Cookies Cheesecake Bars are a delightful and indulgent dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate cookies with a creamy and tangy cheesecake layer. This dessert is a perfect marriage of two classic favorites, cookies, and cheesecake, resulting in a treat that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family. The bars consist of a soft and chewy chocolate cookie layer topped with a creamy and luscious cheesecake filling, all garnished with a layer of crushed cookies on top. The contrast in textures and flavors makes these bars a delectable treat that is easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

The history of Cookies Cheesecake Bars is rooted in the popularity of both chocolate cookies and cheesecake. Cookies, especially chocolate ones, have been cherished treats for centuries. The combination of cocoa powder, butter, sugar, and other ingredients to create cookies can be traced back to ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians and the Greeks. However, the chocolate cookie as we know it today became widely popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the commercialization of chocolate.

On the other hand, cheesecake has an ancient history that dates back to ancient Greece. It was considered a favorite among athletes participating in the first Olympic Games in 776 B.C. The Greeks would serve cheesecake at weddings and as an offering to the gods. Later on, the Romans adopted the recipe and spread it across Europe. As the recipe evolved over time, different cultures incorporated various ingredients and techniques to create their versions of cheesecake.

The merging of chocolate cookies and cheesecake to create Cookies Cheesecake Bars is a modern twist on these classic desserts. It likely originated from creative home bakers and has become a beloved treat found in bakeries, cafes, and home kitchens around the world.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup butter (2 sticks) plus 2 tablespoons
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup cocoa powder
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 30 – 40 chocolate cream-filled sandwich cookies

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F (180 C) and grease a 13×9 inch glass pan.
2. Cream butter and sugar together in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a beater attachment.
3. Scrape the sides of the bowl, then add eggs and mix until combined.
4. Add vanilla, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well mixed.
5. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, and beat after each addition until the dough is well combined.
6. Scrape out half of the cookie dough into a medium bowl and set it aside for later use in the topping.
7. Press the other half of the cookie dough into the prepared pan, creating an even layer.
8. Bake the cookie layer for 8 – 10 minutes until the top starts to darken and looks somewhat dry, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool.

Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using a whisk attachment until it becomes smooth and lump-free.
2. Scrape the bottom of the bowl to ensure all the cream cheese is smooth.
3. Add sugar to the cream cheese and continue mixing until well combined.
4. Beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla extract, sour cream, and a pinch of salt, ensuring the filling is thoroughly mixed.

Assembling the Bars:

1. Place a single layer of chocolate cream-filled sandwich cookies on top of the cooled cookie layer in the pan.
2. Pour the prepared cheesecake filling over the cookie layer, ensuring it covers the cookies evenly.
3. Crumble the remaining half of the chocolate cookie dough over the cheesecake filling as a topping.
4. Bake the assembled bars for 20 – 25 minutes until the center is lightly browned on top.
5. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 30 minutes.
6. Afterward, place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours before serving.
7. Once chilled and set, cut the Cookies Cheesecake Bars into squares and serve them chilled, savoring the delightful combination of flavors and textures.