Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Bars

Cookie Cheesecake Squares mix together two amazing treats - the smoothness of cheesecake with the yumminess of chocolate chip cookies. They're super easy to whip up and work great for any get-together, family dinner, or when you just want something sweet. These squares have cookie dough at the bottom, creamy cheesecake in the middle, and more cookie dough on top - they're a real winner for anyone who can't decide between cookies or cheesecake.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tsp lemon juice (if you want)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 1 large egg (not cold)
• 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 40 oz chilled chocolate chip cookie dough

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Heat Up: Turn your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2:

Chill Dough: Put cookie dough in freezer for a couple hours so it's easier to cut.

Step 3:

Get Pan Ready: Cover a 13x9" baking dish with parchment paper or non-stick foil.

Step 4:

Make Bottom Layer: Cut half the cookie dough into ¼" pieces and push them into the pan bottom. Bake for 10 minutes.

Step 5:

Mix Filling: Mix the soft cream cheese, egg, sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice (if you're using it) until it's creamy. Spread this over the baked cookie layer.

Step 6:

Finish Top: Cut up the rest of the cookie dough and place pieces on top of the cream cheese mix.

Step 7:

Cook More: Put back in oven for 35-40 minutes until it looks golden and feels firm.

Step 8:

Let It Rest: Let it cool all the way, then stick it in the fridge before cutting.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Keep these squares in a sealed container in your fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for later and just thaw them in the fridge when you want some.
• Want to make them extra special? Try adding some chocolate sauce on top or a bit of whipped cream before eating.

Helpful Notes

• Making sure the dough is cold before you bake helps the squares stay in nice layers and not mix together.
• Adding a bit of lemon juice makes the cheesecake part taste more like traditional cheesecake.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Try adding some caramel into the cheesecake part before baking to make them even more fancy and tasty.

FAQs

Can I make my own cookie dough instead of buying it?

Sure thing, homemade cookie dough works great too, just remember to cool it down before you slice it up and bake.

What if I don't have any parchment paper?

No parchment paper? No problem. You can use non-stick foil or just grease your pan really well so nothing sticks.

Can I throw in more chocolate chips?

You bet! Add extra chocolate chips into the cheesecake mix or sprinkle some on top if you want them even more chocolatey.

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Conclusion

Soft layers of cookie dough and a creamy cheesecake center come together in these delicious bars. They're a perfect mix of chewy and smooth!