The Dreamiest Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars Recipe Ever

Creamy swirls of cookie dough cheesecake bars dance between layers of rich, decadent comfort.

Sweet memories flood back from childhood treats that always felt magical.

Smooth cream cheese mingles with chunks of classic chocolate chip cookie dough, creating an irresistible dessert.

Unexpected textures promise a delightful experience that breaks traditional cheesecake boundaries.

Delicate yet bold flavors intermingle in each carefully crafted bite.

Soft, pillowy squares beckon with their inviting golden edges and tempting aroma.

I bet you cannot resist diving into this delectable fusion of classic dessert favorites.

What Makes Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars So Tasty

• Quickest Dessert Delight: Whip up these irresistible bars with minimal effort, perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings without complicated techniques.
• Layer-Packed Flavor Explosion: Experience a mouthwatering combination of creamy cheesecake and classic chocolate chip cookie dough in every single bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Showstopper: Impress friends and family with a dessert that looks professionally made but is surprisingly simple to create at home.
• Adaptable Flavor Adventure: Customize the recipe by swapping chocolate chips, adding nuts, or experimenting with different chocolate variations to match your taste preferences.

What’s in Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars

• Graham Crackers: Classic, sweet base for many desserts.
• Unsalted Butter: Rich, creamy binding ingredient.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, tangy foundation of cheesecake.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweet ingredient that balances cream cheese.
• Large Eggs: Helps bind and create structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Warm, classic flavor enhancer.
• Sour Cream: Adds richness and smooth texture.

• All-Purpose Flour: Basic flour for cookie dough.
• Unsalted Butter: Soft, rich ingredient.
• Brown Sugar: Sweet with caramel undertones.
• Granulated Sugar: Additional sweetness.
• Large Egg: Helps bind cookie dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Classic flavor booster.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Sweet, melty chocolate pieces.

• Chocolate Chips, Sea Salt: Optional decorative and flavor-enhancing touches.

How to Make Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Craft the Crispy Cracker Base

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.

Mix the crumbs with melted butter until they resemble wet sand.

Press the mixture firmly into a lined baking pan, creating an even layer.

Bake the crust briefly to help it set and develop a golden color.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

Blend cream cheese until smooth and velvety.

Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.

Ensure no lumps remain by scraping down the sides of the bowl.

Pour the silky mixture over the pre-baked graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Chocolate chips

Combine ingredients to create a soft, pliable dough.

Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the mixture.

Gently fold in chocolate chips, creating a classic cookie dough texture.

Step 4: Layer and Combine

Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough across the cheesecake layer.

Use a knife to create a swirled pattern, ensuring cookie dough is distributed throughout the surface.

This creates a beautiful marbled effect and ensures each bite has both cheesecake and cookie dough.

Step 5: Bake and Chill

Bake in a preheated oven until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Remove and let cool completely at room temperature.

Refrigerate for several hours or overnight to allow the bars to firm up and develop maximum flavor.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Remove the bars from the refrigerator.

Use a sharp knife to cut into clean, even squares.

Wipe the knife between cuts for precise edges.

Serve chilled and enjoy the decadent combination of creamy cheesecake and classic chocolate chip cookie dough.

Cookie Dough Cheesecake Tips

• Press graham cracker mixture firmly into the pan and pre-bake to create a sturdy, crisp foundation that resists moisture from the cheesecake layer.
• Use room temperature cream cheese and scrape the mixing bowl thoroughly to eliminate lumps and create a silky, creamy texture.
• Experiment with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or white chocolate chips, or add chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor variation.
• Use a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon to distribute cookie dough and cheesecake layers uniformly, ensuring balanced flavors in each bite.
• Refrigerate bars for at least 2-3 hours before serving to help them set completely, making clean, precise cuts easier and improving overall texture.

Storage Tips for Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• For best texture, enjoy chilled. If you prefer a slightly warmer treat, let bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before eating.
• Avoid leaving bars at room temperature for extended periods. Cold storage maintains the creamy cheesecake texture and prevents bacterial growth.

Toppings and Pairings for Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars

• Pair with Creamy Cappuccino: Complement the rich, sweet cheesecake bars with a smooth cappuccino, balancing the dessert's sweetness with robust espresso notes.
• Match with Cold Milk: Serve chilled whole milk alongside the bars, creating a classic cookie-and-milk combination that enhances the chocolate chip cookie dough flavor.
• Select Sweet Dessert Wine: Choose a moscato or late harvest riesling to highlight the dessert's creamy texture and provide a delicate, fruity counterpoint.
• Brew Vanilla Chai Latte: Offer a warm vanilla chai latte that echoes the dessert's sweetness while adding subtle spice complexity to each bite.

Fun Spins on Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars

• Gluten-Free Delight: Swap graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delicious texture and taste.
• Vegan Transformation: Replace cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and substitute eggs with flax eggs to create a plant-based alternative that's creamy and indulgent.
• Reduced Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar, incorporate sugar-free chocolate chips, and choose a low-fat cream cheese to craft a lower-calorie dessert that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Nut-Infused Variation: Mix chopped pecans or almonds into the cookie dough layer, sprinkle toasted nuts on top, or incorporate nut butter into the cheesecake base for an added depth of nutty richness and crunch.

FAQs

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or almond flour. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

• Is it safe to eat raw cookie dough in this recipe?

The cookie dough layer is egg-free, making it safe to consume. This recipe uses flour that is not heat-treated, so lightly toast the flour in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes to eliminate any potential bacteria.

• How do I prevent the cheesecake layer from cracking?

Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter, bake in a water bath, and let the bars cool gradually at room temperature before refrigerating. These steps help prevent cracks from forming.

• Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?

Absolutely! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent cookie dough cheesecake bars merge two beloved desserts into a heavenly slice of pure bliss. Rich cream cheese layers mingle with chunks of edible cookie dough, creating a luxurious treat that promises to satisfy sweet cravings and delight you with each creamy, chocolatey bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 1 full packet of graham crackers)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/8 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)

Optional Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish/Topping:

• 1/2 cup chocolate chip cookie dough (prepared or store-bought)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a sturdy graham cracker foundation by thoroughly mixing crushed crackers with melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into a lined baking pan to create an even, compact base.
2. Prepare the velvety cheesecake mixture by whipping cream cheese until smooth, gradually incorporating eggs and vanilla, ensuring no lumps remain for a silky-consistent texture.
3. Create an indulgent cookie dough layer by blending flour, butter, sugar, and chocolate chips, carefully mixing to achieve a soft yet stable consistency that won’t spread during baking.
4. Layer the cheesecake filling over the graham cracker crust, strategically dolloping and swirling the cookie dough across the surface to create an artistic, marbled appearance.
5. Bake the assembled bars in a preheated oven, monitoring closely to achieve a slight jiggle in the center while maintaining a golden-brown edge, indicating perfect doneness.
6. Allow the baked dessert to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for several hours to set the cheesecake and enhance the flavor melding.
7. Cut into precise squares, wiping the knife clean between each slice to maintain neat edges, and serve chilled for the ultimate creamy, decadent experience.

Notes

• Chill the crust thoroughly before adding the cheesecake layer to prevent a soggy bottom and maintain a crisp texture.
• Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for smoother, lump-free cheesecake mixture that blends seamlessly.
• Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter to prevent air bubbles that can cause cracking during baking.
• Create gluten-free version by using gluten-free graham crackers and checking chocolate chip ingredients for potential gluten contamination.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg