EASIEST SUGAR COOKIE BARS

Ever find yourself craving something sweet, but the thought of elaborate baking sends shivers down your spine? I get it! That’s why I’m beyond excited to share these Easy Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars with you. Imagine the comforting, buttery goodness of sugar cookies swirled together with the creamy, tangy delight of cheesecake – all in one ridiculously simple, crowd-pleasing bar. Get ready to wow everyone (including yourself!) with this effortless dessert.

Gathering Your Dreamy Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these incredible bars. Don’t worry, the list is short and sweet!

For the Sugar Cookie Base:

• 1 (16.5 ounce) roll refrigerated sugar cookie dough

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

• Sprinkles (because why not?)
• Cookie crumbs
• A drizzle of melted white chocolate

Step-by-Step to Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bliss

Let’s get down to the baking magic! These bars are so easy, you’ll be enjoying them in no time.

Preparing the Sugar Cookie Base:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang, for super easy removal.
3. Press half of the sugar cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even layer. I find using my fingers works best!

Creating the Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps!
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.

Assembling and Baking:

1. Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the sugar cookie base.
2. Crumble the remaining sugar cookie dough over the cheesecake filling. Try to spread it out as evenly as possible. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect!
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheesecake filling is set (it should have a slight jiggle in the center).
4. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is crucial for a clean cut!
5. If desired, top with sprinkles, cookie crumbs, or a drizzle of melted white chocolate.

Why These Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars Are Simply Irresistible

Okay, besides the obvious (sugar cookies and cheesecake!), there are a few key reasons why these bars are destined to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. First, the simplicity! Using pre-made sugar cookie dough cuts down on prep time significantly. Second, the flavor contrast is divine. The sweet, buttery sugar cookie perfectly complements the tangy cheesecake. And third, they are SO customizable! Add your favorite sprinkles, candies, or even a swirl of fruit preserves for a unique twist.

Tips and Tricks for Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bar Perfection

Even though these bars are incredibly easy, here are a few tips and tricks to ensure they turn out absolutely perfect every time:

• Soften that Cream Cheese: Seriously, softened cream cheese is key! If it’s not softened, you’ll end up with lumpy cheesecake filling, and nobody wants that. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before starting.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking the bars will result in a dry, cracked cheesecake filling. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven when the edges are golden brown and the center has a slight jiggle. They will continue to set as they cool.
• Cooling is Crucial: I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but letting the bars cool completely in the pan is essential for a clean cut. Trust me, patience is a virtue in this case!
• Get Creative with Toppings: This is where you can really let your personality shine! Sprinkles, cookie crumbs, chocolate chips, chopped nuts – the possibilities are endless!

Variations to Make These Bars Your Own

One of the best things about these bars is how easily you can customize them to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the cheesecake filling before baking for a chocolatey twist.
• Swirl in Fruit Preserves: Swirl your favorite fruit preserves (raspberry, strawberry, blueberry) into the cheesecake filling for a fruity, colorful treat.
• Seasonal Flavors: Adapt the recipe for different holidays. For example, you could add pumpkin pie spice for a fall-themed treat that is similar to PUMPKIN SPICE COOKIE PERFECTION (PUMPKIN SPICE COOKIE PERFECTION) or use crushed candy canes during the holiday season.

Storing Your Delicious Creations

If, by some miracle, you have any leftover Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I doubt they’ll last that long though!

Pairing Suggestions for the Ultimate Dessert Experience

These Easy Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with other treats and beverages. Consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a cup of hot coffee or tea. They would also be a fantastic addition to a dessert platter alongside other goodies like PINEAPPLE UPSIDE-DOWN CHEESECAKE BITES. For a cozy fall dessert pairing, think about serving these after enjoying some COZY APPLE CRISP!

Troubleshooting Common Baking Blunders

We’ve all been there! Here are a few common baking issues and how to prevent them when making these bars:

• Cracked Cheesecake Filling: This is usually caused by overbaking. Be sure to remove the bars from the oven when the edges are golden brown and the center has a slight jiggle. Also, avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking.
• Lumpy Cheesecake Filling: This is usually caused by not softening the cream cheese enough. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before starting.
• Bars Sticking to the Pan: Be sure to grease and flour the pan thoroughly, or line it with parchment paper.

Other Cheesecake Inspired Treats

If you’re a fan of cheesecake, consider exploring other variations! For a fun twist, you might enjoy something like CHURRO CHEESECAKE DREAM. Or, if you’re more of a cookie person, consider CHEWY PUMPKIN COOKIES for a seasonal treat.

Ready to Bake?

So there you have it – the easiest, most delicious Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars you’ll ever make! I’m confident that this recipe will become a go-to for you, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete beginner. Now go forth and bake some happiness!