Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars

Here’s a detailed, step-by-step recipe for Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars – combining a soft cookie dough base, creamy cheesecake center, and a delicious cookie topping. This is the perfect dessert for cookie and cheesecake lovers alike!

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🍪 Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars Recipe

🔹 Servings:

Makes about 16 bars

🔹 Prep Time:

30 minutes

🔹 Bake Time:

35–40 minutes

🔹 Chill Time:

2+ hours (preferably overnight)

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🧾 Ingredients:

🔸 For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

🔸 For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs

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🧑‍🍳 Directions:

🔹 Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).

2. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

3. Mix in the vanilla extract.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.

6. Fold in the chocolate chips.

7. Set aside about 1 1/2 cups of the dough for the topping.

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🔹 Step 2: Assemble the Base

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper (leave overhang for easy removal).

3. Press the remaining cookie dough (except the reserved part) evenly into the bottom of the pan to form a base. Use your fingers or the bottom of a glass to flatten it.

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🔹 Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer

1. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

2. Add in the sugar and beat until fully incorporated.

3. Mix in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

4. Beat until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.

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🔹 Step 4: Layer It Up

1. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cookie dough base in the pan.

2. Drop small chunks of the reserved cookie dough evenly over the top of the cheesecake layer. You don’t need to cover it completely; let some cheesecake show.

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🔹 Step 5: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is just set and the cookie dough on top is lightly golden brown.

2. If the edges are browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes.

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🔹 Step 6: Cool and Chill

1. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan at room temperature.

2. Then transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours (overnight is best for clean slices).

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🔹 Step 7: Slice and Serve

1. Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang.

2. Use a sharp knife to slice into squares or bars. For clean cuts, wipe the knife between slices.

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🍫 Optional Add-ins or Toppings:

• Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce

• Add nuts (like walnuts or pecans) to the cookie dough

• Use mini chocolate chips for a finer texture

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🔄 Storage:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Can be frozen (individually wrapped) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.