Description
These Heavenly Lemon Cheesecake Cookie Bars combine the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the sweet tang of lemon and the soft, chewy texture of a cookie. Perfect for any gathering, bake sale, or sweet craving, this citrusy treat is sunshine in every bite.
Ingredients
Cookie Layer: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened), 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Cheesecake Layer: 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until combined. Stir in flour, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest.
Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the egg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract and beat until fully combined.
Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cookie base. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough on top and gently spread.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set.
Cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing for clean bars.
Notes
These bars taste even better the next day after the flavors have settled. You can freeze them by wrapping individual bars tightly and storing in an airtight container for up to 3 months. For a more tart flavor, add extra lemon zest or a few drops of lemon extract.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Lemon Cheesecake Bars, lemon dessert, cheesecake cookie bars