Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cookie Bars

Introduction

Imagine the perfect marriage of a chewy peanut butter cookie and a creamy, rich cheesecake layer, all studded with colorful Reese’s Pieces. You get that delicious contrast in every bite of these easy-to-make bars. They are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that looks impressive but comes together with minimal effort.

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 9 bars

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package of refrigerated peanut butter cookie dough (24 count package)
• 1 (8 ounce) package of cream cheese ( room temperature)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla powder (use half this amount if you prefer less rich vanilla flavor)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• ½ cup Reese’s Pieces

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
2. Press the entire package of peanut butter cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
3. In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the room-temperature cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
4. Beat in the vanilla powder (use half this amount if you prefer less rich vanilla flavor) and the room-temperature egg until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
5. Pour the cream cheese filling over the cookie dough crust, spreading it into an even layer.
6. Sprinkle the ½ cup of Reese’s Pieces evenly over the top of the cream cheese layer.
7. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center only has a slight jiggle.
8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Then, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing into 9 squares for clean cuts.

Variations

• Cookie Swirl: Before baking, dollop a few small spoonfuls of extra cookie dough (if available from another package) on top of the cheesecake layer and use a knife to swirl it in.
• Frosting Drizzle: After the bars are chilled, drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a fancier presentation.
• Mini Bar Bites: For a party, slice the chilled slab into 16 or 25 smaller, bite-sized pieces.
• Chilled Serving: For a firmer, more cheesecake-like texture, serve the bars straight from the refrigerator. For a softer, gooier texture, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

• Ensure both the cream cheese and egg are at room temperature to prevent a lumpy filling and ensure even baking.
• For the cleanest cuts, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each slice.
• If your Reese’s Pieces are sinking, try tossing them in a light dusting of flour before sprinkling.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These bars are best served cold, so reheating is not necessary. For the best texture, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before eating if you prefer them less chilled.

FAQ

Can I use homemade peanut butter cookie dough?

Yes, you can substitute an equal amount (16 oz) of your favorite homemade peanut butter cookie dough. Press it into the pan as directed.

My cream cheese filling was lumpy. What happened?

This is almost always because the cream cheese was too cold. Make sure it is truly softened at room temperature for at least an hour before mixing.

Can I use a different type of candy?

Absolutely. You can substitute the Reese’s Pieces with an equal amount of chocolate chips, chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups, or even M&M’s.

Do I have to refrigerate these before slicing?

Yes, chilling is crucial. It allows the cheesecake layer to fully set, making it possible to get clean, neat slices without a gooey mess.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, they freeze well. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Why did my bars turn out dry or overbaked?

This usually means they were baked too long. Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking at the 28-minute mark. The center should not be completely firm when you take them out.