Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Red Velvet Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe


  • Author: Thomas
  • Total Time: 43 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring a uniform batter.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Incorporate chocolate chips: Fold in 1 cup of the semi-sweet chocolate chips gently, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
  7. Prepare cheesecake filling: In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
  8. Add egg to cheesecake: Beat in the egg until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. Spread cheesecake layer: Evenly spread the cheesecake mixture over the cookie dough base, covering it completely.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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