Introduction to Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars
Hey there, fellow baking enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, you probably have those days when pulling together an impressive dessert feels overwhelming. Enter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars—the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence! Picture this: sheer layers of graham cracker crust, luscious cheesecake, and buttery cookie dough topped with rich chocolate chips. It’s a quick solution for busy mom life or a delightful showstopper at gatherings. You’ll find that with just a little time in the kitchen, you can create something absolutely drool-worthy. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars are an absolute game-changer for busy days. You can whip them up in just over 50 minutes, making them a go-to treat for unexpected guests or a cozy family night. Each bite bursts with flavor—creamy cheesecake intertwining with sweet cookie dough and chocolatey goodness. Plus, they’re easily customizable, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice of delicious joy right from your kitchen!
Ingredients – Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun of baking Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Graham cracker crumbs: These serve as a sweet, crunchy base—the humble building block of yummy goodness.
- Unsalted butter: The main fat that adds richness. You can substitute with coconut oil if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
- Granulated sugar: Regular sugar sweetens the crust and balances flavors throughout the dish.
- Cream cheese: This creamy delight forms a smooth cheesecake layer. Make sure it’s softened for a velvety texture!
- Egg: A binding agent that gives the cheesecake its luscious creaminess.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash brings warmth and enhances the sweetness. I love using pure vanilla for its rich flavor.
- Dark brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramel and depth. You can use light brown sugar, too, if that’s what you have.
- Plain flour: Essential for the cookie dough. If you want to make it gluten-free, try using almond or oat flour!
- Fine salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and elevate the flavors.
- Chocolate chips: The star of the show! Feel free to mix in some white chocolate or even butterscotch chips for a fun twist.
All ingredient measurements are available at the bottom of this article, perfect for printing. Now, let’s get ready to bake some delicious bars that are sure to impress!
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars
Let’s get our hands a little floury and dive into the delicious process of making Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars! Each step leads us closer to that dreamy, mouthwatering treat. I promise, it’ll be worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
Start by combining graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a medium bowl. Stir until everything is well mixed and the crumbs feel evenly damp.
This mixture is the foundation of your bars, so don’t rush! A firm crust will hold all those layers together beautifully as they bake.
Step 2: Bake the Crust
Next, press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined 23 cm x 23 cm baking pan. A good press ensures the crust won’t crumble when you serve the bars.
Pop it into a preheated oven set at 165°C for just 5 minutes. This quick bake is vital—it helps to set the crust before adding the cheesecake layer.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer
While the crust cools, let’s whip up that creamy cheesecake layer! Beat together softened cream cheese and sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and dreamy.
Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is perfectly combined.
You’re looking for a luscious consistency—this is what makes the bars so delightful!
Step 4: Spread the Cheesecake Mixture
Now it’s time to spread that gorgeous cheesecake mixture evenly over the pre-baked graham cracker crust.
Use a spatula to smooth it out gently, ensuring every bit of the crust is covered.
This beautifully creamy layer is what elevates your Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars to a whole new level!
Step 5: Prepare the Cookie Dough Topping
In a separate bowl, cream together room temperature butter, white sugar, dark brown sugar, and vanilla extract until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial for that classic cookie dough texture!
Mix the flour and salt in another bowl, then gradually add to the creamed mixture until a soft dough forms.
Don’t forget to fold in those glorious chocolate chips—that’s where the magic happens!
Step 6: Assemble the Bars
Now comes the fun part! Shape pieces of the cookie dough into small balls or break it up into little chunks, and scatter them over the cheesecake layer generously.
This uneven spread adds character and will create delightful cookie bites throughout the bars!
Step 7: Final Bake
Finally, bake your glorious creation in the oven at 165°C for about 30–35 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the cookie dough topping to turn a beautiful golden brown.
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, which means it’s time to pull them out. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Patience can be hard, but it’s worth it! Trust me, the waiting will only make each bite a little sweeter.
Tips for Success
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best blending.
- Don’t skip the pre-baking step for the crust—it sets a sturdy base!
- For even baking, try rotating the baking pan halfway through.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to get cleaner cuts.
- Experiment with different chocolate varieties to elevate flavors!
Equipment Needed
- 23 cm x 23 cm baking pan: A square pan is ideal, but any similar-sized baking dish will work.
- Mixing bowls: Use both large and medium bowls for easy mixing.
- Spatula: Great for spreading the cheesecake layer and mixing.
- Electric mixer: Makes blending faster, but a whisk will work too.
- Parchment paper (optional): Lining your pan ensures easy removal of the bars.
Variations
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough for an extra crunch.
- Peanut Butter Twist: Substitute half the butter in the cookie dough with creamy peanut butter for a rich, nutty flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or almond flour to suit dietary needs.
- Fruit Infusion: Fold in berries like raspberries or chopped dried fruits for a fruity touch.
- Cookie Butter Bliss: Incorporate cookie butter into the cheesecake layer for an amazing spiced flavor boost!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
- Drizzle warm chocolate sauce on top for added decadence—everyone loves a little extra chocolate!
- Serve alongside a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk to complement the flavors perfectly.
- For a festive presentation, cut the bars into fun shapes or add colorful sprinkles on top before serving.
FAQs about Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars
Can I make these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars ahead of time? Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just slice them up when you’re ready to serve.
What can I use instead of cream cheese? If you need a substitute, try using mascarpone cheese or even Greek yogurt for a lighter cheesecake layer. Just ensure it’s smooth for best texture.
How do I store leftovers? Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They should stay fresh for about a week—if they last that long!
Can I freeze the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars? Yes, you can freeze these bars! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They should be good for up to three months—just thaw in the fridge when you’re ready to indulge!
Are these bars safe for kids to eat? Yes, these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars are safe for kids, as the dough is baked. However, if you’re still concerned about raw flour, consider using heat-treated flour instead!
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up this delightful journey into the world of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars, I can’t help but feel excited for you to experience the joy of baking them. Each layer provides a different texture and flavor, creating a symphony of deliciousness that’s impossible to resist.
Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring a quiet moment to yourself, these bars bring warmth and comfort to any occasion. So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge! Happy baking, my friends—you’re in for a treat!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious layers of graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, and cookie dough topped with 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
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for several days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
