Chocolate Chip Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies with the creamy richness of cheesecake. These bars offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making them a favorite treat for both cookie and cheesecake enthusiasts.

The history of Chocolate Chip Bars can be traced back to the invention of the chocolate chip cookie itself. In 1930, Ruth Graves Wakefield, owner of the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts, accidentally created the first chocolate chip cookie when she added broken pieces of chocolate to her cookie dough, expecting them to melt and create chocolate cookies. Instead, the chocolate retained its shape, and the chocolate chip cookie was born.

Over time, bakers and home cooks started experimenting with different ways to incorporate chocolate chip cookie dough into other desserts, leading to the creation of Chocolate Chip Bars. The combination of the cookie dough’s chewy and chocolatey goodness with a creamy cheesecake filling resulted in a delectable treat loved by many.

Today, Chocolate Chip Bars are a popular dessert choice for gatherings, potlucks, and sweet indulgences. The simplicity of the recipe and the delightful combination of flavors make these bars a go-to option for those seeking a crowd-pleasing dessert.

INGREDIENTS

Cookie Dough:

• 10 tablespoons butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 cups packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3 teaspoons salt
• 2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips

Filling:

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

INSRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius).

Cookie Dough:

1. Using an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth, which should take about 5 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Add this dry mixture to the butter mixture and mix on low speed just until the flour is incorporated. Fold in the chocolate chips to evenly distribute them in the cookie dough.
3. Press half of the prepared cookie dough into a 9×13-inch baking pan. Refrigerate the remaining half for later use.

Filling:

1. Using a clean mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar with the paddle attachment until it becomes smooth and creamy, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Add the remaining cheesecake ingredients, including the egg, sour cream, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until well combined and smooth.
3. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the bottom layer of cookie dough in the baking pan.

Assembling the Bars:

1. Remove the remaining half of the cookie dough from the refrigerator and scatter it in pieces across the top of the cream cheese filling. It’s okay if the cheesecake layer is not fully covered by the cookie dough pieces; it will spread out as it bakes.
2. Bake the bars in the preheated oven until the top turns golden brown and the bars are set, which should take about 45 minutes.
3. Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and refrigerate them before cutting.

Final Steps:

1. Refrigerate the Chocolate Chip Bars until they are fully cooled and set before cutting them into squares or bars.
2. Now, your delectable Chocolate Chip Bars are ready to be served and enjoyed by all!

Indulge in the delightful combination of soft and chewy chocolate chip cookie dough with a creamy cheesecake filling in these scrumptious bars, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings and delighting your taste buds!