Chocolate Chip Cheese Bars

Bite into these chocolate chip cheese bars and you’ll never believe that all that taste comes from just four ingredients. You’re getting two classic desserts in one, too, with a cheesecake filling and a sweet chocolate crust.

These cheese bars are easier to make than cookies since you only have one baking tray to fill. The result is creamy and chewy, with the tangy notes from the cream cheese and warm bursts of chocolate chip sweetness coming together perfectly.

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cheese Bars

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• Chocolate chip cookie dough: Use refrigerated store bought dough for the base and topping
• Cream cheese: Softened full fat cream cheese will give the best tangy cheesecake filling. Reduced fat cream cheese also works.
• Sugar: This gives the cheesecake filling its sweetness and texture.
• Egg: Beat a whole egg to bind the filling.

Directions

Step 1: Make the crust

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Cut the refrigerated cookie dough in two and press one half onto the bottom of a greased square baking pan with your fingers.

Editor’s Tip: You can also use your own homemade chocolate chip cookie dough, allowing you to customize it with nuts or raisins.

Step 2: Whip up the filling

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In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and egg until smooth. Spread over the crust and crumble the remaining cookie dough evenly over the top.

Step 3: Bake, cool and cut into squares

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Bake the chocolate chip cheese bar for 35 to 40 minutes at 350°F until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into smaller pieces if desired.

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Recipe Variations

• Add vanilla extract: The wonderful aromas coming off this chocolate chip cheese bar can be improved even further with a little vanilla extract in the mix
• Try coconut: Work in a little coconut cream to the cheesecake mix for a change in texture and more tropical flavor
• Give it a pinch of salt: See the difference just a little sea salt sprinkled on the crust can make to the overall character of the cheese bar. It’s a revelation!

How to Store Chocolate Chip Cheese Bars

You can store the cheese bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days but take care to let the bar cool completely first. If it is too warm, it will sweat in the refrigerator and turn the cheesecake greasy.

Can you make chocolate chip cheese bars ahead of time?

The difficulty with making this recipe ahead of time is that you need your dough to be cold but your cream cheese to be room temperature. It’s best to start with everything at the right temperature. You really want everything fresh and ready to go because you’re working with raw cookie dough and egg.

Can you freeze chocolate chip cheese bars?

These bars are even better chilled. If you want to save a batch for later, just let them cool completely and wrap in parchment paper to stop them from sticking. Freeze them for up to three months in a freezer-safe bag. Simply defrost overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready for more.

Chocolate Chip Cheese Bars Tips

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How do I avoid the most common mistakes when making this recipe?

Overall, this is an easy dessert to make. But be mindful of these two common cheesecake mistakes: First, if your cream cheese mixture is too cold, you’ll end up with a lumpy texture so ensure it’s fully softened. Second, avoid over mixing the batter once the egg is added. If the mixture becomes too light and airy, the filling may crack as it rises too quickly.

Any suggestions for enhancing the recipe?

Try crushing up some graham crackers or Oreos with butter to make a conventional cheesecake base, then add the cream cheese filling before saving the cooking dough for the top layer only. You can also sprinkle some extra nuts and chips on top too if you want to double up on flavor.

What can I serve with chocolate chip cheesecake bars?

Go further with a salted caramel or butterscotch sauce, a squeeze of whipped cream or a dollop of ice cream. Or rekindle some fond memories by dunking them in cold milk or hot chocolate.