Description
Savor chocolate chip cheesecake bars—rich, creamy, and topped with chocolate chips. A decadent treat perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 40 oz refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the cookie dough: For easier slicing, freeze 20 oz of the cookie dough for about 20 minutes.
- Soften the cream cheese: Take the 16 oz of cream cheese out to soften at room temperature while the cookie dough is freezing. Also, let the 1 large egg reach room temperature.
- Prepare the pan: Line a 13×9″ baking pan with parchment paper or use non-stick aluminum foil for easy removal.
- Form the crust: Slice half of the cookie dough into ¼” pieces. Press these pieces evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1 large egg, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and ½ tsp vanilla extract until smooth. If using, add 1 tsp lemon juice for a touch of brightness.
- Layer the filling: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the baked crust.
- Add the top layer: Take the remaining cookie dough and crumble it on top of the cheesecake filling, creating a layer of cookie dough.
- Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheesecake filling is set.
- Cool and refrigerate: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) before slicing and serving.