If you adore the irresistible combo of peanut butter, chocolate, and creamy cheesecake, these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars are about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine chunks of soft peanut butter cookie dough, creamy cheesecake sandwiched in the center, and just the right amount of melty chocolate chips throughout. This recipe brings together three classic desserts in one spectacular bar, making them perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or any day that could use a little sweetness. Trust me, everyone who tastes these will be asking for the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars is in the simplicity of the ingredients, each bringing its own magic to the table. From the nutty richness of peanut butter to the tangy cloud-like cream cheese layer, every component is essential for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Provides richness and ensures the cookie base is gloriously tender.
- Creamy Peanut Butter (1 cup): Brings delicious nutty flavor and helps hold the cookie dough together.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup + 1/2 cup, divided): Sweetens both the cookie layers and the creamy cheesecake filling.
- Packed Brown Sugar (1 cup): Adds depth of flavor and a hint of caramel notes to the cookies.
- Large Eggs (2 for cookie, 1 for cheesecake): Binds everything and adds richness to both layers.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons for cookie, 1 for cheesecake): Enhances the overall warmth and decadence in both the cookies and cheesecake.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/2 cups): Forms the body of the cookie dough, ensuring a sturdy but soft base.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Lifts the cookie dough and prevents it from being too dense.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and sharpens all the flavors.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips (2 cups): Melty pops of chocolate throughout for the iconic cookie effect.
- Cream Cheese (16 ounces, softened): The star of the cheesecake layer, bringing tang and silkiness.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Set the stage for easy removal by lining a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, making sure there’s some overhang for lifting out the finished bars. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly hot when you’re ready to bake.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough
Grab a big mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until everything’s light, fluffy, and incredibly tempting. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing just until incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gently blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold in those beautiful chocolate chips for pops of gooey chocolate in every bite.
Step 3: Create the Cookie Base
Scoop about two-thirds of your cookie dough into the prepared pan. Press it into an even layer, reaching all corners for a sturdy, chewy base that will perfectly hold the creamy cheesecake filling.
Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Layer
In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy with no lumps in sight. Add the ½ cup granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, then continue beating until the mixture is velvety and glossy. This will become that signature dreamy layer sandwiched between the cookie dough.
Step 5: Layer, Top, and Bake
Gently spread the cheesecake filling over your cookie base, smoothing it right up to the edges. Drop generous spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough on top, then carefully spread or press them to cover most of the cheesecake layer. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is just set. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 6: Cool and Chill
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. For the ultimate clean slices and best texture, transfer the cooled pan to the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours. This helps the cheesecake set and makes the bars easy to cut.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars with melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar. Chopped roasted peanuts add a little crunch and flavor, while a few extra chocolate chips pressed on top before serving make them look bakery-perfect.
Side Dishes
A tall, cold glass of milk is a classic partner for these indulgent bars, but don’t stop there. Try serving them alongside fresh berries to balance the richness, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling extra festive. They even pair well with a robust mug of coffee for an unforgettable dessert course.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a tiered dessert tray for parties, or serve them in cupcake liners for an easy-to-grab treat at gatherings. For special occasions, plate each bar with a drizzle of chocolate sauce and a dollop of whipped cream for a showstopping plated dessert. However you serve them, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars are bound to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover bars tightly or transfer them to an airtight container, then stash them in the fridge for up to 5 days. The chilled layers will stay fresh, and the flavors actually intensify a bit as they rest. Don’t worry—they’re just as good cold as they are at room temperature!
Freezing
Want to make these ahead for future cravings? Simply wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw bars in the fridge overnight, and they’ll taste just as delicious as the day they were made.
Reheating
If you like your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars a little warm and gooey, pop a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This softens the cookie layers and melts the chocolate chips just enough to make them extra irresistible. Be careful not to overheat, or the cheesecake layer can become too soft.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add bursts of nutty texture throughout the cookie layers. Just be aware it might make the dough slightly thicker to spread.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap in your favorite all-purpose gluten-free flour blend. Check that all other ingredients are gluten-free, and you’ll have Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars everyone can enjoy.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The top should be golden brown and the center of the bars should be just set. If you gently jiggle the pan and the center barely wiggles, they’re ready. Overbaking will dry out your bars, so keep a close eye during the last few minutes.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re baking for a crowd, double all the ingredients and use two 9×13-inch pans, or prepare a larger sheet pan. Just watch the baking time—thicker bars might take a few more minutes.
What’s the best way to cut clean squares?
For those neat bakery-style edges, chill the bars thoroughly before slicing and use a sharp, long knife dipped in hot water (and wiped dry) between cuts. This slices neatly through the cookie and cheesecake layers.
Final Thoughts
Few desserts blend comfort and indulgence quite like Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars. Whether you’re making them for a special event or just to satisfy a weekend craving, you’re in for a treat that’s gooey, creamy, and absolutely unforgettable. Go ahead—bake a batch and see why these bars never last long at any gathering!
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Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert fusion with these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars. With layers of creamy peanut butter cookie dough, rich chocolate chips, and a luscious cheesecake topping, these bars are a decadent treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Cheesecake:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make Cookie Dough: Cream butter, peanut butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients and chocolate chips.
- Layer and Bake: Press two-thirds of cookie dough into pan, top with cheesecake mixture, then remaining cookie dough. Bake for 35–40 minutes.
- Cool and Chill: Cool in pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store bars in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate for an added touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
