Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars
Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the best of both worlds: the sweetness of sugar cookies and the creamy goodness of cheesecake. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a sweet treat at home, these bars are sure to please everyone. Their easy preparation makes them a go-to recipe for bakers of all levels.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready in no time.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for various occasions, from birthday parties to holiday gatherings, or simply as an afternoon snack.
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of sugar cookie dough and creamy cheesecake delivers a rich flavor profile that is hard to resist.
- Customizable Toppings: Add sprinkles or powdered sugar for an extra touch, making each batch unique and festive.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
- Non-stick spray
- Electric mixer
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly and ensuring even mixing.
- Baking dish: A good quality baking dish ensures even baking and easy removal of the bars.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing cream cheese and other ingredients smoothly.
Ingredients
Sugar cookie dough surrounding creamy cheesecake filling. A dessert that has the best of both worlds!
For the Base and Topping
- 16.5 ounce tube of sugar cookie dough
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounce box of cream cheese (at room temperature)
Optional Garnishes
- Sprinkles
- Powdered Sugar
How to Make Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking your bars perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Prepare your baking dish by spraying it with non-stick spray. This step helps in easily removing the bars once they are baked.
Step 3: Mix the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, vanilla extract, and egg. Mix on slow speed until smooth. If desired, add a bit of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
- Note: If your cream cheese is too cold, it may remain chunky. To fix this, fill your sink with hot water and place the bowl inside for a few minutes until it softens.
Step 4: Prepare Sugar Cookie Dough Base
Cut the roll of sugar cookie dough in half. Press one half into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to create the base crust.
Step 5: Add Cheesecake Mixture
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the sugar cookie crust evenly, spreading it out with a spatula if needed.
Step 6: Top with Remaining Dough
Using the remaining half of sugar cookie dough, flatten it into chunks and place them evenly over the top of the cheesecake mixture. These will melt and rise during baking.
Step 7: Bake Your Bars
Bake in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on them; they can burn quickly!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let them cool for at least an hour. After cooling completely, sprinkle with optional toppings like sprinkles or powdered sugar before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
How to Serve Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars
Serving Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars can be a delightful experience, as they are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate this delicious dessert.
With Fresh Berries
- Top the bars with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a fresh burst of flavor.
Drizzled with Chocolate
- Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for an indulgent touch that complements the sweetness of the cheesecake.
A Sprinkle of Powdered Sugar
- Dust the bars with powdered sugar for an elegant finish that adds a touch of sophistication.
Accompanied by Whipped Cream
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on the side for added creaminess and richness.
With Ice Cream
- Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an extra creamy treat.
Decorated with Sprinkles
- Add colorful sprinkles on top to make them more festive for parties or celebrations.
How to Perfect Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars
To achieve the best results with your Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars, consider these helpful tips.
- Use room temperature cream cheese: This helps create a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling without lumps.
- Monitor baking time closely: Sugar cookie dough can burn quickly. Keep an eye on your bars so they turn golden brown but not overdone.
- Chill before serving: Allowing the bars to cool completely and then chilling them in the fridge enhances their texture and flavor.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding lemon zest or almond extract to the cream cheese mixture for a unique twist.
Best Side Dishes for Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars
Pairing side dishes with your Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing combination of seasonal fruits that balances the sweetness of the bars.
- Graham Cracker Crust: Serve alongside graham cracker crumbles to add crunch and texture contrast.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These sweet treats complement the dessert’s flavors while adding a fruity element.
- Mini Cupcakes: Offer assorted mini cupcakes for guests who want more variety in their dessert selection.
- Fruit Sorbet: A cold, fruity sorbet provides a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
- Nutty Trail Mix: A handful of trail mix adds crunch and healthy fats that contrast nicely with rich cheesecake bars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars can be a delightful experience, but common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using Cold Cream Cheese: Starting with cream cheese that is too cold can result in a lumpy filling. Always ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth texture.
- Overbaking the Bars: These bars can burn quickly. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as they turn golden.
- Not Preparing the Baking Dish: Skipping non-stick spray can lead to sticking. Always prepare your baking dish properly to ensure easy removal.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Cutting into warm bars can make them fall apart. Allow your Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars to cool completely before slicing.
- Ignoring Optional Ingredients: Sprinkles and powdered sugar may seem like extras, but they enhance both flavor and presentation. Don’t skip these fun additions!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days for best freshness.
Freezing Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm bars for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat and cover with a lid, warming for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars:
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough?
Yes, you can! Homemade sugar cookie dough will work just as well, adding a personal touch to your bars.
What should I do if my cheesecake filling is lumpy?
If the filling is lumpy, it likely means the cream cheese was too cold. Make sure it’s at room temperature before mixing.
How do I know when my bars are done baking?
Look for a golden color on top of the sugar cookie dough. The edges should look set while the center may be slightly wobbly.
Can I add different flavors to my cheesecake filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to add flavors like lemon zest or almond extract to customize your Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars.
What toppings go well with these bars?
Consider adding fresh berries, chocolate drizzle, or whipped cream for extra flavor and decoration!
Final Thoughts
These Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars blend two beloved desserts into one delicious treat. Their creamy cheesecake filling paired with soft sugar cookie crust makes them perfect for various occasions. Plus, you can easily customize them with different toppings or flavors. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe—your taste buds will thank you!
Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful blend of creamy cheesecake and soft sugar cookie dough with these Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars. Perfect for any occasion—from birthday parties to holiday gatherings—these bars are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. Their rich flavor and customizable toppings make them a hit with everyone, ensuring they’ll quickly become a favorite dessert in your household. Whether enjoyed on their own or dressed up with additional garnishes, these bars are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 16.5 oz tube of sugar cookie dough
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese (at room temperature)
- Optional: sprinkles or powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking dish with non-stick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, vanilla extract, and the egg. Mix until smooth.
- Cut the sugar cookie dough in half; press one half into the prepared baking dish for the base.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cookie base and spread evenly.
- Flatten the remaining cookie dough and place it in chunks over the cheesecake layer.
- Bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing and serving with optional toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
