Description
Delicious and indulgent Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, and a luscious chocolate chip cookie dough topping. These bars are perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, featuring a baked cookie dough top that pairs beautifully with the smooth cheesecake layer beneath.
Ingredients
Scale
Graham Cracker Crust
- 2 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (16 graham cracker sheets)
- 9 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
Cheesecake
- 2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cookie Dough Topping
- 11 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with foil, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later. Spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray. In a bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture is moistened. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the back of a measuring cup. Bake for 8 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar on medium speed for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat until incorporated. Then mix in sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until all ingredients are well combined. Pour this cheesecake mixture evenly over the baked crust and spread smoothly.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough Topping: In a large bowl, beat softened butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy. Add the egg and beat until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter mixture and beat until just incorporated. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Assemble and Bake: Take cookie dough by the handful, flatten slightly, and place pieces evenly over the cheesecake layer, covering most of the surface but leaving a few gaps. Bake at 325°F for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the cookie dough topping is set and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the foil overhang to lift the bars from the pan and cut into squares. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for the best soft texture.
Notes
- Cookie Dough Variations: Feel free to use your favorite cookie dough recipe as long as the flour ratio is similar. This recipe works best with chocolate chip cookie dough but can be customized with nuts, candies, or different chips like butterscotch.
- Using Store-Bought Cookie Dough: Substitute with 2 (18-ounce) packages of your favorite chocolate chip cookie dough for convenience.
- Freezing Instructions: Cool bars completely before slicing. Freeze bars individually on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between layers. Freeze up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave in short intervals before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 58 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars, cheesecake bars, chocolate chip cookie dough, graham cracker crust, dessert bars, baked cheesecake dessert
