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If you’re looking for a dessert that brings the perfect mashup of chewy cookie goodness and creamy cheesecake decadence, look no further than these sensational Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars. Combining classic monster cookie ingredients like peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and M&M’s with a luscious, chocolate-infused cheesecake layer, these bars take every bite on a fun and flavorful adventure. They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, potlucks, or whenever a serious sweet treat craving strikes. Once you try these Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars, they’ll surely become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire!

Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to nailing these Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars lies in using simple, quality ingredients that each play an essential role. From the creamy peanut butter and quick oats that create that classic chewy texture, to the rich cream cheese and melted chocolate that make the cheesecake layer irresistibly smooth, every component works together to create an unforgettable dessert experience.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, room temperature): Adds richness and helps achieve a tender cookie crust.
Granulated sugar (1 cup total): Balances sweetness in both the crust and cheesecake layers.
Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Boosts moisture and gives that deliciously chewy texture.
Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): The signature flavor that defines monster cookies.
Large eggs (4 total): Bind everything together and help create structure.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and enhances all flavors.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies other flavors.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures a light rise and tender crumb.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the base of the cookie crust.
Quick cooking oats (1 cup): Adds wonderful texture and chewiness true to monster cookies.
Chocolate chips (1 cup): Melty pockets of chocolate throughout the bars.
M&M’s candies (1 cup, divided): For bright pops of color and crispy candy crunch.
Cream cheese (2 packages, 8 oz each, room temperature): Creates a creamy, dreamy cheesecake layer.
Semisweet baking chocolate (4 ounces, melted): Adds a rich chocolate twist to the cheesecake.

How to Make Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a 9×13 inch pan with foil and nonstick spray for easy removal later. Beat the butter with both sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which is crucial for a tender crust. Next, whip in the peanut butter until everything is creamy and smooth. Add in the eggs one by one along with vanilla extract, beating after each addition to ensure the batter is well combined.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together salt, baking soda, flour, and oats. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet butter mixture, beating until just combined to avoid tough bars. Fold in the chocolate chips and most of the M&M’s by hand to distribute them evenly throughout the cookie dough.

Step 3: Bake the Base

Press half of the cookie dough firmly into your prepared pan to create an even layer. Bake this base for 5 minutes — this step jump-starts the cookie crust so it doesn’t become soggy underneath the cheesecake. Remove from the oven and set aside while preparing the cheesecake topping.

Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Layer

Beat the cream cheese until it’s silky smooth, then gradually add granulated sugar and continue beating to eliminate lumps. Blend in the melted semisweet chocolate until the mixture is uniform and creamy. Add the remaining eggs one at a time, mixing well after each to create the perfectly luscious cheesecake batter without overbeating.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Spread the cheesecake batter evenly over the partially baked cookie crust. Crumble the reserved cookie dough over the surface, creating delightful patches of cookie and cheesecake swirls. Bake the entire pan for 30 to 35 minutes until the cookie topping is golden brown and the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from the oven and immediately scatter the remaining M&M’s on top, gently pressing them in so they stick without cracking.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Let your Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars cool on a wire rack for about an hour before refrigerating for at least 4 hours. Chilling is key to firming up the cheesecake and intensifying all those rich flavors. Once fully chilled, slice the pan into 24 bars and get ready to impress everyone with this show-stopping dessert.

How to Serve Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars

Garnishes

These bars are sweet and colorful all on their own, but adding a light drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate them for a special occasion. For a fun party touch, sprinkle a few extra M&M’s or even some chopped peanuts on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair these rich Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the dense sweetness. Fresh berries on the side add a refreshing contrast, making each bite feel like a perfect dessert harmony.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to jazz things up? Serve these bars on a decorative platter with colorful napkins matching the M&M’s hues for a festive vibe. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares for easy, shareable party treats or layer them in a dessert parfait jar with whipped cream and crushed cookies for stunning individual servings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars, store any leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, allowing you to savor their chewy-cheesecake goodness even later in the week.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually or in portions with plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for a soft, fresh-tasting treat whenever you want a Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars fix.

Reheating

If you prefer your bars slightly warm, simply microwave a piece for about 10-15 seconds. This warms up the chocolate and softens the cookie crust but keep in mind that the cheesecake layer is best enjoyed chilled or room temperature to maintain its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I make these bars without peanut butter?

The peanut butter is a hallmark flavor in Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars, but if allergies or preferences keep you from using it, you can substitute with sunflower seed butter or almond butter. Note the flavor will change, but the bars will still be delicious.

Why do I add some M&M’s after baking?

M&M’s can crack or lose their vibrant colors if baked too long. Adding a portion after baking keeps the candies intact and visually appealing, adding a crunchy burst of color to the finished bars.

Can I use a different type of chocolate in the cheesecake layer?

Absolutely! Semisweet baking chocolate gives a nice balance, but you can try milk, dark, or even white chocolate for a tasty twist. Just make sure to melt it before blending it into the cream cheese mixture.

How long does it take to chill the bars properly?

For the best texture and flavor, the bars should chill for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight. This ensures the cheesecake layer sets firmly and the flavors meld beautifully.

What if I don’t have quick cooking oats?

If quick oats are not on hand, you can substitute with regular rolled oats, but pulse them briefly in a food processor to break them down a bit. This will help maintain the ideal soft chewiness in the cookie crust.

Final Thoughts

These Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a joyful celebration of peanut butter cookie charm and rich cheesecake delight, all wrapped up in every colorful, chewy bite. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly these bars disappear once people get a taste. Prepare to make many happy memories sharing this sweet treat with your nearest and dearest!

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Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 23 reviews

Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars combine the chewy, peanut butter-packed goodness of monster cookies with a rich, creamy chocolate cheesecake layer. This crowd-pleasing dessert features a buttery cookie crust loaded with oats, chocolate chips, and M&M’s, topped with a decadent chocolate cheesecake and finished with colorful candies for a fun and festive treat perfect for parties and family gatherings.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Crust:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup quick cooking oats
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup M&M’s candies, divided (3/4 cup mixed in dough, 1/4 cup for topping)

Cheesecake:

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 ounces semisweet baking chocolate, melted
2 large eggs

Instructions

Prepare Pan and Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with aluminum foil and spray it with nonstick baking spray to ensure easy removal of the bars.
Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the creamy peanut butter and beat until fully combined and creamy. Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating well until smooth.
Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the salt, baking soda, all-purpose flour, and quick cooking oats. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, beating until just incorporated. Then, gently fold in the chocolate chips and 3/4 cup of the M&M’s candies by hand to distribute evenly.
Form the Bottom Crust: Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Reserve the other half of the cookie dough for later use. Bake this cookie crust layer in the oven for 5 minutes, then remove it from the oven to continue.
Prepare the Cheesecake Batter: Beat the cream cheese in a clean bowl until creamy and smooth. Add the granulated sugar and beat until fully incorporated and silky. Pour in the melted semisweet baking chocolate and mix until evenly combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition but being careful not to overmix the batter to keep it light and smooth.
Assemble the Bars: Spread the prepared cheesecake batter evenly over the partially baked cookie crust in the pan. Crumble the reserved cookie dough evenly over the cheesecake layer for a crunchy topping effect.
Bake the Cheesecake Bars: Bake the assembled bars in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cookie dough topping is golden brown and the cheesecake has set but still slightly jiggles in the center.
Add Final M&M’s Topping: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool slightly. Carefully sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of M&M’s candies on top of the warm bars and press down gently so they adhere without cracking.
Chill and Serve: Allow the bars to cool on the wire rack for about one hour. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until completely chilled and firm. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the foil and cut into 24 squares before serving.

Notes

M&M’s candies tend to crack if baked directly at high heat, so adding some on top after baking keeps them intact and colorful.
The chocolate cheesecake layer adds a rich, chocolatey flavor, but you can substitute for a plain cheesecake layer if preferred.
If you have a peanut allergy, you can substitute the cookie dough with a different kind of cookie dough, such as a classic chocolate chip dough, though it will no longer be a monster cookie dough.
Use room temperature ingredients, especially the cream cheese and butter, for easier mixing and better texture.