Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars

Everyone loves cheesecake. Everyone loves chocolate chip cookies. Let’s make them a duo like peanut butter and chocolate. You dig?

Seriously, when you love something, you don’t set it free. You keep it in your life and obsess over it. I’ve never been able to turn down cheesecake, especially if it’s packed with milk chocolate chips. I’ve never been able to turn down a chocolate chip cookie, unless something is majorly wrong in my life.

Putting them together just equals total happiness. If anyone wants to be unhappy, stop reading.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars

I’m not sure what’s going on with this year, but my stress level has been through the roof lately. I’ve informed everyone at work to schedule my nervous breakdown for November. If I warn them in advance, will it be okay to take to my bed and stare at the walls?

On a daily basis, I find myself juggling way too much. It’s inevitable that some balls will drop, and then I feel guilty. After all, aren’t women supposed to somehow handle it all without freaking out?

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars

I’m not saying that men have less to handle, necessarily. But when Kenny has a huge to-do list, he gives himself a few weeks to get to what needs to be done, and the piling amount of work doesn’t seem to faze him that much. But with me, I need to get through my lists daily, or it all comes crumbling down.

This week, I have the usual five classes to teach every day and Β the resultant large stack of essays to grade. On top of that, I’m finishing up college recommendations for the students I teach who are doing what’s known as “early action,” which means they get into college before everyone else. I admire their drive. It just makes for a lot of letter-writing on my part.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars

I’m also doing a project proposal for making the literary magazine I run at work have its own app. I don’t know how to make an app, but I’m hoping someone in the building can help me. And I’m taking a leadership course this fall that comes with 18 hours of homework.

Oh, and then I run this blog, which I love, not to mention how much I love eating the desserts I show you all. So I’ll do my best to hold off on that breakdown if you let me eat all these chocolate chip cookie cheesecake bars myself. Are we agreed?

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars

The base of these bars is a standard chocolate chip cookie dough which gets mostly baked before the cheesecake layer is added to the top. When I make cheesecake for bars, I keep the batter very low in sugar. The fact that the cheesecake is rich and full of chocolate chips coupled with the cookie base means that you don’t need the extra sweetness.

There’s really no way that these won’t become a household favorite. Even though I admit that my stress level is way out of whack lately, sharing desserts like this gives me unending pleasure. Whether you just gaze at the pics or decide to make some yourself, enjoy whatever stolen moments the day can bring. Calm breathing, everyone!

 

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients

Cookie Base
1 and 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
Cheesecake
8 oz. block of cream cheese, softened (I used light)
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350. Line an 8-inch square pan with foil, leaving enough to hang over the sides. Coat with cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, and then mix in the vanilla. Add the dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated. Mix in the chocolate chips.
  4. Spread the dough into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until mostly baked. The center can still be a little jiggly.
  5. While the bottom layer is baking, make the cheesecake batter. In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla and stir again until completely incorporated. Mix in the milk chocolate chips.
  6. Pour the cheesecake batter onto the chocolate chip cookie layer. Spread the batter out evenly.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden at the edges and set. Cool completely.
  8. Refrigerate overnight and cut into squares.
http://justaboutbaked.com/chocolate-chip-cookie-cheesecake-bars/

 

Mir

I fulfill many roles in life: wife, mother, teacher, everlasting learner. This site is dedicated to one role that expresses my creativity in ways that I find consistently challenging and rewarding: baker. Inventing new ways to enhance food, especially if that food involves chocolate or peanut butter (or both!), is a passion of mine. I look forward to sharing my ideas with you.

This Post Has 32 Comments

  1. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice

    Sounds like you have a lot going on, Mir! Hopefully you can take a little break and indulge in these cheesecake bars. They look amazing! I definitely can’t resist any kind of cheesecake either. This would definitely cheer me up after a long day!
    Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Easy Caramel Apple Cinnamon RollsMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Definitely a lot happening, Gayle. But I’m trying to breathe and eat cheesecake!

  2. Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy

    Sounds like a busy time for you. Cheesecake is always a good way to take a break!
    I was never a cheesecake fan until I went to the Cheesecake Factory in the U.S a few years ago and had the most amazing cheesecake. Now I am hooked!
    Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on Mediterranean Tuna Steaks by DanniiMy Profile

    1. Mir

      I had the same experience! That place made me love cheesecake. Now there’s no going back!

  3. Megan - The Emotional Baker

    I’m stressed and I don’t have as nearly as much going on as you! I’m so impressed you’re able to keep on top of everything! I’d just go sit down and eat a pan of these bars – then I’d reluctantly get to work πŸ˜‰
    Megan – The Emotional Baker recently posted…Double Chocolate Walnut CookiesMy Profile

    1. Mir

      It’s much easier to get back to work on a sugar high, Megan! Or at least, I like to think it is. πŸ™‚

  4. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom

    Mir, cheesecake + chocolate chip cookies = a match made in heaven if you ask me. These are perfection! and the juggling?! oh my gawd, I am with you sister. . it’s like I don’t know what to do with myself unless I am juggling a million things at once but then I stress a little and drive my family crazy :P. I don’t know anyone who has it all together and who doesn’t freak out from time to time. . and the app?! what?! and leadership course? but hey, I say go for the things that challenge you! keep your mind growing and learning. . I read somewhere that people who exercise their brains and their creativity (blogs) on a daily basis are happier people .. happier and crazier? πŸ™‚ Anyway, I believe it and am one of those people! you can do it!
    Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom recently posted…Pumpkin Molasses CookiesMy Profile

    1. Mir

      People always get on me for having too much on my plate, but honestly, inertia is my enemy. An object in motion stays in motion, so it’s easier to juggle a bazillion things. But it does make those of us who are into the constant creative challenges a little bit nuts! In a good, happy way. πŸ™‚

  5. Jen | Baked by an Introvert

    It’s time to take a break and enjoy these cheesecake bars! chocolate chip cookies and cheesecake are the ultimate combo!
    Jen | Baked by an Introvert recently posted…Bacon Egg Breakfast PizzaMy Profile

    1. Mir

      They’re absolutely my ultimate combo, Jen!

  6. Medha @ Whisk & Shout

    These bars look fabulous! Chocolate chip cookies and cheesecake are my two favorite desserts, so these bars are basically EVERYTHING. Pinning!
    Medha @ Whisk & Shout recently posted…One Bowl Pumpkin Chip Muffins! {Vegan + GF}My Profile

    1. Mir

      Thanks for pinning, Medha! I’m glad I got your favorites in one place!

  7. Renee@Two in the Kitchen

    Yes I do love cheesecake and chocolate chip cookies. These are perfect!! πŸ™‚
    Renee@Two in the Kitchen recently posted…Pumpkin BarsMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Most people do, and those who don’t confuse me, Renee. Thanks!

  8. Manali @ CookWithManali

    good luck Mir, looks like you have a lot going on. I am sure these cheesecake bars helped you calm down a bit because they look incredible!
    Manali @ CookWithManali recently posted…Cheesy Garlic Bread SticksMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Thanks, Manali! Breathe and sugar. Breathe and sugar. My mantra!

  9. Michele @ Alwayzbakin

    You poor thing. I am so with you! My nervous breakdown happened yesterday. πŸ˜€ I didn’t even have to schedule it! We women are natural-born multi-taskers who need to do…..EVERYTHING. Hang in there. It’s a good thing you have these amazing bars. I LOVE cheesecake so much. And with choc chip cookies?? I’m in love!
    Michele @ Alwayzbakin recently posted…Book Review: The Blender Girl SmoothiesMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Seriously? Oh, no! Hope you’re doing better now, Michele!

  10. Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust

    Ugh, I’m sorry about all the stress! I’m with you – nervous breakdowns in November. Maybe we can room together at the funny farm??? But only if you bring these!
    Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted…Drinking ChocolateMy Profile

    1. Mir

      I’d love to room with you, Dorothy! I’ll bring dessert if you bring the booze. πŸ™‚

  11. Mira

    You are very busy Mir and this makes it hard to handle stress… Hope things bet better! Love that you combined 2 of my favorite desserts in one! Can’t wait to try it!
    Mira recently posted…Cauliflower Kale SoupMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Thanks, Mira! I’ll get it under control, I hope!

  12. Kate @ Framed Cooks

    You have a LOT going on, wonderful Mir! I hope one of the things on your list (and I am a list girl too) is taking care of your sweet self – preferably with one of these delicious cheesecake bars! Hang in there!
    Kate @ Framed Cooks recently posted…Hearty Chicken Cauliflower SoupMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Thanks, equally wonderful Kate! Dessert is always on the list, thank heaven.

  13. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary

    First of all WOW, you have a crap ton of stuff going on at the moment! I don’t blame you for wanting to pencil in a mental breakdown. lol Second, I couldn’t agree more with “when you love something, you don’t set it free. You keep it in your life and obsess over it” I CONCUR! Who wants to set something they love free for someone else to snatch up? That’s just stupid. Third, these bars are amaze-balls. I mean cheesecake paired with CCC’s? Yeah. ‘Nuff said! Pinned! Cheers, lovie… and I have my fingers crossed that your stress level decreases! XO
    Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary recently posted…Lox & Everything Hummus {Plus- How to Cook Chickpeas in the Slow Cooker}My Profile

    1. Mir

      Exactly. Why let the good stuff go? We have to cherish what we love, Cheyanne!

  14. Michele @ Two Raspberries

    seriously! send me some of these! they look like they just melt in your mouth!!!! πŸ˜‰ YUMMMMMM
    Michele @ Two Raspberries recently posted…Grilled PB&J VeganMy Profile

    1. Mir

      They really do, Michele!

  15. Trish - Mom On Timeout

    Girl! You need TWO of these cheesecake bars! You sure have a lot on your plate! I really REALLY don’t know how you do it all AND still manage to put up these amazing recipes day after day – you ROCK!
    Trish – Mom On Timeout recently posted…Butterscotch Almond ToffeeMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Thanks so much, Trish! I think two at least would be good for all of us!

  16. Jan

    Made the Chocolate Chip cheesecake bars for my Mom’s Birthday treat and they turned out great! I used dark chocolate chips since my Mom likes those and we loved the treats!

    1. Mir

      I’m so glad they turned out well! Thanks for letting me know, Jan. I love good news! πŸ™‚

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