Oh boy, do I have a treat for you! Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars are essentially a love letter to dessert lovers everywhere. Imagine biting into a creamy, dreamy cheesecake topped with layers of gooey chocolate chip cookie dough, all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s a hodgepodge of my favorite flavors all rolled into one glorious bar!
The first time I made these, I was attending a potluck with friends. I wanted to impress everyone, so I combined two beloved desserts: cheesecake and cookie dough. Let me tell you, they were a hit! All my friends were asking for the recipe, and I couldn’t keep up with the requests. Now, whenever there’s a gathering, you can bet I’m at the front of the line ready to whip up these bars. Trust me; they won’t last long!
What’s in Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars?
Graham Cracker Crumbs: This is the magic base of the bars! I usually go for honey-flavored graham crackers, as they add a hint of sweetness. You can find these easily at your grocery store, or crush up some plain ones and add a teaspoon of sugar if you’re feeling creative.
Butter: Melted butter binds the crumbs together, creating a flavorful crust. I prefer unsalted butter when baking because it gives me more control over the salinity of the overall dish.
Cream Cheese: The star of the cheesecake filling! Make sure it’s softened to room temperature; otherwise, you’ll end up with lumps in your batter, and we certainly don’t want that!
Sugar: We’re using granulated sugar to sweeten the cheesecake and to balance out the flavors.
Sour Cream: This adds richness and tang to the cheesecake, making it extra creamy. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference!
Vanilla Extract: Ah, the secret weapon! A splash of vanilla elevates every bite and adds a lovely aroma to the cheesecake.
Eggs: They help set the cheesecake. Be sure to mix them in thoroughly for a smooth texture.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: The best part! You can make your own or use store-bought dough. If you decide to make your own, just remember—raw flour is a no-go, so heat it up for a few minutes before mixing it into your dough!
Chocolate Chips: These little beauties are sprinkled on the top for added decadence, because why not?
Is Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars Good for You?
Now, let’s get real for a second. These bars are a delightful indulgence, so I can’t exactly call them a health food. However, let’s breakdown some ingredients:
Cream Cheese: It provides a good dose of calcium and protein, but it’s also high in fats. Choose a lighter cream cheese if you’re watching that caloric intake.
Sour Cream: Offers some probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health, but again, use it in moderation.
Granulated Sugar: We all know too much sugar isn’t great for our health. Balance is key, so maybe enjoy a small piece rather than a whole pan!
The bottom line is that these bars are meant for those special occasions when you want to treat yourself. Just savor them in moderation!
Ingredients
– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
– ¾ cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup sour cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup chocolate chip cookie dough (store-bought or homemade)
– ½ cup chocolate chips for topping
*Yields: 12 bars*
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars?
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (non-fan assisted) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even layer. Bake for about 8 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
3. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. You can use a hand mixer for this. It should be creamy and fluffy!
4. Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and eggs. Mix until just combined; be careful not to over-mix. Pour this cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the chocolate chip cookie dough on top of the cheesecake filling, gently pressing them in, but don’t worry about making it perfect.
6. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the cookie dough layer.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheesecake is set and slightly jiggly in the center. It should be puffed and lightly golden on the edges.
8. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight if you can wait!) before cutting into bars.
Delicious Tips for Your Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars
– If you want to add some flair, consider mixing in crushed nuts or swirling caramel on top before baking.
– These bars freeze beautifully! Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. You can save them for a rainy day when the dessert cravings hit hard.
Now that you’ve got all the tools you need, get to baking! I can’t wait for you to taste these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars. If they don’t become a new favorite of yours, I’ll be surprised! And don’t forget to share your delicious creations with me. Happy baking!