Sweet Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Sweet Symphony: Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Decadent sugar cookie cheesecake bars blend two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat.

Creamy cheesecake nestles atop a buttery sugar cookie base, creating a mouthwatering combination that melts in your mouth.

Every bite promises a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this dessert a total crowd-pleaser.

Soft, rich layers promise a delightful experience for anyone with a sweet tooth.

You’ll fall in love with how easily these bars come together in your kitchen.

Indulge in this delectable dessert that’s sure to become a new favorite at every gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Calories: 202 kcal

Servings: 13

For Crust And Base:
  • Sugar Cookie Dough: Provides a sweet, buttery foundation that adds delightful texture and classic cookie flavor to the bars.
  • Non-Stick Spray: Ensures easy removal of bars and prevents sticking to the baking dish.
For Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates rich, smooth, and tangy base that delivers classic cheesecake consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cheesecake mixture, enhancing overall flavor profile.
  • Egg: Binds the cheesecake mixture and helps create a silky, stable texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Optional ingredient that can sweeten the cheesecake filling to personal taste preference.
For Decoration And Finishing:
  • Sprinkles: Offers playful, colorful touch that makes the bars visually appealing and festive.

Tools for Cheesecake Bars Success

  • Mixing bowl: Large bowl for combining cream cheese mixture.
  • Electric mixer or whisk: To blend cream cheese ingredients smoothly.
  • Baking dish: 9×9 inch pan for creating bars, preferably with non-stick spray.
  • Knife: For cutting sugar cookie dough and slicing finished bars.
  • Measuring cups/spoons: To measure ingredients accurately.
  • Spatula: For spreading and evening out cookie dough and cream cheese mixture.
  • Sugar Cookie Foundation

Spread softened sugar cookie dough across the bottom of a greased baking pan, creating a smooth, even layer that will serve as the delicious base for our cheesecake bars.

  • Creamy Cheesecake Layer

Whip cream cheese into a silky, luxurious mixture, ensuring no lumps remain. The goal is a velvety texture that will melt in your mouth and complement the sweet cookie base.

  • Playful Cookie Topping

Crumble remaining sugar cookie dough into rustic, uneven pieces. Scatter these charming chunks across the cream cheese surface, creating a rustic, homemade appearance that promises delightful texture.

  • Oven Magic

Slide the pan into a preheated oven, letting the heat transform your ingredients into a golden, bubbling masterpiece. Watch for the top to turn a gorgeous caramel brown, signaling the bars are perfectly baked.

  • Cooling and Serving

Allow the bars to rest and cool completely, letting the layers set and flavors meld. Once cooled, slice into generous squares and serve. Optional: Sprinkle with colorful decorations for extra whimsy.

Tips for Cheesecake Bars with a Twist

  • Avoid lumpy cheesecake by letting cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing. Warm cream cheese blends smoother and creates a silkier texture.
  • Experiment with different sugar cookie flavors like chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, or funfetti to add unique twists to your bars. Store-bought or homemade dough both work perfectly.
  • Prepare these bars up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 months.
  • Drizzle melted chocolate, sprinkle powdered sugar, or add a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the dessert. Fresh berries or caramel sauce can transform these bars into an elegant treat.
  • Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts to create clean, precise squares. Wipe the knife after each slice for the neatest presentation.
  • Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these bars on a colorful platter with fresh berries and mint leaves for a stunning dessert presentation that will wow your guests.
  • Sweet Brunch Companion: Serve alongside morning coffee or tea, creating a delightful weekend treat that adds a touch of indulgence to your breakfast spread.
  • Celebration Upgrade: Top with colorful birthday sprinkles or seasonal decorations to transform these bars into a festive dessert perfect for birthdays, holidays, or special gatherings.
  • Gifting Delight: Package individually in clear treat bags with a ribbon, making them a charming homemade gift for friends, teachers, or neighbors who love sweet surprises.
  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep your sugar cookie cheesecake bars in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for maximum freshness, maintaining delicious quality for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These delectable treats can stay frozen for approximately 2-3 months without losing their delightful texture.
  • Serving Temperature Tips: Remove bars from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before serving to allow them to soften slightly, enhancing their creamy, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
  • Portioning Perfection: Cut bars into uniform squares using a sharp knife wiped clean between each slice for neat, professional-looking dessert portions that are easy to store and serve.
Print
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Sweet Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Sweet Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars


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4.6 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Creamy cheesecake nestled between buttery sugar cookie layers creates an irresistible dessert from classic American baking traditions. Rich cream cheese and sweet vanilla notes meld perfectly for a crowd-pleasing treat that satisfies intense dessert cravings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 16.5 oz (468 g) sugar cookie dough tube
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 egg
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
  • Sprinkles (optional)
  • Powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Warm the oven to 350°F and spray a baking dish with non-stick coating to guarantee seamless bar extraction.
  2. Craft Cheesecake Mixture: Whip cream cheese, vanilla extract, and egg into a silky-smooth amalgamation, incorporating powdered sugar for enhanced sweetness. Pro tip: Eliminate lumps by gently warming the mixing bowl in a hot water bath.
  3. Construct Cookie Foundation: Divide sugar cookie dough, pressing one half evenly across the baking dish to create a robust base layer.
  4. Layer and Assemble: Spread the cream cheese mixture uniformly over the cookie foundation, then transform the remaining dough into delicate, flattened fragments scattered across the top for a rustic appearance.
  5. Bake and Transform: Slide the dish into the preheated oven, monitoring for approximately 30 minutes until the surface achieves a golden, appetizing complexion.
  6. Cool and Set: Allow the bars to rest for one hour, enabling layers to solidify and flavors to harmonize completely.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Optional embellishment with decorative sprinkles can elevate the visual appeal before slicing into delectable squares.

Notes

  • Control Cream Cheese Temperature: Bring cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps and ensure a silky, smooth cheesecake base.
  • Prevent Soggy Crust: Press sugar cookie dough firmly and evenly into the baking dish to create a sturdy, crisp foundation that won’t become mushy.
  • Watch Baking Time Carefully: Check bars at 25 minutes to avoid overcooking; golden edges indicate perfect doneness without drying out the delicate layers.
  • Cooling is Crucial: Let bars cool completely at room temperature for exactly one hour to help layers set and develop rich, harmonious flavors.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 202
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 33 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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