Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Easter Dessert

What to do with left over Easter candy? You can substitute assorted Easter candy for the chocolate chips and serve it on Easter day or make a batch up the week after the holiday to use up all of that candy hanging around so you won’t eat.

I also substitute 1/2 cup of oatmeal for the all purpose flour in the cookie dough recipe for more flavor.

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Layer

1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 cup white sugar

2 eggs

2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 1/2 cup all purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1 cup Chocolate Chips

For the Cheesecake Layer

8 oz cream cheese room temp

1/2 cup white sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

For the Cookie Layer

Cream together the butter and sugars in a large stand mixer for 3 minutes. Add the eggs and vanilla, making sure to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl. Add the flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder and mix on low until everything is incorporated. Toss in a handful of the chocolate chips and mix for a quick second. Chill the dough while you make the cheesecake layer

For the Cheesecake Layer

Whip together the cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla for 3 minutes until everything is evenly combined and smooth.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

Line a 9x13 baking pan with tin foil and spray it with non-stick baking spray.

Press 1/2 of the cookie dough mixture into the bottom of the pan to make 1 even layer.

Spread the cheesecake mixture on top of the cookie dough.

Crumble and sprinkle the remaining cookie dough on top of the cheesecake mixture and then sprinkle with the remaining chocolate chips

Place it into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the cookie dough is golden brown. The inner part of the dish might look a bit jiggly, but not to fear. Once the Cheesecake Cookie Bars have baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the counter for 30 minutes. Then transfer them to the fridge and cool completely for at least 2 hours. Cut and serve as needed.