Creamy Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars: A Heavenly Treat to Share

Decadent sugar cookie cheesecake bars are the ultimate treat, blending two popular desserts into one.

The creamy richness of cheesecake pairs perfectly with the sweet crunch of a sugar cookie crust.

These indulgent bars offer a smooth, velvety texture that contrasts beautifully with the nostalgic taste of buttery cookies.

Fans of dessert will enjoy how these flavors come together to create an irresistible delight.

This recipe breaks away from traditional sweets by combining two classic favorites for a unique experience.

With homemade comfort and bakery-style charm, these delicious bars are sure to satisfy any craving for something sweet.

Why Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars Feel Like A Treat

• Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy bakers wanting a delightful dessert in under an hour with minimal kitchen skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Combo: Merges two beloved treats – sugar cookies and cheesecake – creating a unique, irresistible dessert that appeals to all ages.
• Flexible Customization: Easy to adapt with optional powdered sugar or colorful sprinkles, making it a versatile recipe for different tastes and celebrations.
• Stress-Free Preparation: Requires only basic ingredients and simple steps, allowing even novice bakers to create a professional-looking dessert without complicated techniques.

What Goes Into Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars

• Sugar Cookie Dough: The foundational flavor and structure for this dessert bar.
• Cream Cheese: Provides rich, creamy texture and tangy flavor for the filling.
• Egg: Helps bind the cheesecake filling and create a smooth consistency.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet aroma and depth to the cheesecake mixture.
• Powdered Sugar (Optional): Increases sweetness for those preferring a more sugary filling.

• Non-Stick Spray: Ensures easy removal of bars from baking dish.
• Sprinkles: Decorative element that adds color and fun to the dessert.

How To Bake Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm the oven to 350°F.

Coat an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cheesecake Layer

• Cream cheese
• Vanilla extract
• Egg
• Powdered sugar (optional)

Blend cream cheese, vanilla, and egg using an electric mixer.

Mix on low speed until silky smooth.

Warm mixture in water bath if cream cheese feels lumpy.

Taste and add powdered sugar if desired.

Step 3: Build Cookie Foundation

Slice sugar cookie dough into two equal portions.

Press first half into pan bottom, creating an even base layer.

Spread cheesecake mixture over cookie foundation.

Break remaining dough into small pieces.

Scatter cookie chunks across cheesecake surface.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide pan into preheated oven.

Bake approximately 30 minutes.

Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Remove when top turns light golden brown.

Step 5: Chill and Decorate

Allow bars to cool completely for one hour.

Sprinkle decorative toppings if desired.

Cut into neat squares.

Serve and enjoy delightful treat.

Simple Tips For Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars

• Soften Cream Cheese Smartly: Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that blends perfectly.
• Prevent Soggy Crust: Partially bake the sugar cookie base for 5-10 minutes before adding cheesecake filling to create a crisp, sturdy foundation that won't get mushy.
• Control Sweetness Easily: Adjust the filling's sweetness by adding powdered sugar gradually, tasting as you go to achieve your ideal flavor profile.
• Watch Baking Time Carefully: Keep a close eye on the bars during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to prevent burning, as sugar cookies can quickly turn from golden to overdone.
• Chill for Clean Cuts: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours after cooling to room temperature, which helps set the filling and makes slicing neat and precise.

How To Store And Serve Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars

• Refrigerate: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing flavor loss.
• Wrap Wisely: Cover bars with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent them from absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Freeze Option: Place bars in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
• Reheat Gently: Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight, then let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore their soft, creamy texture.

Best Pairings For Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars

• Brew Cool Iced Tea: Lemon-infused black tea cuts through the richness of the cheesecake bars, offering a crisp and tangy contrast that cleanses the palate after each sweet bite.
• Select Sparkling Wine Companion: Light prosecco or champagne adds elegant bubbles that complement the creamy texture, creating a celebratory dessert experience with subtle fruity undertones.
• Match Milk-Based Drink: Cold whole milk or vanilla almond milk enhances the dessert's sweetness, providing a smooth and comforting background that highlights the sugar cookie's buttery notes.
• Create Coffee Pairing: Smooth cappuccino or mild espresso brings deep roasted flavors that balance the bar's sugary profile, creating a sophisticated dessert moment with robust coffee undertones.

Fun Spins On Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars

• Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars: Replace regular sugar cookie dough with gluten-free sugar cookie mix or almond flour-based cookie dough for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Cream Cheese Version: Swap traditional cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives made from cashews or coconut, using a plant-based egg replacer like flaxseed mixture.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free cookie dough and replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener in the cheesecake filling to reduce overall sugar content.
• Seasonal Berry Infusion: Sprinkle fresh raspberries or blueberries between the cheesecake layer and cookie topping for a fruity, tangy flavor profile that complements the sweet base.

Questions About Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars

• Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of store-bought?

Yes, absolutely! Homemade sugar cookie dough works perfectly and can add a more personalized touch to the bars. Just ensure the dough is firm enough to create a stable crust.

• How do I know when the cheesecake bars are fully baked?

Look for a golden-brown top and slightly set edges. The center should still have a slight jiggle when gently shaken. Overbaking can lead to dry, cracked bars.

• What if my cream cheese is lumpy when mixing?

Place the mixing bowl in a warm water bath for a few minutes and stir until smooth. Alternatively, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.

• Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?

Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Heavenly Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet meets creamy in these irresistible Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars that blend classic bakery charm with rich dessert indulgence. Layered with buttery cookie base and silky cheesecake filling, these bars promise a delightful escape for dessert enthusiasts craving pure comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sugar Base:

• 16.5 ounces (468 grams) sugar cookie dough

Dairy Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 egg

Flavor and Decoration Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
• Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and coating an 8×8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Create the creamy cheesecake mixture by whisking cream cheese, vanilla extract, and egg until completely smooth, gently warming the mixture in a water bath if the cream cheese appears lumpy.
3. Divide the sugar cookie dough into two equal portions, pressing one half firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a uniform base layer.
4. Carefully pour the silky cheesecake filling over the initial cookie crust, ensuring even distribution across the surface.
5. Strategically place flattened pieces of the remaining cookie dough on top of the cheesecake layer, creating a rustic, textured appearance.
6. Slide the assembled dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, watching carefully to prevent over-browning – remove when the surface turns a delicate golden hue.
7. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature for a minimum of one hour, which helps the filling set and makes cutting easier.
8. Finish by sprinkling decorative confetti or colorful sprinkles across the cooled surface before slicing into neat, bite-sized squares.

Notes

• Select room temperature cream cheese to prevent lumpy filling and ensure smooth texture.
• Swap regular sugar cookie dough with gluten-free or vegan alternatives for dietary restrictions.
• Chill bars completely before cutting to achieve clean, crisp edges and prevent crumbling.
• Use parchment paper overhang for easier removal and more precise bar cutting.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg