A Match Made in Heaven: Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars
Experience the perfect fusion of two classic desserts with these Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars. This recipe offers a delightful combination of a buttery sugar cookie crust, a creamy, tangy cheesecake filling, and a tender cookie crumble topping. It is a simple, no-fuss dessert that is rich, comforting, and incredibly easy to make thanks to the use of pre-made cookie dough.
These bars are ideal for potlucks, celebrations, or a simple weeknight treat, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and indulgence in every bite.
Ingredients
This streamlined recipe requires just a few key ingredients for maximum flavor.
- 1 (16.5-ounce) tube sugar cookie dough
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- Optional: Sprinkles
- Optional: Powdered sugar (for added sweetness in the filling)
Directions
Follow these simple steps to create these delicious, golden-brown bars.
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Prepare Cheesecake Filling In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed until the mixture is smooth. If desired, add a small amount of powdered sugar to sweeten the filling to your taste.
3. Form the Crust Cut the roll of sugar cookie dough in half. Press one half evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust layer.
4. Add Cheesecake Layer Pour the cream cheese mixture over the sugar cookie crust, spreading it evenly.
5. Create the Top Layer Take the remaining half of the sugar cookie dough and break it into small, flattened chunks. Distribute these chunks evenly over the top of the cheesecake layer. These will spread and form the top crust as they bake.
6. Bake Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Keep a close eye on the bars towards the end of baking to prevent over-browning.
7. Cool and Garnish Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for at least 1 hour. Once cooled, you can add sprinkles on top for decoration.
8. Serve After cooling, cut the bars into squares and serve.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including cooling time)
- Kcal: Approximately 330 kcal per serving
- Servings: 9 servings
Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing the filling. This is crucial for a smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer.
- Don’t Overbake: The cheesecake bars should still have a slight wobble in the center when removed from the oven. They will continue to set as they cool. Overbaking can lead to a dry crust and a less creamy filling.
- The Importance of Cooling: Allowing the bars to cool completely in the pan is essential for the cheesecake to set properly, ensuring clean slices.
- Optional Toppings: While sprinkles provide a fun, colorful finish, you can also drizzle the cooled bars with melted chocolate, caramel, or a simple glaze for added decadence.