Imagine the rich chew of a peanut butter cookie, the melty goodness of chocolate chips, and the creamy dreaminess of cheesecake all together in one glorious treat. That’s exactly what you get with these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars. Each layer brings something magical—sweet, salty, tangy, and gooey—melting together into a bar you’ll want to share (but might secretly keep for yourself). Trust me, this layered dessert bar is about to become your new obsession!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about these bars is how approachable the ingredient list is—each one pulls its weight to deliver the ultimate flavor and irresistible texture combo. No fancy shopping trips required, just pantry basics that come together for something unforgettable.

Unsalted butter: Softened for easy creaming and rich, tender cookie dough.
Creamy peanut butter: The classic, nutty base that makes each bite sing.
Packed brown sugar: Adds depth and a subtle caramel note to the bars.
Granulated sugar: Brightens up both the cookie and cheesecake layers for perfect sweetness.
Large eggs: One for the cookie dough and one for the cheesecake, giving structure and richness.
Vanilla extract: Warm, aromatic undertones that bring all the flavors together.
Baking soda: The leavening you need for fluffy, chewy cookies.
Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance every flavor.
Rolled oats (optional): For a delightfully chewy texture and a touch of rustic heartiness.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Plenty of melty goodness in every forkful.
Cream cheese: Full-fat and softened for ultra-creamy, tangy cheesecake.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease your chosen pan—a 9×9-inch for thick, bakery-style bars or a 9×13-inch if you want thinner bars and more pieces. A quick shot of nonstick spray or a swipe of butter will do the trick.

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough

Grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the unsalted butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy—this ensures your bars have that perfect soft crumb. Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and glossy. Stir in the baking soda and salt, then fold in the oats if you’re using them, and finally, the chocolate chips. You’ll be tempted to sneak a spoonful—go ahead, I won’t judge!

Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Layer

In a separate medium bowl, beat your softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until silky and lump-free. Add the egg and vanilla, blending again until everything’s creamy and combined. This luscious layer is where the magic happens!

Step 4: Layer and Assemble

Press two-thirds of your cookie dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, ensuring you reach all the corners for a sturdy base. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the dough and use a spatula to spread it into an even, creamy blanket. Take the remaining cookie dough and crumble it over the cheesecake layer in small clumps—you want some cheesecake peek-through for that wow factor when you slice.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The top will turn a gorgeous golden brown, and the cheesecake layer should jiggle just slightly in the center. Resist the urge to dive in right away—the bars need to cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours to set up beautifully before cutting. The wait is worth it, promise!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars

Garnishes

Dress up your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. A few extra chocolate chips or chopped mini peanut butter cups on top bring extra flair (and chocolate!) to every piece.

Side Dishes

For a dreamy dessert experience, pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a tall glass of cold milk. Fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries add a pop of color and a little fruity tartness that pairs perfectly with the sweet-salty flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, stack the bars on a tiered platter for a show-stopping centerpiece, or serve squares cupcake-style in festive paper liners. For a fun twist, cut them into bite-sized cubes and arrange on a dessert board with berries, pretzels, and candies for a playful, shareable spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, making them perfect for midweek treats and late-night snacking alike.

Freezing

These bars are freezer friendly! Chill completely, then layer between parchment or wax paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 6 weeks—just thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to indulge again.

Reheating

If you love a slightly warm, gooey bar, pop a piece in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The chocolate chips will melt a bit, and the peanut butter flavor becomes even more fragrant—just like they’re fresh from the oven!

FAQs

Can I make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, these bars taste even better after a night in the fridge, giving the flavors time to meld and the cheesecake layer to set. Bake them the day before your event or gathering and simply slice right before serving.

How do I get clean slices when cutting the bars?

The key is to let the bars chill thoroughly—several hours in the fridge is ideal. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for picture-perfect layers every time.

Can I use natural peanut butter or chunky peanut butter?

Creamy, shelf-stable peanut butter gives the best texture and stability to the cookie dough, but you can swap in chunky if you love extra nutty bits. Natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and may change the texture, but it will still taste delicious!

Are these bars gluten-free?

As written, these bars contain gluten from the flour and oats. To make them gluten-free, use a gluten-free baking flour blend and certified gluten-free oats, and double-check that your other ingredients are safe for your needs.

Can I add other mix-ins to the cookie dough?

Definitely! Try tossing in white chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even mini peanut butter cups for a fun twist on classic Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars. The more, the merrier!

Final Thoughts

If you’re a fan of indulgent, bakery-style treats, you owe it to yourself to try these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars. With gooey chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and all the peanut butter goodness you can handle, they’re the kind of dessert that makes memories. I hope these bars become a beloved favorite in your kitchen—happy baking!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe