Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

If you’re a fan of rich, creamy cheesecake and love the comforting taste of chocolate chip cookies, then this Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars recipe is about to become your new favorite dessert. Perfectly blending the chewy, buttery texture of a classic chocolate chip cookie with the smooth, tangy flavor of cheesecake, these bars are an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, a family gathering, or just a cozy night at home, these bars are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Let’s dive into this deliciously decadent recipe!

Ingredients Breakdown

Essential Ingredients for the Crust

The crust of these cheesecake bars is essentially a chocolate chip cookie dough base that provides a satisfying, chewy texture beneath the creamy cheesecake layer. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups of All-Purpose Flour: This forms the structure of your cookie dough.
• 1/2 teaspoon of Baking Soda: Helps the dough rise slightly, ensuring a soft texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon of Salt: Enhances the flavors in the dough.
• 2/3 cup of Softened Butter: Adds moisture and richness to the crust.
• 1/2 cup of Sugar & 2/3 cup of Brown Sugar: The combination of sugars provides the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness.
• 1 Egg: Binds the ingredients together.
• 2 teaspoons of Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor to the cookie dough.
• 2 cups of Chocolate Chips: The star ingredient that gives the crust its classic cookie flavor.

Key Ingredients for the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

The filling is where the magic happens, creating that creamy contrast to the cookie base:

• 8 oz of Softened Cream Cheese: The base of your cheesecake, providing a rich, creamy texture.
• 1/2 cup of Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake without overpowering it.
• 1 Egg: Helps set the cheesecake layer.
• 1 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of warmth and complexity to the filling.

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To ensure your Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars turn out perfectly, make sure you have the following kitchen tools on hand:

• 9×9-inch Square Baking Pan: For baking the bars to the right thickness.
• Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil: Helps with easy removal of the bars after baking.
• Nonstick Spray: Prevents the bars from sticking to the pan.
• Mixing Bowls: For preparing the cookie dough and cheesecake filling.
• Whisk and Spatula: To mix and combine ingredients smoothly.
• Electric Mixer (optional): Makes creaming the butter and sugar easier.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Preparing the Crust for the Cheesecake Bars

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is hot enough by the time your bars are ready to bake.
2. Line the Baking Pan: Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving enough overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Spray it lightly with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a larger mixing bowl, cream together 2/3 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 2/3 cup of brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes if you’re using an electric mixer.
5. Incorporate the Egg and Vanilla: Add 1 egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until fully combined.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to avoid a tough dough.
7. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in 2 cups of chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
8. Form the Base Layer: Press about two-thirds of the dough mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use a spatula or your fingers to spread it out evenly, forming a solid, even layer.

Creating the Cream Cheese Filling

1. Prepare the Filling: In a clean bowl, combine 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until smooth and well-blended. The filling should be creamy with no lumps.
2. Layer the Filling: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cookie dough layer in the pan, using a spatula to smooth it out.
3. Top with Remaining Dough: Crumble the remaining third of the cookie dough over the top of the cream cheese layer. Try to cover the filling as much as possible, but it’s okay if some filling peeks through.

Baking Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Bars

1. Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and the cookie dough on top is golden brown. The center should no longer jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
2. Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the cheesecake layer firm up, making it easier to cut into clean bars.

Expert Tips for Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars

How to Achieve the Perfect Crust-to-Cheesecake Ratio

For the best results, ensure that your cookie crust is thick enough to support the cheesecake layer but not too thick that it overpowers it. Pressing the dough evenly across the pan is crucial for this balance.

Tips for Avoiding a Crumbly Base

Ensure that your butter is properly softened before mixing. Cold butter can lead to a crumbly base that won’t hold together well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Dough

Be careful not to overmix your cookie dough, especially after adding the flour. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense crust instead of a light, chewy one.

Undercooking or Overbaking the Cheesecake Bars

Keep an eye on the baking time. Undercooking will result in a gooey, unset center, while overbaking can dry out both the cheesecake and the cookie layers.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Creative Ways to Serve Your Cheesecake Bars

• Slice Cleanly: Use a sharp knife, warmed under hot water and wiped dry, to make clean cuts through the chilled bars.
• Decorate with Drizzles: For added flair, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the top of each bar before serving.
• Garnish with Fresh Fruit: Fresh berries or a sprig of mint can add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich bars.

Presentation Tips for Parties and Gatherings

Arrange the sliced bars on a decorative platter, and consider layering them with small pieces of parchment paper if stacking. This not only prevents sticking but also adds a touch of elegance.

Variations and Recipe Swaps

Substitutes for Key Ingredients

• Butter Alternatives: If you’re out of butter, margarine or coconut oil can be used in equal amounts.
• Cream Cheese Substitutes: Neufchâtel cheese offers a lower-fat option that works similarly to cream cheese in this recipe.

Alternative Flavors and Add-Ins

• Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough for extra crunch.
• Peanut Butter Variation: Swirl peanut butter into the cream cheese filling for a chocolate-peanut butter twist.

Storage and Leftover Tips

How to Store Your Cheesecake Bars for Maximum Freshness

• Refrigeration: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure they are fully cooled before storing to maintain the best texture.
• Freezing Instructions: To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

FAQ Section

How Long Do These Cheesecake Bars Last?

When stored in the refrigerator, these bars will stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.

Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Ensure all other ingredients, like chocolate chips, are also gluten-free.

How to Know When Cheesecake Bars Are Fully Baked?

The cheesecake layer should be set, with a slight jiggle in the center, and the top cookie layer should be golden brown. If unsure, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts, perfect for any sweet tooth craving. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this recipe is a must-try for cookie and cheesecake enthusiasts alike. Once you’ve tried them, be sure to share this recipe with your friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes!

Print