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Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
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★★★★★

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.

Nutrition

Keywords: Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars, chocolate cheesecake bars, peanut butter cookie bars, M&M dessert bars, monster cookie dessert

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