Eating these Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cookie Bars will send you to your sugar happy place right away. This bar cookie recipe would be a great addition to your dessert table anytime.
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There is nothing that I would classify as too sweet. I am quite a dessert heavy weight (LOL literally).
Now my hubby on the other hand, he takes one or two bites and he is over it. We were at Cheesecake Factory a few weeks ago, and we both ordered cheesecake after dinner.
Now I purposefully only ate a small portion of dinner because one must leave room for cheesecake when you come to a place called The Cheesecake Factory. It is a given.
Anyway, I had no problem downing my cheesecake and a few bites of my hubby's. He had a few bites and was going on about how sweet it was, and that it was too rich for him.
He even said that he was getting the shakes and the sweats from trying to eat all that sugar. I just had to laugh at him and call him a dessert light weight. I guess I have had a lot more practice holding my sugar with all the desserts I keep cranking out.
After having that cheesecake a few weeks ago, I was craving some cheesecake goodies. One of my favorites from last year were these Key Lime Cheesecake Cookie Bars, so I knew I wanted to make another variation of that recipe.
And since Reese's are my absolute all time favorites, I decided to make another peanut butter version with Reese's peanut butter chips, because clearly you can never have enough of that!!!
These peanut butter cheesecake cookie bars are purely decadent. Thick layers of chocolate and peanut butter chip cookie dough with a generous layer of peanut butter cheesecake in the middle. Oh yeah!!
I like my bars super thick, but if you like yours thinner, go ahead and bake these in a 9x13 pan. Just make sure to adjust your baking time to about 30 minutes.
I also used the Hershey's baking melts in place of the chocolate chips. I liked biting into the big chunks of chocolate. Who doesn't though...
And of course everything is better with more chocolate right? So, go ahead and drizzle your bars with more melted chocolate and Reese's peanut butter chips!!!
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Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cookie Bars
Peanut butter and chocolate chip cookie dough with a layer of peanut butter cheesecake. This will take dessert to a whole new level.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ½ cup shortening
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 ½ cups flour
- 1 cup peanut butter chips
- 1 cup extra large chocolate chips
For the Cheesecake
- 1 - 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup peanut butter
For the Topping
- ¼ cup peanut butter chips
- ¼ cup chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon shortening
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8x8 pan with nonstick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, shortening, and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla, and salt and beat again.
- Stir together the baking soda and flour. Slowly add to the butter mixture until incorporated. Stir in the peanut butter chips and baking melts by hand.
- Press half the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add the peanut butter and beat until smooth.
- Add the egg and beat until mixed in. Pour the cheesecake top of the cookie dough in the pan.
- Crumble small pieces of cookie dough over the top of the cheesecake layer. Continue until all the dough has been used and the cheesecake has been covered. Bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove and let cool on a wire rack for one hour, and then refrigerate until completely chilled. Cut into 16 bars.
- In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter chips and ½ teaspoon shortening. Heat for 30 seconds in the microwave. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Spoon into a plastic bag that has one corner cut off. Drizzle over bars.
- Place the chocolate chips and ½ teaspoon shortening in a bowl. Heat for 30 seconds. Stir until melted and smooth. Drizzle over the bars. Keep refrigerated. Makes 16 bars.
Notes
You can also bake these bars in a 9x13 pan, if you want shorter thinner bars. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 496Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 266mgCarbohydrates: 55gFiber: 2gSugar: 37gProtein: 8g
I am slightly addicted to Reese's...here are a few of my favorites.
Reese's Peanut Butter Threat Cheesecakes
Rachel Page
The recipe was so simple, and it took round about an hour in total to get everything mixed/cooked/cooled and packed.
Cathy
OMG! These look amazing!!!!
Sinea Pies
So this is your favorite? I can see why.
Sometimes I wish the blogger could see or hear me when I see a yummy post like this.
"Oh no!" chuckle, giggle
"Yikes!" giggle more
"Oh my goodness!" Pin Pin Pin.
This is one of those oohs and aahs recipes, that is for sure! How do you guys stay so thin?
Denise
Jocelyn...these look heavenly.
Kristen Duke
My mouth is watering just looking as these pictures!!
Lyuba@willcookforsmiles
Oooo, I want one now!! No dinner...just a couple of these bars (couple plates 🙂 )
Way To Stuff Those Keywordss
Love the keyword stuffing here FYI It didn't work However, the bars look amazing and I'm definitely going to try (fyi I found this through Pinterest)
Kristen
Just made these for a family party today. They were amazing!!
Laura
Can't wait to try these! Looking for a time-saver though -- can you use pre-made cookie dough and add the pb chips to it?
Jocelyn Brubaker
Yes, you could definitely use any pre-made cookie dough to save some time.
Sam
Why are we complaining about husbands not eating desserts? Then there are less for us? ;). Can't wait to try these
Averie @ Averie Cooks
You beyond outdid yourself! The layers, the moistness, the PB..just every thing about them. Whoa!!! Pinning! 🙂
Cathy
These look amazing!!!! I am so glad I found your blog through Whipperberry!
Cathy
http://apeekintomyparadise.blogspot.com
Megan @ For the Love of Cookies
That picture is incredible...I can almost taste it! Lol! It looks so indulgent and peanut buttery. I want to make these. Need some cream cheese now!
Trish - Mom On Timeout
Just gorgeous Jocelyn! I could eat like FIVE right now 🙂 Pinned!
Karen McMurphy
I am making these! Do I butter the pan? How will I know they are done? Thanks!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Yes, grease the pan before adding any dough. Bake for 45 minutes if you are doing the 8x8 pan...no longer or it will be hard!!! Cheesecake always looks undone, but it sets up when it cools and chills. Let me know how it is for you!
Heather @ French Press
I have no words Jocelyn...just YUM
Averie @ Averie Cooks
I love everything about these - PB, cookie bars (so much faster than cookies, and the cheesecake and chocolate drizzle...yum!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you Averie!!! I love how much easier it is to do cookies as bars and adding cheesecake is just plain yum!
kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor
Ahhhhh....mazing.
Marcia
Ok, so I am more like your husband. About two bites and I'll be happy. But I have a church full of sugar lovers (I live in the South after all) who will be thrilled when I try out this new recipe. And my Dad absolutely loves the peanut butter and chocolate idea, so he will be happy if I can make some and take them to him in New York this summer! 🙂 Reese's are also my favorite, but if they come two to a pack I always share one! 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
You are a better woman than me to share your Reese's 🙂 I tend to hoard mine!!!
Billie
These look great , I want to try these today my son is coming home. Can you use liquid shortening solid?
Jocelyn Brubaker
I'm not 100% sure what you are asking...the shortening is a solid not a liquid. Although you will melt a small spoonful with the chocolate for the drizzle.
Brenda @ChattingOverChocolate.blogspot.com
That's exactly how my hubby is too!! ....but, oh well, leaves more dessert for us when it's "too sweet" or "too rich" for them - lol! PInned and wish I could be eating this right now even though it's only 6:30am....never too early to go to the dessert "happy place" though right?! 😉
Anberlin McCoy
how am i supposed to lose weight with this deliciousness taunting me?!
Jocelyn Brubaker
I am having the same problem living with all these sweets 🙂
Cranberry Morning
Good grief! No wonder I had to scroll down so far to leave a comment! Those look fabulous! 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you so much!!!
Alyssa Rivers
Oh my! You honestly always make the BEST treats!!! And you always photograph them so well! I want to hire you to do mine! 😉 Pinned
Jocelyn Brubaker
Girl you leave the sweetest comments! I wish we were close enough because I would be over eating all the delicious stuff you make 🙂
Elise @ Paint Chips & Frosting
These look heavenly! Two on my favorite things combined 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
Two of my favorites too 🙂
Stephanie @ Macaroni and Cheesecake
These look so decadent and delicious! I'm with you, no dessert is ever too rich or sweet for me!:)
Jocelyn Brubaker
I think we need to definitely do dessert together in Texas this June 🙂 Lots of yummy desserts!!!
Stephanie @ Macaroni and Cheesecake
I would love too, but something came up that weekend as of right now I don't get to come!:( I'm trying to sell my ticket, but if something changes and I get to come I definitely want to get together!
Sara
I'm not a huge fan of sweets, but my husband is a dessert FANATIC. It's like he has a separate stomach just for candy. Definitely making these for Easter, and winning Wife of the Year.
Quick question: Is there anything I can substitute for the shortening in the topping? Trying to avoid buying another one-use product. Thanks!
Jocelyn Brubaker
The shortening is just to help the chocolate from seizing. You could use a little bit of butter in place of it. I hope your hubby likes these!!!
Holly Lefevre
wow - these are dangerous!
Elizabeth @ Confessions of a Baking Queen
My boyfriend is not a sweet person either. He says something is too sweet and I'm like PFFF you don't know what you are talking about! LOL More sugar the better 😉 And Reese's are my fav too and your bars look uberly decadent and delicious. I really could stuff my face right now with these thick bars! Thicker is better!!!
Jocelyn Brubaker
You are so right...the more sugar, definitely the better!!! Glad we can be Reese's buddies!!!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet
Gosh, I have been craving cheesecake for weeks now! These bars are so tempting!!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Cheesecake is always a craving around here!!! Hope you get some cheesecake to fix that craving!!!
Jess @ On Sugar Mountain
My mom and I do the same thing every time we go out to dinner! My dad gets so mad cuz he thinks we should eat our "meal" and skip dessert, but how on earth can you do that when cheesecake is on the menu?!? Or these bars?!? Purely decadent? Well I'm sold. 😀
Jocelyn Brubaker
I want to go to dinner with you and your mom 🙂 Girls after my own heart!!!!
Elaine @ Cooking to Perfection
Nothing better than chocolate and peanut butter...except maybe adding cream cheese to those two. These look so rich and decadent! But I'm pretty sure I could eat the whole pan. I'm definitely not a dessert light weight. 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
Adding cream cheese to peanut butter and chocolate does bring it to another level!!! Glad to hear you are with me on eating a pan of these 🙂
Julie @ Julie's Eats & Treats
I could just literally sink my teeth right into one of those delicious looking bars!
Jocelyn Brubaker
I like the way you think, but only into one?
Trish - Mom On Timeout
Oh. My. Goodness. I want one. Now. Gorgeous photos too BTW 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
I could go for another one (or five) too!!! Thank you so much for the sweet comment!!!
Ari @ Ari's Menu
Ummmm, WHAT??? Sorry, I just tried to lick my screen.
Jocelyn Brubaker
Hahaha! Best comment of the day 🙂
sally @ sallys baking addiction
oh my gosh Jocelyn! Look how thick these are! You know I am swooning for anything chocolate and peanut butter. These look amazing! You are like the peanut butter dessert bar queen girl.
Jocelyn Brubaker
I swoon for chocolate and peanut butter too! It is always my choice of dessert!!! And bar queen? Hhhhmmm I need a crown with that printed on it 🙂 LOL!!!
Jen @ Jen's Favorite Cookies
Cheesecake cookies... brilliant!
Jocelyn Brubaker
It was a light bulb moment for sure. Thanks Jen.
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet
Sounds like my husband he is not a big sugar fan. Which can be tricky at times. I'll take a bar of these, or two or three!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Tricky because you have to eat more? I'm thinking that's a good thing 🙂
Alyssa
These bars look so delicious, I love the combination of the cookie dough and peanut butter flavors! While my husband likes sweets he does not like cheesecake. I think he's crazy, but at least that means there is more cheesecake for me!
Jocelyn Brubaker
He doesn't like cheesecake? What planet is he from? 🙂 But you are right...more for you is a huge bonus!!!
Liz
I would love these and so would my husband...nothing's too sweet for him! You're right in that you can never go wrong with PB and chocolate! Yummy 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
You can absolutely never go wrong with the classic peanut butter and chocolate!!!
Carrie
These look AMAZING!! I featured them on my blog post of Easter Treats today at http://whittskitsfabricscrafts.blogspot.com/2013/03/mining-monday-easter-treats.html - hope that's okay!!
My family will be thanking YOU for this one!!
Carrie
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you so much Carrie!
Jennifer @ Not Your Momma's Cookie
I'm also a dessert heavyweight - bring on the sugar! 🙂 These look amazing!
Jocelyn Brubaker
I'm with you...bring on loads more sugar goodies!!!
Karly
Girl, I love these. I'm all about chocolate, peanut butter, and cream cheese. It's magic.
And the best thing about a dessert light weight for a husband? You get to eat his portion. Or maybe that's a bad thing? Nah. They make elastic pants for a reason!
Jocelyn Brubaker
That is definitely the benefit to a hubby who can't finish his dessert...I may need those elastic pants sooner than later!!!
Meg @ Sweet Twist
Men are dessert light weights for sure!! I could eat these no problem or any cheesecake for that matter.
Jocelyn Brubaker
I know what you mean...I had no problem eating like 4 of these!
Julie
Holy wow! These look amazing. I wish I had one to snack on right now!
Have a great week, Jocelyn!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Julie. I'm kind of wishing I had more to snack on too!
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel
Ohhhhh my, these look amazing! Nothing better than PB & chocolate!
Jocelyn Brubaker
You got that right! Not much better than PB and chocolate!!!
Tanya Schroeder
I think your husband sweating over the sugar if very funny! So foreign to me, I handle sugar just fine! Fantastic recipe Jocelyn!
Jocelyn Brubaker
I'm glad I have so many friends that like sugar as much as I do 🙂
Brenda
I'm sending myy hubby (aka The Peanut Butter Man) to you ... this is right up his alley! He will only eat a little ... it must be a 'guy' thing. Most women that I know work their meal around the dessert!
Jocelyn Brubaker
My meal always revolves around what is for dessert!!!
Aimee @ ShugarySweets
Holy Deliciousness Batman. This is over the top, OMG, WOW, and more!! *sigh*
Jocelyn Brubaker
You said it perfectly!!!!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust
Your husband and my husband, what is up with them??? Cray-cray, if you ask me.
These bars are amazing Jocelyn! All my favorite things in one place. DELISH!
Jocelyn Brubaker
They are both loco in the brain!!! 🙂
Meghan
WoW! Just WoW!
Jocelyn Brubaker
I know, right?