When cookie dough and cheesecake collide, magic happens—and these Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars are the proof. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious cheesecake middle, and soft chocolate chip cookie dough on top, each bite is a rich, creamy, and chewy experience. They’re everything you love about your favorite desserts—layered into one show-stopping bar. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just because, these bars can be made ahead and actually taste even better chilled. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying something fun for the weekend, this foolproof recipe is sure to win hearts and taste buds alike. Prepare for compliments—and requests for the recipe!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
Graham Cracker Crust:
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2¼ cups graham cracker crumbs (from 16 graham cracker sheets)
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9 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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⅓ cup granulated sugar
Cheesecake Layer:
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2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
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½ cup sugar
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¼ cup sour cream
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1 large egg
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cookie Dough Topping:
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11 tablespoons butter, softened
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½ cup white sugar
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½ cup packed brown sugar
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1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 egg
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1½ cups all-purpose flour
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¼ teaspoon salt
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1¼ cups chocolate chips
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13 inch pan with foil, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal. Spray with nonstick cooking spray.
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Make the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Mix until moistened. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8 minutes or until lightly golden.
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Prepare the cheesecake: Beat softened cream cheese and sugar for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, then mix in sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth. Pour over the crust and spread evenly.
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Make the cookie dough: In a separate bowl, cream butter, sugars, and vanilla until smooth. Add the egg and beat until combined. Whisk together flour and salt and gradually beat into the wet ingredients. Stir in chocolate chips.
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Assemble: Take handfuls of the cookie dough, flatten slightly and place over the cheesecake layer until mostly covered (a few gaps are fine—they’ll bake together).
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Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the cookie dough is golden brown and set on top.
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Cool completely in the pan before lifting out with foil and cutting into squares.
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Refrigerate for a few hours for best flavor and texture.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 50–60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 220 kcal per bar | Servings: 48 bars
A Decadent Duo: The Irresistible Appeal of Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars
Few desserts command instant attention like Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars. These indulgent treats are the perfect marriage between two of the most universally loved desserts—cheesecake and chocolate chip cookies. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a chewy, golden-baked chocolate chip cookie dough topping, they deliver layer after layer of pure bliss. Whether you’re planning a girls’ night, holiday gathering, birthday, or casual weeknight indulgence, these bars are a show-stopping crowd favorite.
Created by Jennifer from Carlsbad Cravings, this recipe is as practical as it is luxurious. It offers home bakers a straightforward method to achieve bakery-quality results. These bars not only taste better after chilling, but they also store and freeze exceptionally well—making them a brilliant make-ahead dessert option that fits seamlessly into busy schedules.
Why These Bars Are the Ultimate Dessert Mash-Up
What makes this recipe so special is the genius combination of textures and flavors. The buttery graham cracker base adds crunch and richness. The cheesecake layer introduces smooth, tangy creaminess, cutting through the sweetness and providing balance. And finally, the chocolate chip cookie dough topping adds familiar warmth, chewy texture, and the nostalgic joy of homemade cookies—all in one bite.
This harmonious layering is not only about flavor—it’s a tactile experience. The crunch of the base, the melt-in-your-mouth cheesecake, and the gooey cookie top work together to satisfy multiple dessert cravings at once. That’s why this dessert resonates with everyone, from picky eaters to seasoned bakers.
Easy to Make, Impossible to Resist
One of the standout advantages of this recipe is its accessibility. Despite its layered complexity, each step is straightforward and well-guided. Even novice bakers can pull off an impressive dessert with minimal stress. The most labor-intensive part might be preparing three different layers—but each can be made in one bowl, and all use pantry staples.
Another bonus: no water bath required. Unlike traditional cheesecakes, these bars simplify the process without compromising on the creamy, rich result. Plus, thanks to their square-bar format, there’s no slicing of a delicate round cheesecake involved. These bars are easy to cut, easy to serve, and even easier to devour.
The Secret is in the Prep Tips
The recipe goes above and beyond to ensure perfect results, providing helpful insights that make all the difference:
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Softening cream cheese properly helps avoid lumps, which is essential for a smooth, silky cheesecake layer.
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Pre-baking the graham cracker crust keeps it crisp, so it doesn’t become soggy under the cheesecake filling.
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Layering cookie dough in flattened portions allows even coverage while still baking into golden perfection.
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Chilling before serving gives the dessert time to set and enhances the texture and flavor, making it ideal for preparing ahead of time.
These professional-level tips are what elevate the recipe from good to exceptional, even for a home baker.
Versatility and Customization
The beauty of the Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars is that you can tweak the recipe to suit your preferences. The graham cracker crust can be swapped out for Oreos, chocolate graham crackers, or even vanilla wafers. You can also switch up the cookie dough flavor with butterscotch chips, white chocolate, or nuts.
And if you’re pressed for time, store-bought cookie dough is a totally viable shortcut. Use your favorite brand—just make sure to press it out gently over the cheesecake to preserve the layered effect.
For those with dietary needs or preferences, using gluten-free baking flour works perfectly for the cookie dough, and lower-fat versions of cream cheese and sour cream can be substituted (though full-fat is recommended for the creamiest results).
Make-Ahead Convenience
Planning for a party or holiday? These bars were practically made for entertaining. Not only do they slice cleanly and travel well, but they also actually taste better the next day after a long chill in the refrigerator. This make-ahead quality is a baker’s dream, offering a gourmet result with no last-minute fuss.
Freezing is also an option. By flash-freezing individual bars before bagging, you prevent them from sticking together. Then, just pull one out at a time and defrost in the fridge or microwave for a quick dessert fix that tastes as fresh as the day you made it.
Real Reviews, Real Raves
These bars aren’t just a hit in the test kitchen—they’ve taken over potlucks, birthday parties, and family dinners across the country. Readers of Carlsbad Cravings rave about their flavor, ease, and versatility. Some have successfully swapped in stevia for sugar to make them more diabetic-friendly. Others have served them at milestone birthdays to rave reviews.
Whether you’re serving a crowd or just treating yourself and your family, this dessert leaves a lasting impression.
Nutrient Considerations
While these bars are unapologetically indulgent, you can control the richness by using reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream or by cutting them into smaller squares (which, frankly, might be necessary if you’re trying not to eat the whole pan in one sitting).
If you’re sharing with kids, friends with a sweet tooth, or party guests who just want a “taste,” the recipe yields 48 bars, so portion control is built in without compromising satisfaction.
Tools That Make It Even Easier
Having the right kitchen tools can make this recipe even more foolproof:
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A 9×13 baking pan is essential for getting the right thickness and even baking.
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Foil with overhang helps lift the bars out cleanly.
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A food processor speeds up graham cracker crushing.
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A stand mixer or electric hand mixer will save your arms when creaming butter and sugar for the cookie dough.
But even with minimal tools, this dessert is totally achievable.
A Family and Friend Favorite for All Seasons
These bars are flexible enough for any occasion. From cozy fall evenings and Thanksgiving desserts to summer BBQs and back-to-school bake sales, Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate universal treat.
Kids love the cookie dough topping. Adults appreciate the cheesecake’s richness. And anyone who gets a bite will be asking for the recipe.
Conclusion
Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars are more than just a mash-up dessert—they’re the best of both worlds. With a texture that balances crunchy, creamy, and chewy, and a flavor that blends sweet, tangy, and chocolatey, this is a recipe that satisfies every craving in one neat little square.
Backed by rave reviews, pro tips, and make-ahead convenience, this is a go-to dessert for every baker’s repertoire. Whether you’re entertaining, gifting, or indulging at home, these bars offer a sweet escape into layered perfection.