experience!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars as much as I do! They’re an easy yet indulgent treat that’s perfect for sharing (or not!). Whether it’s a family gathering or just a cozy night at home, these bars are sure to bring joy. Happy baking!