Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars
Deliciously creamy Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars that combine rich, smooth cheesecake with chewy, sweet cookie dough and mini chocolate chips. An easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for parties, gatherings, or indulging your sweet tooth. Enjoy a decadent fusion of textures and flavors with customizable options to suit dietary needs.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitution)
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cookie Dough Layer & Crust
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- Prepare the Cookie Dough Layer: In a mixing bowl, cream softened butter with brown sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually incorporate flour and baking powder, stirring until just combined. Finally, fold in mini chocolate chips and set aside.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar and sour cream, mixing until silky and fully combined. Sprinkle in vanilla extract to amplify the authentic cheesecake flavor.
- Assemble the Bars: Press half of the cookie dough mixture evenly into a lined baking pan, creating a firm base. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cookie dough layer, spreading it evenly. Crumble the remaining cookie dough on top of the cheesecake layer for a fun textured finish.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake at 325°F (162°C) for 40-45 minutes or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to maintain their shape.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cooled bars for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture and flavor meld. Cut into squares and enjoy this luscious treat!
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for a smooth batter without lumps.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid cracks in the cheesecake layer.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper with overhangs for easy removal and neat slicing.
- Check doneness when edges are set but the center still wiggles slightly.
- Chill the bars properly to ensure clean cuts and mellow flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16th of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: cookie dough cheesecake bars, dessert bars, cheesecake dessert, cookie dough dessert, easy cheesecake bars, party dessert, gluten free dessert option