If you’re craving a decadent treat that combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the irresistible flavors of peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies, this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine layers of buttery peanut butter cookie dough hugging a luscious cheesecake filling scattered with melty chocolate chips — every bite is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and smooth that feels like a warm hug in dessert form. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something spectacular, these bars are guaranteed to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of texture and flavor that make these bars unforgettable. From the creamy peanut butter that gives a nutty sweetness, to the tangy cream cheese that adds richness, every ingredient is key.
- 1/2 cup peanut butter: Provides that signature nutty flavor and moist texture.
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or butter, melted: For richness and that perfect cookie dough consistency.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar: Adds natural sweetness and a hint of caramel undertone.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or oat flour for gluten-free): The base that holds everything together beautifully.
- 1/4 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookie dough rise just right and stay tender.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts flavor complexity.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: Tiny bursts of rich chocolate in every bite.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy star of the cheesecake layer.
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream: Adds tanginess and makes the cheesecake luscious and smooth.
- 1/4 cup sugar (or granulated sweetener of choice): Sweetens the cheesecake with just the right amount.
- 1 egg: Binds the cheesecake filling for that perfect texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Layers the cheesecake with a richer flavor.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides. This simple step prevents sticking and makes lifting the bars out a breeze, ensuring clean edges and easy slicing later.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough
In a mixing bowl, blend the peanut butter, melted coconut oil or butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is silky smooth. This creates the creamy base your cookie dough dreams are made of. Then add your flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until a pliable dough forms. Fold in those mini chocolate chips carefully—each one will add delightful pockets of chocolate throughout.
Step 3: Build the Cookie Base
Take half of your cookie dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan using your fingers or the back of a spoon. This layer creates the signature cookie crust that anchors the cheesecake filling. Hold onto the remaining dough—as you’ll crumble it on top for texture and that dreamy marbled effect.
Step 4: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling
In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is creamy and well combined. This luscious cheesecake layer is the heart of the bars, adding tang and richness that perfectly complements the peanut butter cookie.
Step 5: Layer the Cheesecake
Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over your cookie base, smoothing it out with a spatula. Then crumble the saved cookie dough over the cheesecake gently, making sure to leave some gaps so the layers blend beautifully during baking, creating a stunning marbled effect.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the bars for 25 to 30 minutes, just until the edges are set and the center still jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pan. This step ensures the cheesecake remains creamy and not overcooked, balancing textures perfectly.
Step 7: Cool and Chill
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then transfer them to the fridge to chill for at least two hours. Chilling firms up the cheesecake layer and makes slicing clean, beautiful bars much easier.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these bars even further, sprinkle a few extra mini chocolate chips on top just before serving for a fresh look. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted peanut butter adds a lovely finishing touch that will wow your guests and delight your taste buds.
Side Dishes
Pairing these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream turns this dessert into a celebration. A side of fresh berries can add a bright and juicy contrast that balances the richness, making every bite more vibrant and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these bars on a rustic wooden board with assorted nuts and chocolate pieces artfully scattered around for an inviting, bakery-style presentation. Alternatively, cut them into bite-sized squares and serve on a tiered dessert tray at your next party—guests will be reaching for seconds before you know it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bars keep beautifully stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. This makes them a fantastic option for prepping ahead of a busy week or saving for an indulgent snack later on.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen, they’ll stay fresh for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge—ready to savor anytime!
Reheating
These bars are often best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer a warm treat, heat a single bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This slightly softens the cookie dough and melty chocolate makes for an extra comforting bite.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Yes! Natural peanut butter works wonderfully, but since it can be thinner and oilier, you may need to adjust the flour slightly to get the right dough consistency. It will give the bars a more pronounced peanut flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for oat flour or any gluten-free flour blend you trust. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavor will still be amazing.
Can I substitute the Greek yogurt or sour cream?
Absolutely. If you want a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut yogurt or a vegan sour cream. Just keep in mind that the texture may be a little different, but taste-wise, it’s delicious.
How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done baking?
You want to see the edges set firmly while the center still has a slight jiggle. Overbaking can dry out the cheesecake, so err on the side of slightly underbaked, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.
Can I make these bars nut-free?
Since peanut butter is a star ingredient, nut-free adjustments would significantly change the recipe. However, you could experiment with sun butter or soy nut butter as alternatives for a similar texture and flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe enough if you love a dessert that brings together the best of both worlds—creamy cheesecake and classic cookie goodness. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for another slice. So go ahead, treat yourself and those you love to a batch today—you’ll thank me later!
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars that combine the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the chewy, nutty goodness of peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. Perfectly balanced with a marbled cookie topping, these bars offer a delightful treat for any occasion, made with accessible ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup sugar (or granulated sweetener of choice)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.
- Make cookie dough mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, melted coconut oil or butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Add dry ingredients to dough: Add flour, baking soda, and salt to the peanut butter mixture. Mix until a dough forms, then gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Press half the dough: Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Set aside the remaining dough for topping.
- Prepare cheesecake filling: In a separate bowl, beat together cream cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.
- Layer cheesecake filling: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cookie dough base in the pan.
- Add cookie topping: Crumble the reserved cookie dough over the cheesecake layer, leaving some gaps to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center remains slightly jiggly to ensure a creamy texture.
- Cool and chill: Remove from the oven and cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars for clean cuts and optimal texture.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with oat flour.
- You can use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a paleo-friendly alternative.
- Be sure to soften the cream cheese before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Press cookie dough evenly to ensure consistent thickness in bars.
- Chilling the bars well before slicing helps achieve clean slices and a better texture.
- Store bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Mini chocolate chips distribute better in the dough than regular chips for a more even chocolate experience.
