Soft sugar cookie dough meets rich, creamy cheesecake in these irresistible bars—easy to make and perfect for birthdays, holidays, or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Just a few ingredients and minimal prep

• Combines two classic desserts in one

• Great for parties, potlucks, or bake sales

• Kid-friendly and customizable with sprinkles

• No special equipment or crust-making required

Ingredients

• 16.5 oz tube of sugar cookie dough

• 1 egg

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature

• Optional: sprinkles, for topping

• Optional: powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 35 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Yields: 9–12 bars

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Press two-thirds of the sugar cookie dough into the bottom of the pan to form a crust.

3. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.

4. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust and spread it evenly.

5. Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the top.

6. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the center is set.

7. Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

8. Slice into bars and top with sprinkles or a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.

Serving Ideas

• Perfect on a dessert platter or holiday tray

• Great addition to a lunchbox or after-school treat

• Drizzle with white chocolate for a fancier finish

• Serve chilled for a firmer bite or room temp for a softer texture

• Add food coloring to the cheesecake layer for festive themes

Tips & Variations

• Use homemade sugar cookie dough if you prefer

• Swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a different twist

• Add mini chocolate chips or crushed candies into the top layer

• Make it gluten-free using a GF cookie dough

• Use a 9×9 pan for slightly thinner bars and quicker baking

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade cookie dough instead of store-bought?
Yes—just make sure it’s a soft, roll-out style sugar cookie dough that holds shape during baking.

How do I know when it’s done baking?
The top should be lightly golden and the center should no longer jiggle when gently shaken. Letting it chill will also help it set fully.

Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Do I need to use a mixer for the cheesecake layer?
It helps for the smoothest texture, but you can mix by hand with a sturdy whisk or spatula if needed.

Final Thoughts

Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars are everything you love about sugar cookies and cheesecake in one dreamy dessert. With a chewy base, creamy center, and golden crumbles on top, they’re easy to make but taste like you spent all afternoon baking. Keep a batch in the fridge for whenever sweet cravings hit—you won’t regret it.