Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars
These indulgent layered bars combine a pressed chocolate chip cookie dough crust with a rich cream cheese filling and a crumbled cookie topping. The creamy cheesecake layer is studded with optional coconut for added texture and tropical flavor. Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or feeding a crowd, this recipe makes 48 generous bars that are easy to cut and serve. The refrigerated cookie dough saves time while delivering homemade flavor, and the bars can be made ahead for stress-free entertaining. Serve chilled for the best texture contrast between the tender crust and silky filling.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 ¼ cups sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 ¼ cups coconut(optional)
- 5 cups refrigerated Pillsbury Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, from 1 tub (4.75 lb, 76 count)
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven to 350°F
- 2
Beat cream cheese, sugar and egg in medium bowl until smooth
- 3
Stir in coconut
- 4
Break up 3 cups of cookie dough in ungreased 15x10x1-inch pan
- 5
Press dough evenly in bottom of pan with floured fingers to form crust
- 6
Spread cream cheese mixture over dough
- 7
Crumble and sprinkle remaining 2 cups of dough over cream cheese mixture
- 8
Bake 40 to 45 minutes until golden brown and firm to the touch
- 9
Cool 30 minutes
- 10
Refrigerate at least 2 hours until chilled
- 11
Cut into 8 rows by 6 rows for bars
Tips
Use floured fingers when pressing the cookie dough to prevent sticking and ensure an even crust layer.
Let bars cool completely and chill for at least 2 hours before cutting for clean slices that hold their shape.
Wipe the knife clean between cuts to maintain neat bar edges and prevent dragging the filling.
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered up to 5 days
Make up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate covered
Serve chilled straight from refrigerator
Common Mistakes
Do not eat raw cookie dough after handling with floured fingers to avoid foodborne illness
Avoid cutting bars before completely chilled or they will fall apart
Do not overbake or the cheesecake layer will crack
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make these without coconut?
Yes, the coconut is optional. You can omit it entirely or substitute with mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or vanilla extract for extra flavor.
How long do these bars keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The bars actually improve after the first day as flavors meld together.
Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
Yes, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator before serving for best texture.