Completely decadent and rich, these Caramel Cookie Cheesecake Bars are sure to quench your cookie and cheesecake cravings.

*This post is sponsored by Hershey’s and Betty Crocker.*

Decadent Caramel Cookie Cheesecake Bars: The Ultimate Indulgence

We all have those moments when a simple sweet treat just won’t cut it. Sometimes, the craving hits for something truly extraordinary, a dessert that combines multiple beloved elements into one glorious bite. If you find yourself dreaming of the chewy comfort of a chocolate chip cookie, the smooth richness of cheesecake, and the irresistible allure of gooey caramel, then prepare to have your dessert dreams come true with these incredible Caramel Cookie Cheesecake Bars.

These bars aren’t just a dessert; they’re an experience. Each layer is meticulously crafted to deliver a symphony of textures and flavors. Imagine a buttery, chocolate chunk cookie base, studded with crunchy toffee pieces, providing the perfect foundation. This is then crowned with a velvety, tangy cheesecake filling that adds a delightful creamy contrast. But the indulgence doesn’t stop there. More of that glorious cookie dough is crumbled over the cheesecake, creating a delightful streusel-like topping. And for the grand finale? A luscious, golden caramel sauce generously draped over everything, finished with a sprinkle of extra toffee bits for that ultimate crunch and buttery sweetness. These aren’t just bars; they’re a celebration in every square.

Why These Bars Are Irresistibly Delicious

What makes these Caramel Cookie Cheesecake Bars truly stand out? It’s the harmonious blend of textures and flavors that creates an unforgettable indulgence. You get the comforting chewiness of the cookie, the silken creaminess of the cheesecake, the satisfying crunch of toffee, and the melt-in-your-mouth stickiness of caramel, all in one bite. This dessert is designed to satisfy even the most intense sweet cravings, offering a complex yet familiar taste that appeals to everyone. They are impressive enough for special occasions but surprisingly simple to make, making them perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply treating yourself and your loved ones to something truly special.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its thoughtful construction. Each layer plays a crucial role, building anticipation with every forkful. The slight saltiness in the cookie crust perfectly balances the sweetness, while the tangy cheesecake cuts through the richness of the caramel. The toffee bits not only add a delightful crunch but also infuse a deep, buttery flavor throughout. It’s a masterful combination that ensures every mouthful is a delight, leaving you craving just one more piece.

Essential Ingredients for Success

Crafting these extraordinary bars starts with a selection of high-quality ingredients, some of which are conveniently pre-packaged to save you time without sacrificing flavor. At the heart of our cookie layers is a box of Betty Crocker Hershey’s Chocolate Chunk Cookie Mix. This mix simplifies the process, ensuring a consistent, delicious cookie dough every time, packed with those irresistible chocolate chunks. You’ll also need good quality butter, softened, to bind the cookie mix and contribute to that rich, crumbly texture. For an added layer of texture and buttery sweetness, toffee pieces are essential, divided between the cookie dough and the final topping.

The cheesecake layer is classic perfection, calling for softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling. Granulated sugar provides the perfect sweetness, while an egg gives the cheesecake its structure and richness. A splash of vanilla extract enhances all the sweet notes. Finally, the luscious caramel topping is made from chewy caramels, melted down with evaporated milk to create a silky-smooth, pourable sauce that drapes beautifully over the bars. Having all your ingredients at room temperature, especially the cream cheese and butter, will make the mixing process much smoother and ensure a perfectly uniform result.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Perfection

Follow these detailed steps to create your own batch of these irresistible Caramel Cookie Cheesecake Bars:

1. Prepare the Cookie Crust Foundation

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing an 8×8-inch baking dish. In a medium bowl, combine the Betty Crocker Hershey’s Chocolate Chunk Cookie Mix with the softened butter and three tablespoons of water. Mix until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Then, stir in half of the 1/2 cup toffee pieces. This adds a fantastic crunch and caramel note right from the base. Take about two-thirds of this prepared cookie dough and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your greased baking dish. Bake this crust for approximately 10 minutes. This pre-baking step is crucial as it helps set the crust, preventing it from becoming soggy once the cheesecake layer is added. Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes while you prepare the next layer.

2. Create the Creamy Cheesecake Layer

While the cookie crust is cooling, prepare your luscious cheesecake filling. In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and the granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Next, crack in the egg and continue to beat until just combined and smooth, being careful not to overmix, as this can introduce too much air and cause the cheesecake to crack during baking. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour this delightful cheesecake mixture evenly over the partially cooled cookie crust in your baking dish. The contrast between the chewy cookie and the smooth cheesecake is what makes these bars so special.

3. Add the Top Cookie Crumbles and Bake

Take the remaining one-third of the cookie dough that you set aside. Break it into small, irregular pieces and generously sprinkle them over the top of the cheesecake layer. This will create a wonderful, slightly crispy and chewy topping that perfectly complements the creamy filling. Place the baking dish back into the preheated oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, turn off the oven but leave the bars inside for an extra 10 minutes. This slow cooling helps prevent the cheesecake from sinking or cracking. Once removed from the oven, allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then transfer them to the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to chill thoroughly. Chilling is essential for the cheesecake to set properly and for cleaner cuts.

4. Drizzle with Caramel and Finish with Toffee

Once the bars are thoroughly cooled and set, it’s time for the crowning glory: the caramel topping. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramels with the evaporated milk. Heat in 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring well after each interval, until the caramels are completely melted and smoothly combined with the milk. Be patient and stir thoroughly to avoid burning the caramel. Once the caramel sauce is beautifully smooth and pourable, drizzle it generously over the chilled bars, spreading it evenly with a spatula if needed. This rich, golden layer adds another dimension of sweetness and gooey texture.

Immediately after drizzling the caramel, sprinkle the remaining toffee pieces over the top. This not only adds a beautiful visual appeal but also provides that satisfying crunch with every bite. Finally, return the bars to the refrigerator until the caramel has completely set, typically for at least another hour. This will make them much easier to cut into neat squares. Or, if impatience gets the better of you, cut into them while the caramel is still a bit runny—they’ll still taste amazing, albeit a bit messier!

Tips for Making the Best Caramel Cookie Cheesecake Bars

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and butter are thoroughly softened to room temperature. This will help you achieve a smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter and a well-combined cookie dough.
• Don’t Overmix the Cheesecake: Mix the cream cheese and sugar until just smooth. Once you add the egg, beat only until combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in your cheesecake.
• Proper Cooling is Key: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. The extended chilling time (at least an hour for the cheesecake and then another hour for the caramel) is crucial for the bars to set properly, making them easier to cut and ensuring the layers hold their shape.
• Clean Cuts: For perfectly neat squares, use a sharp knife and wipe the blade clean with a hot, damp cloth after each cut.
• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They taste wonderful chilled!

Variations to Explore

While these Caramel Cookie Cheesecake Bars are perfect as is, feel free to get creative with these delightful variations:

• Different Cookie Mix: Experiment with other Betty Crocker cookie mixes like peanut butter, oatmeal, or even a classic chocolate chip for a different flavor profile.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough or sprinkle them on top with the toffee pieces for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
• Homemade Caramel: If you’re feeling ambitious, use your favorite homemade caramel sauce recipe instead of melted caramels for an even richer taste.
• Chocolate Drizzle: After the caramel has set, drizzle melted milk or dark chocolate over the bars for an extra layer of decadence.
• Salted Caramel: A pinch of sea salt sprinkled over the top caramel layer can enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

These Caramel Cookie Cheesecake Bars are a showstopper on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Serve them as the grand finale to a dinner party, a delightful addition to a dessert buffet, or simply as a special afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea. Their rich flavor makes them perfect for any occasion that calls for something truly indulgent.

Caramel Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Refrigeration Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Servings: 9 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Completely decadent and rich, these Caramel Cookie Cheesecake Bars are sure to quench your cookie and cheesecake cravings.

Ingredients

• 12.5 oz box Betty Crocker Hershey’s Chocolate Chunk cookie mix
• 1/3 cup butter softened
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1/2 cup toffee pieces divided
• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 5.5 oz caramels
• 1/4 cup evaporated milk

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the cookie mix, butter, and water. Stir together until a soft dough forms. Add in 1/4 cup of the toffee pieces and stir to combine.
3. Press about 2/3 of the cookie dough into the bottom of the baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, beat together the cream cheese and the sugar. Add in the egg, and beat until smooth. Beat in the vanilla. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cookie crust. Take the remaining cookie dough and break into small pieces and drop over the top of the cheesecake layer. Bake for 20 minutes, then turn off the oven and allow the bars to remain in the oven for 10 more minutes. Remove and let cool in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
5. Once the bars are cool, make the caramel topping. Place the caramels in a microwave-safe bowl with the evaporated milk. Heat in 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring after each interval, until the caramels are melted and combined with the milk. Pour over the cooled bars. Sprinkle the remaining toffee pieces over the top. Refrigerate until the caramel starts to set up before cutting and serving.

Keywords: caramel, cheesecake bars

More Decadent Bar Recipes

If you loved these Caramel Cookie Cheesecake Bars, you might also enjoy these equally indulgent recipes:

• Banana Split Bars
• Oreo Brownies
• Caramel Brownies

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This post is sponsored by Hershey’s and Betty Crocker, but all opinions are my own.