Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe: Sweet Paradise Bites

Sweet dreams come alive with these irresistible sugar cookie cheesecake bars that blend creamy richness with buttery cookie perfection.

The classic sugar cookie creates a delightful foundation for a decadent cheesecake layer that melts in your mouth.

Crumbly, soft, and utterly indulgent, these bars promise a dessert experience that surpasses ordinary treats.

Each bite delivers a harmonious balance of textures and flavors sure to delight even the most discerning palate.

The simple ingredients transform into an elegant dessert that looks like it came straight from a bakery display.

Layers of sweetness intermingle, creating a dessert that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Prepare to fall in love with this crowd-pleasing confection that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients in Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars

• Sugar Cookie Dough: Transforms into a buttery, crumbly foundation that provides a sweet, nostalgic backdrop for the creamy cheesecake layer.
• Parchment Paper: Creates a non-stick surface for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.

• Cream Cheese: Delivers luxurious, tangy richness and creates the signature smooth, velvety texture of classic cheesecake.
• Sugar: Balances the cream cheese's tanginess and adds essential sweetness to the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic depth and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dessert.
• Egg: Binds the filling together and helps create a stable, silky cheesecake texture.

• Sprinkles: Adds playful, colorful visual appeal and a touch of whimsy to the dessert.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides a delicate, snow-like dusting that elevates the presentation and adds a subtle sweetness.
• White Chocolate: Creates an elegant drizzle that adds extra decadence and visual interest to the bars.

What to Use for Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars

• 8×8-inch baking dish: Essential for creating the perfect bar size and even baking.
• Parchment paper: Helps easily remove bars and prevents sticking.
• Electric mixer: Critical for smoothly blending cream cheese and creating creamy cheesecake filling.
• Large mixing bowl: Needed for preparing cheesecake mixture.
• Spatula: Used for spreading cheesecake layer evenly and smoothing the top.
• Sharp knife: Necessary for cutting clean, precise squares when serving.

How to Assemble Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F and line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

• Create the Cookie Foundation

Gently press sugar cookie dough into the dish, crafting a smooth, even base that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Grab your mixer and beat cream cheese until silky smooth. Fold in sugar, vanilla, and an egg, blending until the mixture looks like pure magic.

• Layer and Decorate

Pour the luscious cheesecake mixture over the cookie base, spreading it with care. Sprinkle some colorful joy on top if you’re feeling festive.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for a set cheesecake layer and golden cookie edges that whisper “I’m delicious!”

• Chill and Settle

Let the bars cool down, then tuck them into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Patience transforms good desserts into great ones.

• Serve with Flair

Slice into squares and add a final touch – dust with powdered sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate for that wow factor.

Tips to Customize Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars

• Perfect Cookie Base Technique: Press sugar cookie dough gently and evenly to create a uniform, compact foundation without creating air pockets or uneven thickness.
• Cheesecake Texture Pro Tip: Ensure cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling that blends seamlessly with other ingredients.
• Make-Ahead Magic: These bars can be prepared 2-3 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and making party planning easier.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular sugar cookie dough with gluten-free sugar cookie mix or almond flour-based cookie dough for individuals with wheat sensitivities.
• Flavor Remix Options: Experiment with different sprinkle colors for seasonal themes, swap vanilla extract with almond or lemon extract, or add a thin layer of fruit preserves between cookie and cheesecake layers for extra complexity.

Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars Serving Ideas

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these bars on a festive platter with colorful sprinkles scattered around for a stunning dessert presentation.
• Dessert Bar Delight: Create a sweet station with these cheesecake bars alongside other bite-sized treats like brownies and mini cupcakes for variety.
• Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a rich espresso or creamy latte to complement the sweet, tangy flavors of the cheesecake bars.
• Gifting Treat: Package individual bars in clear cellophane with a cute ribbon for a homemade gift that's sure to impress friends and family.

How to Keep Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars Fresh

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store bars in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their delightful texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire batch 24-48 hours before serving, allowing flavors to meld and cheesecake layer to set perfectly for enhanced taste experience.
• Freezing Friendly Option: Wrap individual bars separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container to enjoy for up to 3 months, thawing at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Smart Cutting Technique: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between each slice to create clean, professional-looking bars without crumbling or messy edges.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 310 kcal

Servings: 12

Heavenly Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesecake nestled between buttery sugar cookie layers brings classic dessert magic to your table. Rich, indulgent bars offer sweet comfort with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 package (16.5 oz or 468 g) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
• 16 oz (2 blocks or 454 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract
• Sprinkles
• Powdered sugar
• White chocolate for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, creating slight overhang for effortless removal.
2. Crust Formation: Press sugar cookie dough uniformly across the pan, ensuring complete coverage and compact distribution into all corners and edges.
3. Cheesecake Mixture: Whip cream cheese until velvety, gradually blending sugar, vanilla extract, and egg to create a seamless, luminous filling without any textural interruptions.
4. Layer Assembly: Pour cheesecake mixture over cookie base, meticulously spreading with a spatula to achieve a perfectly level and consistent surface, guaranteeing complete coverage.
5. Decorative Touch: Sprinkle colorful confetti across the top for a whimsical, celebratory aesthetic that enhances visual appeal.
6. Baking Process: Slide pan into preheated oven, baking 30-35 minutes until cheesecake sets with a delicate tremor and cookie crust edges transform into a burnished, crisp perimeter.
7. Cooling and Setting: Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for minimum 2 hours to solidify structure and enhance flavor complexity.
8. Serving Presentation: Extract bars using parchment paper, slice into precise squares, and garnish with a refined dusting of powdered sugar or an elegant white chocolate drizzle.

Notes

• Prevent Cracking: Cool cheesecake bars gradually at room temperature to minimize surface cracks and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
• Ensure Smooth Filling: Whip cream cheese at room temperature and beat ingredients thoroughly to eliminate lumps, creating a silky, uniform cheesecake mixture.
• Perfect Crust Distribution: Press sugar cookie dough gently but firmly into pan corners and edges, creating an even, compact base for consistent baking.
• Chilling is Key: Refrigerate bars for at least 2 hours or overnight to develop rich flavor and achieve a firm, clean-cutting texture that holds its shape perfectly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg