If you crave the best of both worlds—gooey chocolate chip cookies and rich, creamy cheesecake—you’re about to meet your new favorite dessert: Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars! These layered bars are decadent, easy, and guaranteed to steal the show at any gathering (or quiet night in).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly Impressive: These bars look (and taste) like they came from a fancy bakery, but they’re a cinch to whip up at home!
- Irresistible Flavor Fusion: You get that nostalgic chocolate chip cookie richness, PLUS a creamy, tangy cheesecake layer—truly the ultimate sweet treat.
- Crowd-Pleasing Convenience: Perfect for potlucks, parties, or prepping ahead—everyone always comes back for seconds.
- Simple Ingredients, Stellar Results: Made with just a handful of kitchen staples and store-bought dough, you’ll spend less time baking and more time enjoying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars truly remarkable is the short-and-sweet ingredient list. Every component plays a starring role—delivering big flavors and the perfect blend of textures, while keeping prep blissfully simple.
- Refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough (18 oz roll): The ultimate shortcut—provides all that classic, buttery, chocolatey flavor and a chewy cookie base.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The heart of the cheesecake layer; make sure it’s fully softened for the smoothest, creamiest texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Just enough to sweeten and balance the tang of the cream cheese.
- Egg (1, room temperature): For structure and silkiness in the cheesecake layer—room temp helps everything blend beautifully.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds that magical bakery aroma and cozy flavor notes throughout the bars.
Variations
Part of the magic of Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars is just how easy they are to customize. With a few clever swaps or add-ins, you can tailor this dessert to fit any craving or special dietary need—so don’t be afraid to get creative!
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop little dollops of creamy peanut butter on top before baking, then swirl gently with a knife for a delicious flavor twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use your favorite gluten-free chocolate chip cookie dough for bars everyone can enjoy.
- Add Mix-Ins: Sprinkle in mini chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or toasted nuts between the layers for extra crunch.
- Festive Touch: Stir in seasonal sprinkles or colored candies for holiday-ready dessert bars.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or non-stick foil—this makes removing the bars super easy and guarantees neat slices later on. Set the pan aside while you prepare the layers.
Step 2: Press and Shape the Cookie Dough Base
Open your roll of chocolate chip cookie dough and slice off a little more than half. Using clean hands, press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, making sure you reach all the corners to create a sturdy cookie foundation for the cheesecake filling.
Step 3: Whip the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a mixer until light and fluffy. Add the sugar and beat again until well combined, then mix in the egg and vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and dreamy—no lumps!
Step 4: Layer and Top
Pour the cheesecake filling right over your cookie dough layer, spreading it into an even, creamy blanket. Take the remaining cookie dough and crumble it over the cheesecake, letting little pockets of dough peek out for that classic “bar” look.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top turns golden and just set. Remove from the oven and let your Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars cool completely in the pan before cutting—this patience pays off with perfectly defined layers!
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars
- Soften Your Cream Cheese: Let your cream cheese sit out until fully soft—this makes the filling ultra-smooth and prevents pesky lumps.
- Even Layering: Take a moment to gently press the cookie dough base flat and scatter top crumbles evenly—it helps every bite have that perfect cookie/cheesecake balance.
- Chill Before Cutting: For the cleanest slices and picture-perfect layers, refrigerate the bars after cooling—bonus: they’re even tastier cold!
- Don’t Overbake: Pull the bars when the edges are golden and the center barely jiggles—the bars will finish setting as they cool.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
Try dusting the tops with a little powdered sugar for a pretty finish, or drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel for a bakery-style flair. A dollop of whipped cream or a few extra chocolate chips sprinkled on top never hurts!
Side Dishes
Serve your Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a handful of fresh berries, or a chilled glass of milk—these sides complement the richness and make dessert feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut the bars into small bite-sized squares and arrange on a tiered platter. Or, wrap individual bars in parchment and twine for an adorable homemade gift. For dessert tables, alternate with brownie bites for a stunning mixed tray.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your bars are cool, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, so you can enjoy a little treat whenever the craving strikes.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars freeze beautifully! Place slices between layers of parchment in a freezer-safe container—thaw overnight in the fridge whenever you’re ready for a sweet pick-me-up.
Reheating
Enjoy these bars chilled straight from the fridge, or let them sit at room temp for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly. If you prefer them warm (with gooey cookie!) microwave individual bars for about 10 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it—just a gentle warm-up is perfect.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade cookie dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite chocolate chip cookie dough recipe, feel free to use it in place of the refrigerated dough. Just use enough to cover the base and top—aim for about 18 ounces total.
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Should I use full-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese gives the richest, creamiest results, but you can swap in reduced-fat (Neufchâtel) cream cheese if you prefer. Avoid fat-free, as it won’t set properly for these Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars.
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Do I need to bring the egg to room temperature?
Yes, using a room temperature egg ensures the cheesecake filling blends together smoothly and bakes up with a lovely, creamy texture. If you forget, just let the egg sit in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes before mixing.
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Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
You sure can! Double everything and use a 9×13-inch pan. Baking time may be closer to 40 minutes—just check that the center is set and the top is golden before removing from the oven.
Final Thoughts
If you’re dreaming of the ultimate dessert mashup, these Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars truly deliver. They’re easy enough for a weeknight, yet so luscious and crowd-pleasing you’ll want to make them for every special occasion. Give them a try—you just might find your new go-to treat!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect marriage of chocolate chip cookies and creamy cheesecake with these irresistible Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars. A decadent treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
For the Cookie Layer:
- 1 18 oz roll refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or non-stick foil. Set aside.
- Spread a little more than half of the cookie dough onto the bottom of the baking dish and press down firmly creating an even layer.
- Using a stand mixer or hand held mixer, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy.
- Add in the sugar and beat until combined.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the top of the cookie dough base.
- Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the top.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 223 kcal
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 147mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 29mg
