Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
If you have a weakness for all things rich, buttery, and delightfully sweet, then the Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Imagine the irresistible combination of nutty browned butter folded into a chocolate chip cookie base, layered with a luscious, creamy cheesecake filling, and topped with more melty chocolate-studded cookie dough. Each bite bursts with contrasting textures and flavors that feel indulgent yet comforting—the perfect treat to impress friends, satisfy your sweet tooth, or brighten up any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a layered treat full of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the golden richness of browned butter to the smoothness of cream cheese, ensuring your bars bake up moist, tender, and utterly delicious.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, browned): Browning your butter adds an amazing nutty depth that elevates the cookie’s flavor immensely.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Gives the cookie dough a sweet, crunchy edge and helps create structure.
- Brown sugar, packed (3/4 cup): Adds moistness and caramel undertones that perfectly complement the brown butter.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookie dough rise just enough for a tender crumb.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out the richness of the butter and chocolate.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The foundation for your cookie layers, providing structure and chewiness.
- Chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): Melts into pockets of sweet, melty goodness throughout the bars.
- Cream cheese, softened (16 oz, 2 packages): The star of the cheesecake layer, delivering rich creaminess and a subtle tang.
- Powdered sugar (3/4 cup): Adds sweetness and smooth texture to the cheesecake filling.
- Large egg (1): Binds the cheesecake filling while keeping it light and creamy.
How to Make Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start your adventure by melting unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep swirling the pan gently—the butter will foam and then start turning a deep golden brown with a wonderful nutty aroma that will fill your kitchen. This transformation, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes, is the secret that infuses your cookie dough with incredible flavor. Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool slightly so it’s ready for the next step.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Mix your browned butter with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth. This is where the magic starts—the sugars dissolve into the butter creating an irresistibly sweet base. Stir in baking soda and salt next for leavening and balance, then gradually add in the flour to build your dough. Finally, fold in those generous chocolate chips, ensuring every bite has a little melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
While the cookie dough is resting, whisk together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and egg in a separate bowl. Beat them thoroughly until you’re left with a silky, lump-free filling that’s ready to add a creamy contrast to your buttery cookie base.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Line a baking pan with parchment paper to keep things neat, then press half of your cookie dough evenly into the bottom to form the crust. Pour and spread your cheesecake filling carefully on top, making sure it covers the cookie base without mixing layers. Now comes a fun part—crumble or gently spread the remaining cookie dough over the cream cheese layer, creating a beautiful marbled effect that looks almost too good to eat.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your assembled bars into an oven preheated to 325°F (163°C) and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for a set cheesecake layer that still jiggles gently when nudged, while the cookie edges turn gorgeously golden brown. After baking, patience is key—allow them to cool completely before slicing into bars to preserve those clean layers and melt-in-your-mouth textures.
How to Serve Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can give your bars an extra pretty finish that entices everyone’s sweet tooth. For an added burst of flavor, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top—the subtle salty crunch perfectly complements the richness.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a dollop of whipped cream to add a cooling contrast. Fresh berries also pair beautifully, cutting through the richness with their slight tartness and vibrant color.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, stack these bars on a pretty cake stand or arrange them on a rustic wooden board with fresh mint leaves and chocolate shavings sprinkled around. Cut them into bite-sized squares and serve with wooden picks for a fun, shareable dessert. Garnishing individual bars with a small chocolate chip or a thin slice of toasted almond adds an elegant touch too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious and moist for up to 4 days, making them perfect for enjoying a little dessert anytime.
Freezing
If you want to save these bars for longer, freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic followed by aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain the creamy texture.
Reheating
For a freshly baked taste after refrigeration, warm your bars at room temperature or microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds. This will soften the cheesecake layer slightly and reawaken that signature brown butter aroma without melting the structure.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without browning the butter?
Though browning the butter adds a wonderful nutty flavor, you can use melted butter if short on time. The bars will still taste fantastic but might miss that extra depth and richness.
Is it possible to use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute?
Yes, dairy-free or vegan cream cheese alternatives work well here. Just ensure the substitute is softened and can be beaten smoothly with powdered sugar for best results.
Can I add nuts to the Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft layers. Just fold about 1/2 cup into the cookie dough before assembling.
What size pan should I use for this recipe?
A 9×13-inch baking pan is ideal for these bars, providing enough space to create distinct layers and a perfect thickness that bakes evenly.
How do I know when the cheesecake layer is done baking?
Look for the cheesecake filling to be set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center when you gently shake the pan. It will firm up completely as it cools.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing quite like the Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe to win hearts and bring smiles around your table. With such a heavenly blend of textures and flavors created from simple ingredients, these bars are sure to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. Don’t wait—grab your ingredients and start baking this joyous, indulgent treat today!
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Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars combine rich, nutty browned butter cookie dough with creamy cheesecake filling for an indulgent dessert. The marbled layers of chocolate chip cookie and smooth cheesecake baked together create a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making these bars a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
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 unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally until it foams and turns a golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled browned butter with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and smooth. Add baking soda and salt, then gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour. Gently fold in the chocolate chips for even distribution.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and the egg until completely smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Assemble the Bars: Press half of the cookie dough evenly into a parchment-lined baking pan to form the base layer. Pour the cheesecake filling on top, spreading carefully to avoid mixing the layers. Crumble or gently spread the remaining cookie dough over the cheesecake layer for a marbled effect.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 35 to 40 minutes or until the cheesecake is set but slightly jiggly and the cookie edges are golden brown. Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth cheesecake filling without lumps.
- Be careful not to overbake to keep the cheesecake filling creamy and moist.
- Cooling completely before slicing helps maintain clean bar edges and prevents crumbling.
- For extra flavor, chill the bars for an hour before slicing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
