Welcome to my food blog! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that combines two all-time favorites: chocolate chip cookies and cheesecake. These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With a rich, creamy cheesecake filling sandwiched between layers of chocolate chip cookie dough, these bars are sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

These bars are:

• Rich and Creamy: The smooth cheesecake filling perfectly complements the chewy cookie layers.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is easy to follow.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet treat at home.
• Irresistible: The combination of chocolate chips and cheesecake is simply divine.

Ingredients

To make these delicious cheesecake bars, you’ll need:

For the Cookie Layers:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
   • Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
   • In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
   • Add the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Bars:
   • Press half of the cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even layer.
   • Spread the cheesecake filling over the cookie dough layer.
   • Drop the remaining cookie dough by spoonfuls over the cheesecake layer and gently spread to cover as much of the cheesecake layer as possible. It’s okay if some cheesecake peeks through.
5. Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
6. Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up the cheesecake layer before cutting into bars.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips and Tricks

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
• Chilling Time: Don’t skip the chilling step. It helps the bars set properly and makes them easier to cut.
• Chocolate Chips: For a twist, try using a mix of semisweet and milk chocolate chips or add some white chocolate chips for extra flavor.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These bars also freeze well. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Food and Drink Pairings

These chocolate chip cheesecake bars pair wonderfully with:

• Milk: A classic choice that complements the rich flavors.
• Coffee: Perfect for a sweet treat alongside your morning or afternoon coffee.
• Hot Chocolate: For an indulgent dessert experience, pair with a cup of hot chocolate.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate?
A: Yes, you can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips based on your preference.

Q: What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?
A: You can use a slightly different sized pan, but the baking time may vary. Keep an eye on the bars and adjust the time as needed.

Q: Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?
A: Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch and extra flavor.

Q: How do I know when the bars are done baking?
A: The bars are done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. The cheesecake layer should be set but still slightly jiggly.

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Call to Action

I hope you enjoy making and savoring these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars as much as I do! If you loved this recipe, please share it with your friends and family. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more delicious recipes and culinary tips. Happy baking!