Description
These Red Velvet Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars combine a rich, dense chocolate chip cookie base with a creamy red velvet cheesecake layer, topped with crumbled cookie dough and extra chocolate chips. Perfectly baked to achieve a lightly browned edge and a soft, slightly jiggly center that firms upon cooling, these bars offer a deliciously indulgent treat ideal for dessert lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
COOKIE LAYER
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided (1 cup for dough, 1/4 cup for topping)
CHEESECAKE LAYER
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1 1/2 tsp red food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch square pan with aluminum foil that extends over the sides to easily lift the bars out once baked.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This creates a smooth base for the cookie layer.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring a uniform batter.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix dry ingredients into wet: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Incorporate chocolate chips: Fold in 1 cup of the semi-sweet chocolate chips gently, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Prepare cheesecake filling: In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add egg to cheesecake: Beat in the egg until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add cocoa, vinegar, and food coloring: Mix in the cocoa powder, vinegar, and red food coloring until the cheesecake mixture is uniform in color and texture.
- Layer cookie dough base: Spread just over half of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, forming a solid base layer.
- Spread cheesecake layer: Evenly spread the cheesecake mixture over the cookie dough base, covering it completely.
- Top with remaining cookie dough and chocolate chips: Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the cheesecake layer, then sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
- Bake the bars: Bake the layered bars in the preheated oven for 25-28 minutes. The edges should be lightly browned, while the center may still jiggle slightly but will firm up as it cools.
- Cool and store: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the foil. Slice into bars and store in a covered container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Make sure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugars.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the bars tender.
- Allow bars to cool completely to achieve the perfect texture before slicing.
- You can line the pan with parchment paper as an alternative to aluminum foil for easier removal.
- Store leftover bars refrigerated and consume within 4-5 days for best taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Red Velvet, Cheesecake Bars, Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, Dessert Bars, Baked Treats
