Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
If you have a soft spot for decadent desserts that combine the best of two worlds, then you are going to adore this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe. These bars are the ultimate treat that brings the creamy tang of cheesecake together with the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter cookie dough, all studded with melty chocolate chips for a delightful bite every time. Perfectly balanced, they’re wonderfully easy to make and guaranteed to become a fast favorite whether you’re baking for a casual get-together or simply craving a comforting indulgence at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these scrumptious bars, you’ll use simple pantry staples that combine to create layers of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the creamy peanut butter that lends richness to the chewy cookie crust, to the smooth cream cheese mixture that provides that iconic cheesecake tang and softness.
- Peanut butter: The heart of the cookie layer, offering nutty depth and creaminess.
- Coconut oil or butter, melted: Adds moisture and helps bind the dough with a subtle richness.
- Brown sugar or coconut sugar: Delivers that warm caramel sweetness and tender texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a fragrant sweetness.
- All-purpose flour or oat flour: Forms the structure of the cookie dough; use oat flour for a gluten-free twist.
- Baking soda: Provides a gentle lift to the cookie base without overpowering texture.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter flavor.
- Mini chocolate chips: Small bursts of melty chocolate that add texture and decadence.
- Cream cheese, softened: The key to that smooth and tangy cheesecake component.
- Greek yogurt or sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang, making the filling lush and tender.
- Sugar or granulated sweetener: Sweetens the cheesecake layer perfectly without overpowering it.
- Egg: Binds the cheesecake filling, helping it set just right for slicing.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base and Cookie Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later. In a bowl, combine peanut butter, melted coconut oil or butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Then mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt until the dough comes together, folding in those irresistible mini chocolate chips for extra goodness.
Step 2: Form the Cookie Layer
Press half of this cookie dough into the bottom of your prepared pan, spreading it evenly to create a solid, delicious base. Reserve the remaining dough to crumble on top later, which will add delightful texture and visual appeal after baking.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling
In a clean bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is silky smooth. This mixture is the luxurious cheesecake layer that visually and flavor-wise marries so well with the cookie dough.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the cookie base, smoothing it out. Then crumble the reserved cookie dough over the top, intentionally leaving some gaps here and there for a beautiful marbled effect once baked. This not only looks stunning but also gives a perfect balance of creamy and chewy in every bite.
Step 5: Bake and Chill
Bake your bars for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are set, and the center still jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pan. This ensures the cheesecake stays creamy after cooling. Allow the bars to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least two hours to let the flavors meld and the texture firm up for perfect slicing.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle these bars with a little flaky sea salt or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or peanut butter on top to amp up the visual appeal and flavor complexity. Whipped cream or chopped roasted peanuts add a delightful finish for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
These bars shine on their own but pairing them with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can take the dessert experience to a new level. A cup of hot coffee or a cold glass of milk is a classic duo that perfectly complements the richness of the bars.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve these bars on a beautiful platter lined with parchment and garnished with whole roasted peanuts or mini chocolate chips scattered around. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares and skewer them with toothpicks for an easy finger food option that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bars stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Chilling helps maintain the perfect balance of creamy cheesecake and chewy cookie texture, so they taste just as amazing the next day.
Freezing
If you want to store them longer, freeze the bars in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results before serving.
Reheating
While these bars are typically enjoyed chilled, you can bring them to room temperature for 20 minutes or gently warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10 seconds if you prefer a softer texture. Just be careful not to overheat or you might lose that lovely cheesecake consistency.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a bit more texture to the cookie dough, making these bars even more interesting and nutty with every bite.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour with oat flour or your favorite gluten-free flour blend. This substitution works wonderfully without compromising flavor or texture.
Can I substitute the cream cheese with a non-dairy alternative?
You can use vegan cream cheese to make these bars dairy-free. Just keep in mind the texture may vary slightly, but the delicious combination of peanut butter and chocolate will still shine.
How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
The edges should look set and lightly golden, while the center should still jiggle slightly when shaken. This ensures the cheesecake layer remains creamy and luscious once chilled.
Can I make these bars in a different size pan?
Yes, you can use a 9×9-inch pan, but baking time may be reduced slightly. Keep a close eye after 20 minutes and test for doneness as described.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe that makes it an instant crowd-pleaser. From the gooey chocolate chips to the luscious cheesecake layer nestled between peanut butter cookie dough, every bite feels like a warm hug. I encourage you to give this recipe a try soon—you might just find your new favorite dessert to share with friends and family!
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Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars combine the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the chewy goodness of peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. Featuring a soft cookie base, a luscious cheesecake layer, and a crumbly cookie topping, this easy-to-make dessert is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in just 45 minutes plus chilling time.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup sugar (or granulated sweetener of choice)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to easily lift the bars out after baking.
- Make Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, melted coconut oil or butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Incorporate the flour, baking soda, and salt into the peanut butter mixture. Mix until a dough forms. Then fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly.
- Form Base Layer: Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the cookie base. Reserve the remaining dough for the topping.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Layer Cheesecake: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cookie dough base in the pan.
- Add Cookie Topping: Crumble the reserved cookie dough over the cheesecake layer, arranging it so there are gaps to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into squares and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute oat flour to make these bars gluten-free.
- Use coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener alternative.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure a smooth cheesecake layer.
- Chilling the bars is essential to achieve clean slices and to set the cheesecake properly.
- The marbled effect is created by gaps in the cookie dough topping; don’t fully cover the cheesecake layer with cookie dough crumbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
