Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars
Delicious and easy-to-make Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars with a buttery cookie base and creamy cheesecake filling, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookie Base and Top
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened Use room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk Only if dough feels dry
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened Use room temperature
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon sour cream or Greek yogurt For extra creaminess
Optional Fun Add-ins
- 1/4 cup sprinkles For decoration
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips For added sweetness
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest For brightness in flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla to the butter mixture, combining until well mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. If the dough feels dry, mix in a splash of milk.
Cheesecake Layer
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the sugar, egg, vanilla, and sour cream or Greek yogurt to the cream cheese, mixing until creamy and well combined.
Assembly
- Press about two-thirds of the sugar cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cookie base, spreading it gently to cover.
- Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the cheesecake layer. You don't need to fully cover it; an imperfect top is part of the charm.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, until the edges look set and lightly browned and the center has only a slight jiggle.
- Remove from oven and let cool. Then, chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before slicing for clean cuts.
Notes
These bars stack well and are perfect for sharing. Feel free to serve them with sprinkles for different occasions. They freeze well; slice before wrapping tightly for later enjoyment.