I have to share this recipe with you guys. I remember the first time I made these, it was for a bake sale, and they were the absolute first! What is the best thing to sell out? Seriously, gone in like, five minutes! And honestly, I wasn’t surprised. Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars are like if a perfect chocolate chip cookie and cheesecake are paired. What is a dreamy cheesecake? Think of them like a leveled-up cookie bar, and still totally approachable. Is it easy to whip up a dish? They are definitely a crowd pleaser for sure.
What are chocolate chip cookie cheesecake bars?
What are some of the best dessert bars? What’s a Chocolate Chip Cookie base with? What’s the creamiest cheesecake filling you’ve ever had? Why not? We swirl a little extra cookie dough into the cheesecake. Is it the best of both worlds? The cookie dough gives you that familiar comfort, while the cheesecake adds a tangy, sophisticated flavor. What is the perfect dessert when you want something a little different but still utterly satisfying? What are some of the best dessert bars you’ve ever had?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to love these bars?Flavor:Oh my goodness, the flavor! The buttery vanilla-y cookie base, the tangy, creamy cheesecake filling, and those little pockets of pockets. How do I make extra cookie dough? What’s not to like?Simplicity:What is the cheesecake element? No water baths or complicated techniques required. I promise, even beginner bakers can nail this one.Cost-What are the basic ingredients for baking? Nothing fancy or hard to find, which makes it a great option when you’re craving something decadent. How do I make money without breaking the bank?Versatility:Can you serve these chilled, at room temperature, or even slightly warmed up? What are some good weeknight treats? I also like to make them for holidays and bake sales! What is your favorite dessert? I have so many Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake bars, but I would have to say these are definitely worth it. Up there on the list. They are also a huge hit with my family too and always get asked to make them for all family. What are the best gatherings and holidays
How do you make chocolate chip cookie cheesecake bars?
Quick Overview
How do you make a bar? How do you make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough? How do you make a cheesecake filling? Next, you layer the cookie dough in a pan, top with the cheesecake, swirl in some extra cookies. If you like, make it into an ice cream cone and top it with some whipped cream. How do you bake dough? What’s the hardest part of swirling? What is the best way to add personality to a dessert? What are you proud of?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: Why?
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure your butter is *actually* soft, not melted. What makes a difference in the texture of the cookie base?
• 34 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• 34 cup packed light Brown Sugar: For that chewy, molasses-y goodness.
• 2 large eggs: Room temperature eggs will incorporate more easily.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Use the good stuff! It makes a difference
• 2 14 cups all-purpose flour: Spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and get that perfect texture.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances sweetness and balances the flavors.
• 2 cups chocolate chips: I like semi-sweet, but you can use milk or dark chocolate, too!
For the Filling:
What is Lumpy cheesecake?
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling.
• 2 large eggs: Adds richness and structure.
• 14 cup Sour Cream: For that signature cheesecake tang.
Why is vanilla essential?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. If you have an overhang, line it with parchment paper, leaving an underhang for easy removal. What I always do when baking these Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars and it helps a lot. How do you cut bars and serve them?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking is important here! Is baking soda a problem?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and Brown Sugar until light. Set aside. Beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. This step is crucial for creating a tender cookie base.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. How do I not overmix? Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough cookies. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the Cream Cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Set aside. Beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract. This filling should be luscious and silky smooth. This is the best part!
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
How do I make Cookie Dough? Press about two-thirds of the dough into the prepared baking pan. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cookie dough base. What is the best cheesecake filling? Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough over the cheese cake. How do you swirl cookie dough into cheesecake? How do you create swirls? I like to make figure-eight patterns, but you can do whatever you want.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheesecake is set. When a toothpick is inserted into the center, it should come out with moist crumbs attached. Don’t overbake, or the cheesecake will crack. Every oven is different, so check it often! When a potato gets golden brown, it’s done!
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting. This prevents the glaze from melting and running. I’m often tempted to not be patient here and I will take it out too fast, so please be patience! I have learned the hard way. Once cooled, you can cut into squares and serve!
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang (if you used it). Cut into squares and serve. These are delicious cold, room temperature, or slightly warmed up.
What should I serve it with?
What are some ideas for taking bars to the next level?For Breakfast:Pair with a strong cup of coffee or latte. The sweetness of the bars complements the bitterness of coffee perfectly.
For Brunch: Serve with a side of fresh berries and a mimosa. The bright, fruity flavors will balance out the richness of the cheesecake.
As Dessert: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Classic and always a hit.
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy with a glass of milk or a cup of herbal tea. Perfect for a comforting treat on a chilly evening.
Growing up, we always had these with a glass of milk as a treat for getting good grades on our report cards. It became a tradition, and it’s something I still do with my own kids!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars
Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to make these bars absolutely perfect:
Mixing Advice: Don’t overmix the cookie dough! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined, and then stop.
Swirl Customization: Get creative with your swirls! You can use a knife, a skewer, or even a chopstick to create different patterns. Experiment and have fun!
Ingredient Swaps: You can easily substitute different types of chocolate chips. Try dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips!
Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the bars while they’re baking. Every oven is different, so the baking time may vary. The bars are done when the edges are golden brown and the cheesecake is set.
Glaze Variations: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the glaze for a tangy twist. Or, melt some chocolate chips and drizzle them over the glaze for an extra decadent touch.
One time, I accidentally used salted butter instead of unsalted, and the bars turned out surprisingly delicious! The saltiness actually enhanced the sweetness of the chocolate chips. Now, I sometimes add a pinch of salt to the cookie dough even when I’m using unsalted butter!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep these bars fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The bars will be slightly softer at room temperature.
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The bars will be firmer and more cheesecake-like when chilled.
Freezer Instructions: Wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the bars, it’s best to add the glaze after thawing. This will prevent the glaze from cracking or becoming sticky.
I like to cut the bars into individual squares before freezing them. That way, I can easily grab one or two whenever I’m craving a sweet treat!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars! They are seriously one of my all-time favorite desserts, and I know you’re going to love them too. They are easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! If you enjoy these bars, be sure to check out my other cookie and cheesecake recipes. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Happy baking!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs finely crushed
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup melted unsalted butter
- 32 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, 0.5 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Beat cream cheese and 1.5 cups sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Stir in chocolate chips. Pour over the crust.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until set. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
