Indulge in a heavenly fusion of decadent chocolate chip cookie dough and luscious cheesecake with these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars. Prepare to be swept away by the irresistible combination of crunchy, buttery cookie crust, a rich and creamy cheesecake filling, and chunks of gourmet chocolate chip cookie dough. This refined yet cozy dessert is the ultimate comfort treat that will have you feeling utterly satisfied and inspired.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars are the perfect balance of indulgence and elegance. The combination of the classic comfort of chocolate chip cookies and the refined sophistication of cheesecake creates a truly gourmet and irresistible dessert. The buttery, crunchy cookie crust provides a delightful contrast to the smooth, creamy cheesecake filling, while the pockets of cookie dough add a tempting and satisfying texture. This recipe is a delicate yet comforting treat that will bring joy to any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
To make these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars, you’ll need a few simple, high-quality ingredients. The base consists of a classic cookie dough, while the filling is a rich and creamy cheesecake. The finishing touches include chunks of homemade chocolate chip cookie dough and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a refined and beautiful presentation.
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) – All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon – Baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon – Salt
- 3/4 cup (170g) – Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) – Granulated sugar
- 1 large – Egg
- 1 teaspoon – Vanilla extract
- 1 cup (180g) – Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 24 ounces (680g) – Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) – Granulated sugar
- 3 large – Eggs
- 1 teaspoon – Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Ingredient Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the cookie dough — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars
This indulgent dessert is surprisingly simple to prepare with a few straightforward steps. Let’s get started!
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients for the cookie dough: flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Fold in the chocolate chips by hand. Scoop out a portion of the cookie dough and set it aside for the topping.
Next, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar, beating well after each addition. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The filling should be silky and lump-free.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Press the remaining cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, creating an even, compact layer. Carefully pour the cheesecake filling over the crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Drop the reserved cookie dough chunks over the top, gently pressing them into the filling.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
Bake the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars for 40-45 minutes, until the center is almost set. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight. This ensures the cheesecake filling has time to set properly.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Swirled Elegance: For an extra touch of elegance, you can swirl a layer of homemade caramel or chocolate sauce into the cheesecake filling before baking.
- Mix-In Magic: You can also experiment with different mix-ins, such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, or a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Decadent Drizzle: To make the bars even more visually stunning, top them with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving.
- Texture Twists: Try adding a crumble topping or a layer of streusel for a delightful textural contrast.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
Storage: These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat: For the best texture, serve the bars chilled. They can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
Make-Ahead: These bars are the perfect make-ahead dessert, as they can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars is a delightful balance of indulgence and moderation. The combination of the cookie crust, cheesecake filling, and chocolate chip cookie dough provides a satisfying and wholesome treat that will leave you feeling comforted and inspired.
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbs: 45 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! If you’re short on time or prefer the convenience, you can certainly use store-bought cookie dough for the crust and topping. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Can I freeze these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars?
Yes, these bars freeze beautifully. Simply cut them into squares, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper, and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Can I make these bars gluten-free or dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to accommodate dietary restrictions. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the cookie dough. To make it dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
How can I tell when the cheesecake is fully baked?
The cheesecake is fully baked when the center is almost set, with a slight jiggle in the middle. The edges should be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars are the perfect make-ahead dessert. Once baked and cooled, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days, making them an excellent choice for special occasions or when you need a hassle-free treat.
Try These Next
- Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Maple Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Sausage Biscuit Bombs
Indulgent Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars combine the rich flavors of cookie dough and creamy cheesecake, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 large eggs
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, then press into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
3. In another bowl, beat together brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, and salt.
4. Add vanilla extract and chocolate chips to the mixture.
5. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, and powdered sugar until smooth.
6. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
7. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust, followed by the cookie dough mixture.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until set.
9. Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips.
These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Sweet Tooth Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg