Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Name: Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 16 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips; 16 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs

Highlighted under: Cozy Dessert Classics

I love making Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars because they combine two of my favorite desserts into one decadent treat. The creamy cheesecake layer perfectly complements the gooey chocolate chip cookie base, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. It's a recipe that never fails to impress, whether I'm serving it at a gathering or enjoying a quiet night in. You’ll find that these bars are surprisingly easy to whip up, and they bring joy with every bite!

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-02-18T15:46:19.944Z

In my quest to merge two favorites, I stumbled upon this incredible recipe for Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. I experimented with the cookie dough, ensuring it was thick and chewy, while the cheesecake filling added that luscious creamy contrast. The balance of flavors is delightful, and they bake to a perfect golden brown. Serving them warm enhances the gooey chocolate experience and provides a rich, comforting treat.

What I love most is how versatile this recipe is. You can swap in different flavored chips or even add a layer of fruit for a fresh twist. I suggest letting them cool completely before cutting for clean, beautiful bars. This simple trick prevents the cheesecake from cracking and makes your bars look professionally made!

Why You'll Love These Bars
The perfect balance of creamy cheesecake and warm cookie dough
Rich chocolate chips in every bite for chocolate lovers
Easily customizable with different flavors and toppings

Perfecting the Cookie Dough Layer

The cookie dough layer is the heart of these bars, and achieving the right texture is key. When creaming the butter and sugars, aim for a light and fluffy consistency, which should take about 3-5 minutes. This aeration will ensure that your cookie base rises nicely when baked, so don’t rush this step. Also, for a deeper flavor, consider browning the butter before mixing it with the sugars; it will add a lovely nuttiness that complements the chocolate chips beautifully.

When adding the flour mixture, mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars, which are not what we want! Remember that the dough will continue to firm up as it chills in the oven, so don’t worry if it seems slightly underbaked when you remove the pan.

Cheesecake Layer Tips

For the cheesecake layer, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smooth batter without lumps, which can occur if the cream cheese is still cold. I often cut it into cubes and leave it out for about an hour beforehand. When mixing, use a hand mixer on medium speed for a creamy, glossy mixture. After adding the eggs, mix just until incorporated; overmixing can introduce too much air, leading to cracks during baking.

If you're looking for variations, consider adding a zest of lemon or orange to the cheesecake layer for a refreshing twist. You could also replace some of the cream cheese with mascarpone for an even creamier texture. Keep in mind that while the cheesecake may look slightly jiggly in the center when you pull it out of the oven, it will set as it cools — this is perfectly normal.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Base

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

For the Cheesecake Layer

16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Layer the Dough

Press about two-thirds of the cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, forming an even layer.

Prepare the Cheesecake Batter

In another bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated.

Assemble the Bars

Spread the cheesecake mixture over the cookie dough layer in the pan. Drop small spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough on top of the cheesecake mixture.

Bake the Bars

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the edges are set. The center may still look slightly jiggly.

Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Enjoy your delicious Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars!

Pro Tips

Let the bars cool completely before cutting to get clean edges. Serve them warm for an extra gooey experience.

Make-Ahead Tips

These Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the cookie base and cheesecake layer separately and store them in the fridge for up to two days. Just assemble and bake when you're ready to serve! Keep in mind that these bars taste even better after they've chilled in the fridge for a few hours, as this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for about 5-7 days. To maintain the best texture, consider reheating individual portions in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before enjoying, bringing back that gooeyness while keeping the cheesecake creamy.

Customization Ideas

One of the best things about these bars is their versatility! You can easily switch up the chocolate chips and replace them with your favorite mix-ins. Try using white chocolate or butterscotch chips, or even chopped nuts for added crunch. For a festive twist, fold in some seasonal flavors, like crushed peppermint candies during the holidays, or toasted coconut for a tropical vibe.

Don’t forget about the toppings! Drizzle your favorite chocolate or caramel sauce on top before serving for an extra indulgent treat. A sprinkle of sea salt can balance the sweetness beautifully, making the flavors pop even more. The options are endless — get creative, and enjoy the process!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?

Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used; however, it may alter the creaminess of the cheesecake layer.

→ How should I store leftover bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

→ What can I substitute for chocolate chips?

You can use white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit for a different flavor.