Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars combine two of your favorite desserts into one sensational treat. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a layer of chocolate chip cookie dough on top, these bars are irresistibly delicious. They’re easier to make than a traditional cheesecake and less time-consuming than rolling out and baking cookies. Perfect for make-ahead dessert options, these bars are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars bring together the best parts of two classic desserts. The graham cracker crust is buttery and crumbly, the cheesecake filling is smooth and creamy, and the cookie dough topping gives you that perfect chewy texture and chocolatey goodness. The combination of flavors and textures is a match made in dessert heaven. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, making them a great option for stress-free entertaining or holiday baking.

Ingredients

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 flour

• 1 egg

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Graham Cracker Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

2. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Spray with nonstick cooking spray.

3. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the back of a measuring cup.

4. Bake the crust for 8 minutes, or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.

Cheesecake Layer

1. Beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.

2. Add the egg, sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

3. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Set aside.

Cookie Dough Topping

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy.

2. Add the egg and beat until fully combined.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until smooth.

4. Stir in the chocolate chips.

5. Take handfuls of cookie dough and flatten them slightly. Place them on top of the cheesecake layer, covering most of the cheesecake. It’s okay if there are a few gaps.

6. Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the cookie dough is set and golden on top.

Final Steps

1. Cool the bars completely in the pan before removing the foil liner.

2. Cut into squares and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 50 minutes

• Servings: 48 bars

Variations

• Different Cookie Dough: You can use any of your favorite cookie dough recipes in place of the one provided, as long as the flour ratio stays the same.

• Store-Bought Cookie Dough: If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought cookie dough (about 2 packages of 18 ounces each).

• Custom Add-ins: Add crushed candies, nuts, or swap out chocolate chips for butterscotch, white chocolate, or peanut butter chips for a twist.

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free graham cracker crust and gluten-free all-purpose flour for the cookie dough to make these bars gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Store your Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them.

Freezing Instructions:

1. Let the bars cool completely before slicing.

2. Line the bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a nonstick mat, making sure they don’t touch.

3. Freeze for about 1 hour until solid, preventing them from freezing together.

4. Transfer the frozen bars to a freezer-safe plastic bag, separating each row with parchment paper.

5. Freeze for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy, defrost individual bars in the microwave at 20-second intervals, or let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

FAQs

Can I make these bars in advance?

Yes! These bars are actually better when made ahead of time, as the flavors have time to set. Make them up to a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator.

Can I use store-bought graham cracker crumbs?

Yes, store-bought graham cracker crumbs can be used to save time. You’ll need about 2 1/4 cups to make the crust.

Can I use a different type of chocolate for the topping?

Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips for a different flavor.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, to make these bars gluten-free, substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free crumbs and use gluten-free all-purpose flour in the cookie dough.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them using the instructions above.

Can I freeze the cookie dough topping separately?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough topping separately. Roll it into balls or flatten it, then freeze until solid before adding it to the cheesecake layer when you’re ready to bake.

Can I add other toppings to these bars?

Yes, feel free to top the bars with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for added indulgence.

How do I prevent the cookie dough from sinking into the cheesecake?

Make sure to flatten the cookie dough slightly before placing it on top of the cheesecake to help it stay on top while baking. It’s okay if it’s not perfectly even!

Can I make these bars in a different pan size?

For thicker bars, use a smaller pan (such as an 8×8-inch). Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly. If you use a larger pan, the bars may be thinner, so check them a little earlier to prevent overbaking.

Can I make these bars without the graham cracker crust?

If you’re not a fan of graham cracker crust, you can skip it and make a crustless version, though the texture will change slightly.

Conclusion

Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the combination of creamy cheesecake and gooey chocolate chip cookie dough. They’re easy to make, delicious, and perfect for making ahead of time. Whether you’re preparing them for a family gathering, holiday parties, or just because, these bars are sure to be a hit every time!

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