Craving something sweet and creamy but short on time? Look no further than these heavenly 5-Ingredient Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of these delightful treats in no time. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these bars are guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover the magic of simplicity!
Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
- One 16.5 oz tube of sugar cookie dough, at almost room temp
- Rainbow sprinkles
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring there’s some overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Sugar Cookie Crust
- In a mixing bowl, crumble the sugar cookie dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust layer.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until it is just beginning to turn golden brown around the edges.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer or stand mixer.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, and continue beating until well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Once the sugar cookie crust has baked and slightly cooled, pour the cheesecake filling over the crust layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle rainbow sprinkles generously over the cheesecake layer, adding a pop of color and fun to the bars.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Allow the Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars to cool completely in the baking dish at room temperature, then transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours or until firm.
- Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the baking dish and onto a cutting board. Slice into squares or bars, and serve chilled.
Cook’s Notes:
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth blending and to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins to the cheesecake filling, such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fruit preserves.
- For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade sugar cookie dough, feel free to use your favorite recipe. Just make sure the dough is almost at room temperature for easy handling and pressing into the baking dish.
Can I make these bars in advance?
Yes, these Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage. Simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Can I omit the rainbow sprinkles?
While rainbow sprinkles add a festive touch to these bars, they are entirely optional. Feel free to omit them or substitute them with your favorite sprinkles or toppings.
Keto-Friendly and Low-Carb Version:
For a keto-friendly and low-carb version of these Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars, you can use almond flour or a combination of almond flour and coconut flour to make a sugar-free cookie crust. Substitute the sugar cookie dough with a mixture of cream cheese, almond flour, sweetener, and vanilla extract for the crust layer. Use a sugar-free sweetener in place of the sugar, and omit the rainbow sprinkles or use sugar-free alternatives.
Indulge your sweet tooth with these irresistible 5-Ingredient Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars. With their buttery sugar cookie crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and colorful sprinkles, they’re sure to brighten up any occasion. Plus, with just five simple ingredients, they’re a breeze to make whenever a craving strikes. So, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a taste of dessert bliss!
