These Irresistible Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars combine the best of both worlds—rich, chewy chocolate chip cookies and creamy, smooth cheesecake. This dessert is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, making it a favorite for family gatherings, parties, or just an indulgent treat at home. With a thick layer of cheesecake nestled between layers of chocolate chip cookie dough, these bars are sure to be a hit. If you prefer a lighter version, you can easily reduce the amount of cream cheese filling.
Tips for Making Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
One of the keys to successful baking is paying attention to the temperature of your ingredients. When a recipe starts with creaming butter and sugar, as this one does, it’s crucial to have your butter at room temperature. This ensures a smooth mixture, preventing the butter and sugar from separating during the creaming process.
To prepare the cookie dough, start by creaming together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until fully combined. Next, add the vanilla extract and egg, mixing until smooth. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips by hand to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.
Cream Cheese Filling
Just as with the cookie dough, it’s essential to have your cream cheese at room temperature before mixing it. This helps to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling. In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and egg until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
How to Assemble and Bake Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
With your cookie dough and cream cheese filling ready, it’s time to assemble the bars. Begin by greasing a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan. Take half of the prepared cookie dough and press it into the bottom of the pan, ensuring it forms an even layer. Using floured or greased hands will make this step easier.
Next, spread the cream cheese filling over the cookie dough layer, using an offset spatula or butter knife to ensure it’s evenly distributed. Finally, crumble the remaining cookie dough over the cream cheese layer, pressing it lightly into the filling.
Bake the assembled bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bars are firm to the touch. Allow the bars to cool for 30 minutes at room temperature before chilling them in the refrigerator for at least two hours. This chilling step helps the bars set and makes them easier to slice.
Ingredients
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 230 g) butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 12 ounces (2 cups or 340 g) semisweet chocolate chips
Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 packages (16 ounces or 450 g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
Instructions
Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan.
Make the Cookie Dough:
- In a medium bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until well combined.
- Add the vanilla extract and egg, mixing until smooth.
- Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand.
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Bars:
- Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Spread the cream cheese filling over the cookie dough layer.
- Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the top of the cream cheese layer.
Bake:
- Bake the bars for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
Enjoy these Irresistible Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars as a delicious treat for any occasion!
