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Close-up of freshly baked Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars with visible layers of crust, cheesecake, and cookie dough topping.

Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars: 8 Irresistible Variations

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These Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars are the perfect fusion of creamy cheesecake and chewy chocolate chip cookie dough with a buttery graham cracker crust. A simple yet indulgent dessert that’s great for parties, holidays, or an everyday sweet treat. These bars are easy to make, customizable with different mix-ins, and can be stored for later enjoyment.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 9-12 bars 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup melted butter

For the Cheesecake Layer:

  • 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 egg

For the Cookie Dough Topping:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan.
  4. Bake for 8 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add the egg and mix just until combined (avoid overmixing).
  3. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the slightly cooled crust and spread evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Cookie Dough Topping

  1. In another bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Mix in vanilla extract.
  3. Gradually add flour and mix until combined.
  4. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
  5. Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough mixture over the cheesecake layer, then gently spread it out.

Step 4: Bake & Chill

  1. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are set and the cookie dough topping is lightly golden.
  2. Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Notes

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened for a smooth texture.
  • Do Not Overmix: Overmixing the cheesecake filling can lead to cracks when baking.
  • Chilling is Key: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before slicing to help them set properly.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust and a gluten-free flour blend for the cookie dough topping.
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg