Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Bar Squares with Crumb Topping
These indulgent layered bars combine a chocolate chip cookie base with a rich cream cheese middle and a crumbly top. The bottom layer is a classic chocolate chip cookie dough that's partially baked, then topped with a sweet cream cheese mixture and finished with grated frozen cookie dough for texture. Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or when you want to impress with minimal effort. The contrast between the chewy cookie base, creamy center, and crunchy topping creates an irresistible dessert that cuts into neat squares for easy serving.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups flour, divided
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 sticks butter
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 3 8-ounce blocks cream cheese
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
Instructions
- 1
Mix flour, salt, baking soda, brown sugar, sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to form dough
- 2
Set aside 1 cup of dough and mix with 2 tablespoons flour, then freeze for 30 minutes
- 3
Add chocolate chips to remaining dough and spread on cookie sheet, flattening with wet hands
- 4
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes
- 5
Mix cream cheese, eggs, and sugar for cheese layer
- 6
Pour cream cheese mixture over baked cookie layer
- 7
Remove frozen dough from freezer and grate evenly over cream cheese mixture
- 8
Bake for additional 35 minutes
- 9
Cut into squares or triangles when cooled
Tips
Wet your hands when flattening the cookie dough to prevent sticking and achieve an even layer.
Freeze the reserved dough portion for exactly 30 minutes - any longer makes grating difficult.
Let bars cool completely before cutting for clean, neat squares that hold their shape.
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week
Can be made 1 day ahead and stored covered at room temperature
Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled
Common Mistakes
Don't overbake the first layer to avoid a hard bottom crust
Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
FAQ
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chips?
Yes, regular chocolate chips work fine, though mini chips distribute more evenly throughout the dough for better texture.
How long do these bars keep?
Store covered at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. They actually improve in flavor after the first day.
Can I freeze the finished bars?
Yes, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.