Decadent Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars: The Ultimate Dessert Fusion
Desserts hold a special place in our hearts, and there are few combinations that evoke more nostalgia and joy than chocolate chip cookies and cheesecake. These two timeless desserts, each adored for their rich flavors and comforting textures, are even better when fused into one harmonious creation. Enter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars—a delightful hybrid dessert that combines the chewy, buttery goodness of a chocolate chip cookie crust with the smooth, tangy richness of a cheesecake filling. These bars are a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds, offering layers of flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a family gathering, or simply for the pure pleasure of indulging in something sweet, these bars will undoubtedly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups of flour: This is the base of the cookie dough and provides the necessary structure for the bars. The flour will create the chewy texture we expect from a chocolate chip cookie.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: The baking soda helps the cookie dough rise, contributing to its fluffy and chewy texture. It also enhances the overall flavor of the cookie crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness of the dough and helps enhance the flavor of the chocolate chips. Salt is crucial in desserts as it brings out the depth of sweetness and other flavors.
- 2/3 cup softened butter: Butter is the fat that gives the cookie dough its tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature to ensure it mixes easily with the other ingredients.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Regular granulated sugar adds sweetness to the dough, making it the perfect base for the cookie crust.
- 2/3 cup brown sugar: Brown sugar, with its molasses content, gives the dough a slightly richer, deeper flavor. It also contributes to the chewy texture that makes chocolate chip cookies so irresistible.
- 1 egg: The egg binds the ingredients together and provides moisture, ensuring the dough holds its shape when pressed into the pan.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla: Vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the dough. It enhances the sweetness and pairs beautifully with the chocolate chips.
- 2 cups chocolate chips: The chocolate chips are the star of the crust, providing bursts of chocolate flavor that will melt beautifully as the bars bake, adding richness to the overall dessert.
For the Filling:
- 8 oz softened cream cheese: The base of the cheesecake filling, cream cheese provides a smooth, tangy flavor that contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the cookie dough.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Sugar sweetens the cream cheese mixture, balancing out the tartness of the cream cheese.
- 1 egg: The egg helps set the cheesecake filling as it bakes, creating a firm yet creamy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla: Vanilla extract is used again here to enhance the flavor of the cream cheese filling, complementing its tangy richness.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking the bars, ensuring that both the cookie crust and cheesecake filling bake evenly. Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang so that you can easily lift the bars out once they’re done. Lightly spray the parchment paper or foil with nonstick spray to prevent the bars from sticking.
2. Mix the Cookie Dough:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for now. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and regular sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed. Once the butter and sugars are combined, add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until just combined. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
3. Press the Dough into the Pan:
Take about two-thirds of the cookie dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to smooth the dough into an even layer. This will form the base of your bars, so make sure it’s spread evenly across the pan. The dough should be thick, so don’t worry if it feels a little sticky—it will bake beautifully into a chewy, golden cookie crust.
4. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. You can use an electric mixer or a hand whisk for this step. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature so that it blends seamlessly with the other ingredients. Once the filling is smooth, spread it evenly over the cookie dough layer in the pan. This filling should cover the entire cookie dough layer, so use a spatula to smooth it out evenly.
5. Add the Final Layer:
Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the top of the cheesecake filling. This doesn’t have to be perfect—just scatter the dough over the surface, leaving some gaps for the filling to peek through. The crumbled dough will bake into a beautiful golden topping, giving the bars their signature look and texture.
6. Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is set and the cookie dough topping is golden brown. The edges should be firm, and the center should be slightly jiggly but not liquid. If the bars are browning too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until the cheesecake is set and the cookie dough is perfectly golden.
7. Cool and Chill:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once they’ve cooled to room temperature, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to allow the cheesecake filling to set properly. Chilling the bars helps them hold their shape when sliced, making them easier to cut into neat squares.
8. Slice and Serve:
Once the bars have chilled, use the parchment paper or foil overhang to lift them out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and slice into 24 squares. You’ll have a tray of decadent, perfectly layered bars that are ready to be served. Enjoy these bars as a delicious dessert, a treat for special occasions, or just as a sweet snack whenever the craving hits.
Notes
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter and a plant-based cream cheese substitute to make this dessert vegan. For the egg, consider using a flax egg or other egg substitutes to ensure the bars still set properly.
- Gluten-Free Version: Replace the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels on the chocolate chips to ensure they’re also gluten-free.
- Add Nuts: If you enjoy a little extra crunch, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough. These nuts will complement the sweetness of the chocolate chips and add a nice texture to the bars.
- Make It Double Layered: For an extra decadent treat, try doubling the cheesecake layer for an even richer filling.