Introduction to Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars
As a mom, I know how life can get hectic! That’s why I love whipping up easy desserts that bring smiles to my family’s faces. These irresistible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars are the perfect solution for a busy day or a sweet treat to impress your loved ones. With a delicious graham cracker base, creamy cheesecake filling, and cookie dough topping, these bars are a heavenly combination that satisfies every sweet tooth. Trust me, when you make them, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “cookie dough!”
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars
Let’s face it, we all crave something sweet, especially after a long day. These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars are not only incredibly delicious but also super simple to make. In just under an hour, you can create a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering, a school bake sale, or just a cozy night in, this recipe will surely win over everyone’s hearts—and stomachs!
Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars
To create these delectable Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars, you’ll need a variety of ingredients that come together to make magic! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Graham cracker crumbs: These form the base of our bars, providing a sweet and crunchy texture. You can use store-bought crumbs or crush your own from whole graham crackers.
- Unsalted butter: We use melted butter for the graham cracker base and room temperature butter for the cookie dough. This adds richness and helps bind everything together.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness! In this recipe, it’s used in both the cheesecake filling and cookie dough for just the right amount of sweetness.
- Cream cheese: The star of the cheesecake filling! Softened cream cheese gives that luscious, creamy texture that balances out the sweetness beautifully.
- Egg: This helps to set the cheesecake layer, giving it structure while keeping it smooth and creamy.
- Vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that adds warmth and depth to both the cheesecake and cookie dough layers. It’s the secret ingredient to elevating your dessert!
- Dark brown sugar: This adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, making your cookie dough extra delicious. You can substitute light brown sugar if necessary.
- Plain flour: Necessary for forming the cookie dough. It provides structure but you could substitute with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Fine salt: A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and brings out the flavors, enhancing the overall taste of your bars.
- Chocolate chips: The delightful finishing touch! Feel free to mix in other types of chips or chopped chocolate for a fun twist.
Exact measurements for these ingredients are listed at the bottom of the article, along with a handy printable version to make your baking experience even easier!
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars
Now that we’ve gathered all the delicious ingredients, let’s jump into the fun part—making these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars! Follow these simple instructions, and I promise you’ll end up with a sweet treat that will have everyone asking for seconds. Here’s how to do it:
Prepare the Graham Cracker Base
Mix the Ingredients
Start by mixing the graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and granulated sugar in a bowl. Stir until every crumb is evenly moistened. The texture should feel like wet sand, ready to form a solid base. This step is crucial, as it sets the stage for our creamy layers above.
Press into the Pan
Now it’s time to firmly press this mixture into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined 23 cm x 23 cm baking pan. Use the back of a measuring cup or your hands to ensure it’s packed tightly. This helps keep the base sturdy once baked. Pop it in a preheated oven at 165°C for about 5 minutes. Just enough time for it to hold its shape!
Make the Cheesecake Filling
Blend Cream Cheese Mixture
While the graham cracker base is baking, it’s time to whisk up the cheesecake filling. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. You want it to be free of lumps for that perfect silky texture!
Spread the Cheesecake Layer
Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract, blending everything until fully combined. Once your cheesecake mixture is ready, gently spread it evenly over the warm graham cracker base. Ensure it reaches the corners of the pan, creating a luscious layer of creamy goodness.
Create the Cookie Dough Topping
Cream the Butters and Sugars
In another bowl, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. I like to use an electric mixer here for a fluffy texture, but a whisk works, too. Mix until it’s light and creamy—this part is like magic in a bowl!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain flour and fine salt. Gradually incorporate this mixture into the creamed butter mixture until a soft dough forms. It should be a thick consistency that you can scoop and shape.
Form the Cookie Dough
Now, this is where the fun really begins! Scoop the cookie dough and shape it into small balls. You can also just break it into pieces, which adds a rustic touch. Scatter these pieces evenly over the cheesecake layer, letting it peek through for that delicious cookie dough look.
Assemble and Bake
Add Cookie Dough Pieces on Top
Before sliding it into the oven, sprinkle those delightful chocolate chips over the cookie dough topping. They’ll melt slightly, giving you ooey-gooey bites in every square!
Bake and Cool
Now, bake your creation in the preheated oven at 165°C for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cookie dough topping is lightly golden and the edges of the cheesecake are set. Allow it to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Patience is key here for perfectly clean cuts!
Tips for Success
- Always use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Press the graham cracker base firmly to create a sturdy foundation.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing for cleaner edges.
- Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or use different chocolate chips for variety.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Equipment Needed
- Baking pan: A 23 cm x 23 cm pan is perfect, but an 8-inch square pan will work too.
- Mixer: An electric mixer makes the job easier, but a whisk will do in a pinch.
- Mixing bowls: Have a couple of different sizes for mixing your layers.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accuracy, especially if you’re baking with kids!
Variations
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough for a delightful crunch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend for those with dietary restrictions.
- Chocolate Lovers: Replace half of the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a fun flavor twist.
- Cheesecake Twist: Swirl in some raspberry or caramel sauce into the cheesecake layer before baking for added flavor.
- Mini Bars: Cut the bars into smaller squares for bite-sized treats—perfect for parties or lunchboxes!
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy your Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon treat.
- For a pop of color, top each bar with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Serve them on a beautiful platter with a sprinkle of powdered sugar to impress your guests.
- Wrap individual bars in foil for lunchbox surprises or packing for picnics!
FAQs about Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the cheesecake filling?
Absolutely! Using low-fat cream cheese will still yield delicious results, though the texture may be slightly different. That said, it’s a great option if you’re looking to reduce calories.
How do I store leftover Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week but trust me, they won’t last that long!
Can these bars be frozen for later enjoyment?
You bet! To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to indulge.
What if I don’t have graham crackers?
No worries! You can substitute with crushed cookies like Oreos or digestive biscuits to create a unique base for your Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars.
Are these bars suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are vegetarian-friendly. Just be sure to check your specific brands if you have strict dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
Making these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars is more than just baking; it’s about creating sweet memories with your family and friends. The magic happens as you layer the flavors and watch those smiles grow wider with each bite. Whether you’re treating your loved ones after a difficult day or celebrating a special occasion, these bars have a unique way of brightening up any mood. So roll up your sleeves, embrace the joy of cooking, and let these delightful bars fill your kitchen with warmth and laughter. Trust me, they’re worth every crumb!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy to make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars with a graham cracker base and creamy cheesecake filling, topped with cookie dough and chocolate chips.
Ingredients
- 190 grams graham cracker crumbs
- 75 grams unsalted butter, melted
- 25 grams granulated sugar
- 225 grams cream cheese, softened
- 67 grams granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 5 milliliters vanilla extract
- 75 grams unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 50 grams granulated sugar
- 50 grams dark brown sugar
- 5 milliliters vanilla extract
- 90 grams plain flour
- 1 gram fine salt
- 115 grams chocolate chips
Instructions
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the base of a greased or parchment-lined 23 cm x 23 cm baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 165°C for 5 minutes.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract; blend until fully combined and smooth.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the pre-baked graham base.
- Cream butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Mix flour and salt together, then incorporate into the creamed mixture until a soft dough forms. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Shape the cookie dough into balls, break into small pieces, and scatter evenly across the cheesecake layer.
- Bake at 165°C for 30–35 minutes until the cookie dough topping is lightly golden. Cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Store bars refrigerated in an airtight container if not serving immediately.
Notes
- For best results, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
- These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Feel free to add nuts or other mix-ins to the cookie dough if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15 grams
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 grams
- Saturated Fat: 7 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 3 grams
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
