5-Ingredient Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars
It’s no secret we love desserts here at 12 Tomatoes. From Chocolate Cherry Brownies to Peanut Butter Tandy Cake, and even unique delights like Pecan Cream Pie, our dessert repertoire is extensive. While all these recipes are amazing, I firmly believe there’s always another favorite dessert waiting to be discovered. And with these 5-Ingredient Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars, I think we’ve found a new star!
These bars have quickly become my go-to dessert for parties—or just for a personal treat. They’re that irresistible! If you’re a fan of both cheesecake and sugar cookies, imagine the magic when they’re baked together in a single pan!
Now, you might be wondering if this dessert is a sugar overload. Cheesecake is typically rich and cookies are often sweet to the point of cloying. However, you’ll find this recipe to be perfectly balanced. The cheesecake layer contains no added sugar; it’s composed simply of cream cheese, an egg, and vanilla extract. This creamy, rich, and tangy layer perfectly complements the sweet sugar cookie crusts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is easy to prepare with just a handful of ingredients. It offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures—creamy cheesecake nestled between layers of sweet sugar cookie, with a touch of fun from the rainbow sprinkles. It’s a treat that’s sure to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Hand mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Non-stick spray
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 8oz cream cheese, at room temperature
- One 16.5 oz tube of sugar cookie dough, at almost room temperature
- Rainbow sprinkles
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together the egg, vanilla extract, and cream cheese until smooth.
- Cut the tube of sugar cookie dough in half. Press one half into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the sugar cookie crust, spreading it evenly.
- With the remaining cookie dough, create flattened chunks and distribute them evenly over the top of the cheesecake mixture. As the bars bake, the dough will sink, melt, and rise to form the top crust.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the sugar cookie shows a golden color.
- Allow the bars to cool for at least an hour. Add sprinkles once completely cooled.
Tips for Success
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother cheesecake layer.
- Press the bottom cookie layer evenly for an even bake.
- Wait until the bars are completely cooled before adding the sprinkles to prevent them from melting.
Additional Tips and Variations
- For a flavor twist, try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cheesecake layer.
- Consider using chocolate chip cookie dough for a different take on this recipe.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Each serving provides a delightful balance of creamy texture and sweet flavor, making it a satisfying dessert choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough? Yes, homemade dough works just fine. Ensure it is at room temperature for easy handling.
How should I store these bars? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Can I freeze the bars? Yes, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
These 5-Ingredient Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that are easy to make and sure to please any crowd. I invite you to give this recipe a try and share your creations with friends and family. Don’t forget to let us know how it turned out for you in the comments below!
