If you have a serious sweet tooth craving something irresistibly delicious, this Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter mingling perfectly with melty chocolate chips, all layered atop a luscious cheesecake filling. These bars have the perfect balance of chewy cookie texture and creamy cheesecake decadence, making them an absolute crowd-pleaser whether for a casual dessert or a special occasion treat. Once you take that first bite, it’s practically impossible to stop!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key for this recipe, but don’t worry—they’re straightforward and easy to find. Each one brings a unique twist that makes these bars stand out, from the golden richness of browned butter to the creamy tang of smooth cream cheese, ensuring every bite is pure delight.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, browned): The star of the show, browned butter adds a toasty, nutty depth that transforms the cookie base.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the cookie dough and balances flavors perfectly.
- Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Adds moisture and rich caramel notes to the cookies.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, fragrant touch.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookie dough rise and achieve a tender crumb.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts the sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): Provides structure, giving those cookie bars a chewy yet sturdy texture.
- Chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): Melts into delightful pockets of gooey chocolate in every bite.
- Cream cheese (16 oz, softened): Creates the smooth, creamy cheesecake layer that contrasts beautifully with the cookie.
- Powdered sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens and smooths the cheesecake filling for that perfect silky consistency.
- Large egg (1): Binds the cheesecake filling and adds richness.
How to Make Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start by melting 1 cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep swirling the pan so it cooks evenly and watch closely as it foams, then shifts from yellow to a beautiful golden brown hue with glowing nutty aromas. This process takes about 5 to 7 minutes and is critical because it builds the deep, toasty flavor that will elevate these bars to another level. Once browned, remove the butter from heat and let it cool slightly to avoid scrambling the eggs later.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cooled browned butter with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture turns creamy and smooth. Add baking soda and salt next, then gradually mix in the all-purpose flour to avoid clumps. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips gently to distribute them evenly throughout the dough—this promises melty chocolate in every bite!
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
Using a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and the large egg, then continue beating until the mixture is silky with no lumps. This creamy layer will be the perfect contrast to the cookie dough base.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Line a baking pan with parchment paper, then press half of the cookie dough evenly across the bottom to form a thick base layer. Carefully pour the cheesecake mixture over the cookie layer, spreading it evenly but gently so you don’t disturb the base. Finally, crumble or spread the remaining cookie dough across the top. This will give a beautiful marbled look after baking and add delicious texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You want the cheesecake to be set but just slightly jiggly in the center and the cookie edges to turn a gorgeous golden brown. Let the bars cool completely before slicing so that layers set beautifully.
How to Serve Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are delightful on their own, but you can dress them up by adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking to emphasize the chocolate’s sweetness. Or dust lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch that makes the bars look extra special. For a fun twist, drizzle melted caramel or more melted chocolate across the top before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add refreshing creaminess. A cup of rich coffee or a creamy latte complements the nuttiness of the brown butter beautifully, making for a cozy dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into small squares for parfait layers with fresh berries and whipped cream for a show-stopping dessert glass. They also work wonderfully as bite-sized treats on a dessert platter, making them perfect for parties or potlucks. Wrapping each bar in parchment paper tied with twine is a charming way to gift them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 5 days, maintaining that perfect chewy and creamy texture. Let them come to room temperature or enjoy straight from the fridge for a denser, fudgier bite.
Freezing
These bars freeze wonderfully! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Reheating
If you like a warm treat, gently reheat bars for 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave. This softens the cookie and cheesecake, especially the chocolate chips, making them gooey and irresistible. Just be careful not to overheat or the cheesecake may separate.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
You can, but reduce or omit additional salt called for in the recipe to avoid over-salting. Unsalted butter gives you better control over seasoning and flavor balance.
Why do I need to brown the butter?
Browned butter brings a deeper nutty flavor that plain melted butter cannot replicate, adding amazing richness and a hint of caramel that make these bars stand out.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can swap in a gluten-free flour blend, but make sure it’s a one-to-one substitute designed for baking to maintain the texture. Results may vary slightly.
How do I know when the cheesecake layer is perfectly baked?
The cheesecake should be mostly set with a slight jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pan. It firms up more as it cools.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts folded into the cookie dough layer add wonderful crunch and complement the brown butter flavor beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Seriously, why wait? This Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. Once you’ve tasted one bite—the melty chocolate, the rich brown butter aroma, the creamy cheesecake center—you’ll be hooked. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to impress everyone with a dessert they’ll be asking you to make again and again. Happy baking!
Print
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in these rich and decadent Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars, featuring a nutty brown butter cookie base layered with a creamy cheesecake filling, all baked to perfection with melty chocolate chips and a beautiful marbled topping.
Ingredients
Brown Butter Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (browned)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally until it foams and turns a rich golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly before using to preserve the flavor and avoid cooking the other ingredients.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Add baking soda and salt, then gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until just combined. Gently fold in the chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and the large egg until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps to create a silky filling.
- Assemble the Bars: Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the pan to form the base layer. Pour the cheesecake filling over the dough, spreading it carefully and evenly to prevent blending. Crumble or gently spread the remaining cookie dough over the cheesecake layer for a marbled effect.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Bake the assembled bars for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is set but still slightly jiggly and the edges of the cookie dough are golden brown. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 servings for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is browned but not burnt to achieve a deep nutty flavor.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth cheesecake filling.
- Do not overmix the cheesecake filling to avoid cracking during baking.
- Allow the bars to cool completely to set properly before slicing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
