Description
These Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars combine the buttery, sweet base of sugar cookie dough with a rich, creamy cheesecake topping. Perfectly baked until golden and set, these bars offer a delightful twist on classic cheesecake with the comforting flavor of sugar cookies, ideal for dessert lovers looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 package refrigerated sugar cookie dough (or 1 1/4 cups homemade dough)
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the dessert evenly.
- Prepare Pan: Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Form Crust: Press the sugar cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer that will serve as the crust for the bars.
- Bake Crust: Bake the pressed cookie dough crust for 10 minutes or until it begins to lightly brown, giving it a slightly firm base.
- Mix Cheesecake Filling: While the crust bakes, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, and salt to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Add Filling to Crust: Once the crust is baked, pour the cheesecake mixture over it and spread evenly to cover the crust completely.
- Bake Cheesecake Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and lightly golden on top, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool and Chill: Let the bars cool for 10 minutes at room temperature, then refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to allow the cheesecake to fully set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Chilling the bars thoroughly improves slicing and flavor development.
- You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the crust for an extra warm flavor.
- Substitute with homemade sugar cookie dough for a fresher taste.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
