Deliciously Simple 5-Ingredient Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars
Get ready to indulge in a delightful dessert experience with our 5-Ingredient Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars recipe! These bars are a perfect combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet sugar cookie dough, creating a treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With just five simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch of these delicious bars to enjoy with family and friends. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make these irresistible treats!
Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
- One 16.5 oz tube of sugar cookie dough, at almost room temperature
- Rainbow sprinkles
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the egg and vanilla extract together until well combined.
- Add the room temperature cream cheese to the bowl and mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Layering the Bars:
- Press half of the sugar cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the sugar cookie dough layer and spread it evenly.
4. Adding Sprinkles and Top Layer:
- Sprinkle rainbow sprinkles over the cream cheese layer for a pop of color and fun.
- Crumble the remaining sugar cookie dough over the top of the cream cheese layer, creating a crumbly topping.
5. Baking:
- Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
6. Chilling and Serving:
- Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to allow them to set.
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, then slice into squares and serve.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Additional Flavorings: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or almond extract to the cream cheese mixture for added flavor depth.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans on top of the cream cheese layer for a crunchy texture.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for a decadent finishing touch.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
- Keto Option: Replace the sugar cookie dough with a homemade keto-friendly version using almond flour, butter, and sweetener. Use a sugar-free sweetener in place of granulated sugar and choose a low-carb sprinkles option.
- Low Carb Variation: Opt for a low-carb sugar cookie dough made with almond flour or coconut flour and a sugar substitute. Use a reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt in place of full-fat cream cheese for a lower calorie and carb option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use store-bought sugar cookie dough?
- Yes, store-bought sugar cookie dough works perfectly for this recipe and saves time.
- Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
- It’s recommended to let the dough come to almost room temperature before baking to ensure it spreads evenly in the pan.
- How should I store leftovers?
- Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Indulge in the simplicity and deliciousness of our 5-Ingredient Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars, where creamy cheesecake meets sweet sugar cookie dough for the ultimate treat. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack or a sweet ending to a meal, these bars are bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor every delightful bite of these irresistible bars!
Here’s to simple pleasures and sweet moments shared with loved ones!
