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Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars combine the best of two desserts in one sensational treat! With a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a cookie dough topping, these bars are sure to satisfy your cravings. They’re easier than traditional cheesecake and more convenient than baking cookies, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion, especially when made ahead.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 48 bars

Ingredients

Graham Cracker Crust:

2 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 16 graham cracker sheets)

9 tablespoons melted butter

1/3 cup granulated sugar

Cheesecake:

2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese (softened)

1/2 cup granulated 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 (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily remove the bars later. Spray with nonstick cooking spray. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar together until moistened. Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of the pan in an even layer (use the back of a measuring cup for an even press). Bake for 8 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Make the Cheesecake Layer:
Beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of sugar on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat until incorporated. Mix in the sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust and spread evenly.

Prepare the Cookie Dough Topping:
In a large mixer bowl, beat the softened butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy. Add the egg and beat until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture and beat until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Assemble the Bars:
Take the cookie dough by the handful, flatten it slightly, and place it on top of the cheesecake layer. Repeat until the cheesecake layer is mostly covered with cookie dough (it’s okay if there are a few gaps).

Bake:
Bake the bars at 325°F (163°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the cookie dough is set and golden brown on top. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Cut and Serve:
Once completely cooled, remove the bars using the foil overhang. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Cookie Dough Variations:

You can use your favorite cookie dough recipe, ensuring the flour ratio is about the same.

Alternatively, use store-bought cookie dough (2 packages of 18-ounce chocolate chip dough).

Customize the dough with additions like crushed candies, nuts, or swap chocolate chips for butterscotch chips.

Freezing Instructions:

Let the bars cool completely before slicing.

Place the bars on a parchment or nonstick-mat lined baking sheet without touching and freeze until solid (about 1 hour).

Transfer to a freezer-safe plastic bag with parchment paper between layers.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

To defrost, microwave individual bars at 20-second intervals or let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: baked
  • Cuisine: American