Name: Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (16.5-ounce) tube sugar cookie dough; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature; Optional: Sprinkles; Optional: Powdered sugar (for added sweetness)

These Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars combine the best of two beloved desserts: soft sugar cookies and creamy cheesecake. With a cookie crust, smooth cheesecake middle, and cookie crumble topping, these bars offer delightful texture contrasts and sweet flavors in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cheesecake bars are incredibly simple to make with just 5 ingredients yet deliver an impressive dessert. Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or family gatherings, they require minimal effort with maximum impact. The combination of tender sugar cookie and velvety cheesecake creates a delightful texture contrast that appeals to both cookie lovers and cheesecake enthusiasts. Plus, they’re easily customizable with seasonal sprinkles or add-ins, making them perfect for holidays or special occasions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sugar cookie dough forms the foundation of these bars, providing both the crust and crumbly topping. Using pre-made dough significantly cuts down preparation time while ensuring consistent results. You can substitute homemade sugar cookie dough if you prefer.
Cream cheese creates the luscious cheesecake layer that makes these bars so special. Make sure it’s completely softened to room temperature to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling. The slight tanginess of cream cheese balances perfectly with the sweetness of the cookie layers.
Egg helps bind the cheesecake layer and gives it that classic custard-like texture. It provides structure while maintaining the creamy consistency that defines good cheesecake.
Vanilla extract adds warm, aromatic flavor to the cheesecake layer. Its subtle sweetness enhances both the cream cheese and cookie components without overwhelming them.
Sprinkles add a festive touch and pop of color. Choose seasonal colors for holidays or match them to your event theme.
Powdered sugar can be added to the cheesecake mixture for additional sweetness. It dissolves easily into the cream cheese mixture without creating a grainy texture.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed until smooth. Add powdered sugar if desired for sweetness.
Cut sugar cookie dough in half. Press one half evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
Pour cream cheese mixture over the cookie crust, spreading evenly.
Break remaining cookie dough into small, flattened chunks and distribute evenly over the cheesecake layer.
Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Watch closely toward the end to prevent over-browning.
Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for at least 1 hour. Add sprinkles if desired.
Cut into squares and serve.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 9 generous servings, making it perfect for small gatherings. Each serving contains approximately 330 calories. The preparation takes just 10 minutes, followed by 30 minutes of baking time. Add in the necessary cooling time of at least 1 hour, and you’re looking at a total time of about 1 hour and 40 minutes from start to serving.

Variations

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars: Substitute chocolate chip cookie dough for the sugar cookie dough for a different flavor profile.
Lemon Cheesecake Bars: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the cheesecake mixture for a bright, citrusy version.
Birthday Cake Bars: Mix rainbow sprinkles into the cookie dough before pressing it into the pan and add a few drops of almond extract to the cheesecake layer for a birthday cake flavor.
Peanut Butter Cookie Cheesecake: Use peanut butter cookie dough instead of sugar cookie dough for a nutty twist.
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars: Swirl 1/4 cup of strawberry jam into the cheesecake layer before adding the top cookie layer.

Storage/Reheating

These Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when kept in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop and meld together after the first day, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert.
For longer storage, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Cut them into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
These bars are best enjoyed cold straight from the refrigerator, but if you prefer them slightly warmer, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Microwaving is not recommended as it can cause the cheesecake layer to become too soft and the cookie layers to toughen.

FAQs

Why did my cheesecake layer crack?

Cracks in cheesecake usually occur from overbeating the mixture (incorporating too much air) or from cooling too quickly. Beat the cream cheese mixture on low speed just until smooth, and allow the bars to cool gradually at room temperature before refrigerating.

Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade sugar cookie dough works wonderfully in this recipe. You’ll need about 16-18 ounces of dough to replace the store-bought tube.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The top should be golden brown, and the center should be set but might have a slight jiggle. The bars will continue to firm up as they cool. If the top is browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.

Can I make these bars ahead of time for a party?

Yes! These bars actually taste better after being refrigerated overnight, making them an ideal make-ahead dessert. Prepare them 1-2 days before your event for the best flavor.

My cookie dough is too sticky to work with. What should I do?

If the dough is sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before handling. You can also lightly flour your hands or use a piece of parchment paper to press the dough into the pan.

Can I add other mix-ins to the cheesecake layer?

Certainly! Mini chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or finely chopped nuts make excellent additions. Fold them in gently after beating the cream cheese mixture to avoid overbeating.

Why do I need to bring the cream cheese to room temperature?

Room temperature cream cheese blends more smoothly, resulting in a lump-free cheesecake layer. Cold cream cheese will remain lumpy no matter how long you beat it.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

While full-fat cream cheese produces the richest results, low-fat cream cheese will work. However, avoid using fat-free cream cheese as it contains stabilizers that don’t bake well and can make the texture watery.

How should I cut these bars neatly?

For clean cuts, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. The hot knife slides through the cold bars more cleanly.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes, but monitor closely to avoid over-baking.

Conclusion

Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars represent the perfect marriage of two beloved desserts. With their buttery cookie base, creamy cheesecake center, and cookie crumble top, they offer multiple textures and flavors in each bite. The simplicity of preparation makes them accessible to bakers of all skill levels, while their versatility allows for countless variations to suit any occasion. Whether you’re preparing them for a special celebration or simply treating yourself to something sweet, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. The make-ahead convenience and easy storage options only add to their appeal, making them a practical yet impressive addition to your baking collection.