Gluten-Free Mint Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Bars
Rich and creamy cheesecake bars featuring mint-flavored filling studded with chunky Oreo pieces, all nestled on a buttery chocolate cookie crust. The combination of cool mint and chocolate creates an indulgent dessert perfect for potlucks, summer gatherings, or when you want the elegance of cheesecake in portable bar form. Optional green food coloring gives these bars a festive appearance that matches their refreshing mint flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound mint oreo cookies
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 3 packages (8 ounce) cream cheese, room temperature
- ¾ cup white sugar
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon mint extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- green food coloring(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven and line pan with aluminum foil leaving overhang for easy removal, then spray with cooking spray
- 2
Process oreos until finely ground, add melted butter and stir until moistened
- 3
Press crumb mixture into pan evenly and bake for 10 minutes, then remove and cool
- 4
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth for about 2 minutes
- 5
Add sour cream, vanilla, mint extract and salt, beat for 30 seconds and scrape down sides
- 6
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition
- 7
Add green food coloring if desired to achieve preferred shade
- 8
Break remaining cookies in half and pulse briefly to create chunky pieces, stir into cheesecake mixture
- 9
Pour cheesecake mixture over crust and spread evenly
- 10
Crumble additional oreos on top and bake for 40 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly wobbly
- 11
Chill for at least 3 hours or overnight before serving
Tips
Room temperature cream cheese and eggs blend more smoothly and prevent lumps in the filling.
Don't overbake - the center should still be slightly wobbly when you remove from oven as it will continue setting while cooling.
Use the foil overhang to easily lift the bars from the pan for clean cutting.
Good to Know
refrigerate up to 5 days covered
can be made 1-2 days ahead, flavors improve with chilling
cut into squares, serve chilled
Common Mistakes
don't skip the foil lining or bars will stick to pan
avoid overbeating after adding eggs to prevent cracks
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
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FAQ
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in refrigerator before serving.
What if I don't have mint extract?
Use vanilla extract only or add finely chopped fresh mint leaves, though the flavor will be more subtle.
How do I know when they're done?
Edges should be set and center slightly wobbly. A toothpick inserted near edge should come out mostly clean.