Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

Recipe View Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

Recipe View Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish, creating a delicious cookie crust. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

Recipe View In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract (if using), and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no lumps for the perfect cheesecake texture. Gently beat in the eggs until just combined; avoid overmixing. (Prep time: 10 minutes)

Recipe View Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cookie dough base in the baking dish. (Prep time: 2 minutes)

Recipe View Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the cream cheese layer, distributing it evenly for a delightful cookie topping. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

Recipe View Bake in the preheated oven until the cheesecake is set in the middle and the cookie topping is golden brown, approximately 35 to 40 minutes. A slight jiggle in the very center is okay; it will firm up as it cools. (Bake time: 35-40 minutes)

Recipe View Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack before cutting into squares. For cleaner cuts, chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. (Cooling time: 2+ hours)