If you’re a fan of both cheesecake and cookies (who isn’t?), then these Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars are your new best friend. Imagine a buttery sugar cookie crust, topped with a creamy, dreamy cheesecake filling, and baked to golden perfection. These bars are a slice of heaven in every bite—rich, sweet, and totally satisfying. Trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch because they disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients, it’s about creating the ultimate indulgent treat that satisfies every sweet tooth. Whether you’re hosting a party, surprising a friend, or treating yourself after a busy day, these bars will be the star of the show. Here’s why they’re so beloved:
Versatile:
Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these bars are perfect for almost any occasion. You can also add some fruit toppings or a drizzle of chocolate for extra flair.
Budget-Friendly:
No need for fancy ingredients! With a few staples like cream cheese, sugar, and sugar cookie dough, you’re all set to make these decadent bars.
Quick and Easy:
With minimal prep work, these bars come together quickly—just layer and bake! They’re the perfect treat when you need something special without spending all day in the kitchen.
Customizable:
Feel free to mix in some chocolate chips, add a dash of vanilla, or top with fresh berries. The base recipe is simple, so there’s plenty of room to get creative!
Crowd-Pleasing:
These bars are the perfect combination of a soft, buttery cookie crust and a rich cheesecake filling. It’s a dessert that everyone—kids and adults alike—can’t resist.
Ingredients
Let’s talk about the ingredients that make these bars so irresistible:
- Sugar Cookie Dough: The perfect base! You’ll use pre-made dough or homemade to create a buttery, sweet crust.
- Cream Cheese: The star of the cheesecake filling, giving it that rich, smooth texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the richness of the cheesecake.
- Eggs: They help the cheesecake filling set perfectly as it bakes.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds depth and enhances the flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps to bind the cheesecake mixture, giving it a smooth consistency.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these indulgent cheesecake bars:
Preheat Your Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and get that golden, delicious color.
Prepare the Sugar Cookie Crust:
Start by pressing the sugar cookie dough into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure it’s spread evenly and covers the entire bottom. This creates your buttery, sweet crust.
Mix the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until the filling is well combined and smooth.
Assemble the Bars:
Pour the cheesecake filling over the sugar cookie crust and spread it out evenly. The filling will settle and bake perfectly over the cookie layer.
Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is set and slightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
Finishing Touches:
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the baking dish. Once cooled, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to firm up and set. This step is key for the perfect texture!
Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, cut the bars into squares and serve! They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or just enjoying with a cup of coffee at home.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 16 bars
Calories per serving: 250
(Note: These values may vary depending on specific ingredient brands and measurements.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars
These cheesecake bars are delicious on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, try serving them with a drizzle of fresh fruit syrup or a few berries on top. You could even add a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Additional Tips
- Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare these the day before and let them chill overnight.
- Toppings: Fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries are fantastic toppings for these bars. You can also drizzle with some melted chocolate or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
FAQ’s
- Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works great, too. Just make sure to press it evenly into the baking dish. - Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free sugar cookie dough and ensure your cream cheese filling doesn’t contain gluten. - Can I freeze these bars?
Yes! These bars freeze really well. Just wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. - How long should I let these bars cool?
Let them cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating them for at least 2 hours. This helps them set properly. - Can I add toppings to these bars?
Yes! Try adding fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate for a delicious twist. - Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes, you can experiment with different crusts, such as graham cracker or shortbread. Just make sure the crust is sturdy enough to hold the cheesecake filling. - How do I know when the cheesecake is done?
The cheesecake should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. It will firm up as it cools. - Can I use a different flavor for the filling?
Yes! You can add lemon zest, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of fruit puree to the cheesecake mixture for a fun flavor twist. - Why did my cheesecake filling crack?
Cracking can happen if the cheesecake is overbaked or baked at too high a temperature. Make sure to bake at the recommended temperature and time. - Can I use a smaller baking dish?
Yes, if you want thicker bars, use a smaller dish, but be mindful of the baking time as it might need to adjust.
Conclusion
These Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars are a crowd-pleasing treat that everyone will love. With their buttery sugar cookie base and creamy cheesecake filling, they’re the perfect combination of sweet and rich. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving something indulgent, these bars will always hit the spot. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s bake up some joy!
Print
Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 35–45min
- Total Time: 50min
- Yield: 30bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery sugar cookie crust topped with a rich and creamy cheesecake filling, creating a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Perfect for gatherings or as a sweet treat for yourself.
Ingredients
– 1 package (17.5 oz) sugar cookie mix
– 1 package (3.4 oz) French vanilla instant pudding mix
– 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
– 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
– 2 whole eggs, plus 3 egg yolks
– 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– Sprinkles, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, pudding mix, brown sugar, melted butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 whole egg. Mix until well combined. Press two-thirds of this dough into the bottom of the prepared pan. Reserve the remaining dough.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the remaining whole egg, egg yolks, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
4. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cookie crust in the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
5. Flatten the reserved cookie dough and break it into small pieces. Scatter these pieces over the cheesecake filling.
6. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
7. Allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into squares.
8. Garnish with sprinkles if desired before serving.
Notes
– For a different flavor, you can use regular vanilla pudding mix instead of French vanilla.
– Store these bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
– Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1bar
- Calories: 53kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 32mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 11mg