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Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars: The Perfect Dessert Fusion

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When you’re in the mood for something indulgent, nothing beats a dessert that combines two classic favorites into one irresistible treat. That’s where these Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars come in—offering the perfect marriage of warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies and creamy cheesecake. Whether you’re serving them at a party, bringing them to a family gathering, or just craving a comforting sweet bite, these bars will satisfy your dessert dreams.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base for the cookie dough, giving it structure.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – This ingredient helps the dough rise, creating a slightly soft and chewy texture.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
  • 2/3 cup softened butter – The fat that makes the cookie dough rich and buttery.
  • 1/2 cup sugar – Provides the basic sweetness for the cookie dough.
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar – Brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor to the crust.
  • 1 large egg – This binds the ingredients together and helps the dough set during baking.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Imparts a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the chocolate chips.
  • 2 cups chocolate chips – The star of the cookie crust, melting into gooey pockets of chocolate goodness.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened) – The creamy base of the cheesecake filling, contributing to its smooth texture.
  • 1/2 cup sugar – Sweetens the filling and balances out the tanginess of the cream cheese.
  • 1 large egg – Helps set the cheesecake filling and gives it structure.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth and warmth to the flavor of the cheesecake filling.

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven
    Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that the bars bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture.
  • Prepare the Pan
    Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, and lightly spray with nonstick spray. This step ensures that your bars come out of the pan easily without sticking.
  • Make the Crust
    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
    In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes of mixing.
    Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
    Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. You don’t want to overmix the dough. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  • Assemble the Layers
    Press about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating an even layer that will form the cookie crust. Be sure to press the dough into the edges and corners of the pan for a uniform base.
    In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. This will form the creamy, luscious cheesecake filling.
    Carefully spread the cheesecake filling over the cookie dough layer in the pan. Use a spatula to smooth it into an even layer.
  • Top with the Remaining Dough
    Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the top of the cheesecake filling. This creates a cookie layer on top of the creamy cheesecake, which will turn golden brown as it bakes.
  • Bake
    Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. The cheesecake should be set, and the cookie dough should be golden brown on top. If the center still jiggles slightly, it’s okay, as the cheesecake will firm up as it cools.
  • Cool and Chill
    Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours. This step helps the cheesecake set fully, making it easier to slice and serve.
  • Serve
    Once chilled, slice the bars into squares and serve! They make an excellent treat for any occasion, from casual gatherings to holiday celebrations.

Notes

1. Make Sure the Cream Cheese is Softened:
For a smooth and lump-free filling, it’s crucial to use softened cream cheese. If you forget to take it out of the fridge ahead of time, you can soften it in the microwave in 10-second intervals until it’s soft to the touch.

2. Don’t Overmix the Dough:
When combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, be sure to mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookie dough, which isn’t ideal for the texture of the bars.

3. Chill the Bars:
Chilling is key to getting perfectly set cheesecake bars. Even though they may seem done after baking, chilling helps them firm up, making it easier to slice and enjoy.