So, I had this idea—what if sugar cookies and cheesecake had a baby? Well, they did. And it turned out so yummy.
These Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars are soft, creamy, and kinda magical. I baked a batch last night, and honestly, I couldn’t stop eating them.
If you’re into sweet stuff like I am, you’ve gotta try this. Let me show you how I made them—it’s super simple.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A Perfect Combination of Two Classics: This recipe combines two beloved desserts—sugar cookies and cheesecake—into one irresistible treat.
- Easy to Make: Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making cheesecake! These bars are surprisingly simple and come together in just a few steps.
- Delightfully Rich and Creamy: The cheesecake layer is incredibly smooth, creamy, and balanced with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Kid-Friendly: This dessert is always a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, they’re easy to slice into smaller portions, making them perfect for sharing.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these bars in advance, making them a great option for parties or gatherings.
Required Kitchen Tools
Before you begin, here’s a list of the tools you’ll need for this recipe:
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish: This will be used to bake your sugar cookie base and cheesecake layer.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need bowls to prepare the sugar cookie dough and the cheesecake filling.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: While you can mix the ingredients by hand, a mixer will make the process easier, especially for the cheesecake filling.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision is key when baking, so be sure to have all your measuring cups and spoons ready.
- Rubber Spatula: For mixing the cheesecake filling and spreading it evenly on top of the cookie base.
- Parchment Paper (optional): Lining your baking dish with parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your bars come out easily.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars (full measurements are in the recipe card at the end of the post):
For the Sugar Cookie Base:
- Sugar Cookie Mix (17.5 ounces): You’ll need one package of sugar cookie mix, which serves as the base for these bars.
- French Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix (3.4 ounces): This adds a rich flavor and helps make the sugar cookie base even more tender and chewy.
- Light Brown Sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle depth of flavor to the cookie layer.
- Butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick, melted): This gives the cookie base its rich, buttery flavor.
- Vanilla Extract (2 1/2 teaspoons): Adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the flavor of the cookies.
- Eggs (2 whole eggs, plus 3 egg yolks): These provide structure and moisture to the sugar cookie base.
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- Cream Cheese (2 packages, 8 ounces each): The star of the cheesecake filling! Make sure it’s softened so it mixes well.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Adds a tangy richness that balances the sweetness of the cheesecake.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cheesecake layer and brings everything together.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A little vanilla extract adds depth and complexity to the flavor of the cheesecake.
- Sprinkles (optional): Use colorful sprinkles to garnish your cheesecake bars for an extra festive touch.
Variations for Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars
- Add Chocolate Chips: If you’re a fan of chocolate, consider folding in mini chocolate chips into the sugar cookie base for added flavor and texture.
- Fruit Topping: Top the cheesecake bars with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a refreshing, fruity contrast.
- Swirl Some Fruit Jam: For a fruity twist, swirl a few spoonfuls of strawberry or raspberry jam into the cheesecake filling before baking.
- Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans could be sprinkled on top for some crunch, balancing the creamy cheesecake texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sugar Cookie Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars later.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, French vanilla pudding mix, light brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well to incorporate all the ingredients. The dough will be a bit thick but should come together easily. Once the dough is ready, press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Be sure to spread it out to cover the entire base, and press down gently to ensure it sticks together.
Bake the sugar cookie base in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the base cool while you prepare the cheesecake layer.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
While your sugar cookie base is cooling, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add the sour cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and continue mixing until everything is well combined.
Next, add the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. It’s important to make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next to ensure a smooth filling.
Once the cheesecake filling is smooth and creamy, carefully spread it over the cooled sugar cookie base. Use a rubber spatula to smooth the surface evenly.
3. Bake the Bars
Place the baking dish back into the oven and bake the cheesecake bars at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the top is slightly golden. It should have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the dish. Be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to cracks in the cheesecake filling.
Once done, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool at room temperature. After that, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the cheesecake layer firm up completely.
4. Add the Finishing Touches
After the bars have cooled and set in the fridge, it’s time to cut them into squares! Use a sharp knife to slice them into 16 or 20 bars, depending on how large you want the portions.
For a fun, festive touch, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles over the top before serving. This adds a pop of color and makes these bars even more visually appealing.
How to Serve Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars
These bars are perfect for any occasion and can be served in various ways:
- For Holiday Gatherings: These Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars are a festive addition to any holiday dessert table. Top with sprinkles that match the season or use holiday-themed cookie cutters to cut the bars into fun shapes.
- As a Sweet Snack: Serve these bars at your next get-together, barbecue, or potluck. They’re easy to transport and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- For Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday party, baby shower, or wedding, these bars are elegant enough to be served at special events.
- With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these bars as a sweet treat with your favorite warm beverage.
Storing Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars
- Refrigerator: Store the leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. They will stay fresh and creamy for several days.
- Freezing: These bars can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Nutrition Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition for one serving (1 bar) of Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 160mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 31g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 21g |
| Protein | 3g |
(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.)
Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars
Course: Uncategorized16-20
bars15
minutes45
minutes290
kcal2
hoursIngredients
- Sugar Cookie Base:
1 (17.5 ounce) package sugar cookie mix
1 (3.4 ounce) box French vanilla instant pudding mix
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 whole eggs, plus 3 egg yolks
- Cheesecake Layer:
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sprinkles for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later. - Make the Cookie Crust:
Press about two-thirds of the sugar cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
If using store-bought dough, just break it apart and press it down with your hands or the bottom of a glass. - Make the Cookie Crust:
Press about two-thirds of the sugar cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
If using store-bought dough, just break it apart and press it down with your hands or the bottom of a glass. - Assemble the Layers:
Pour the cheesecake filling over the sugar cookie crust and spread it out evenly.
Crumble the remaining sugar cookie dough on top of the cheesecake layer in chunks—don’t worry about covering the whole surface. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is just set.
Let it cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before slicing. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is just set.
Let it cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Conclusion
These Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate indulgence. With a buttery sugar cookie base and a rich, creamy cheesecake topping, they’re a dessert that will impress any crowd. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them at home with family, these bars are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Give them a try, and enjoy the sweet, creamy goodness!