Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars

🛒 Ingredients (Check Off As You Measure)

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• 1 large egg (for filling)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, beat butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Beat in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients, then fold in chocolate chips.
3. Reserve 1 cup of cookie dough for topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared pan.
4. In another bowl, beat cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar until smooth. Add 1 egg and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, beating until just combined. Pour over the crust and spread evenly.
5. Drop reserved cookie dough in small spoonfuls over the cheesecake layer. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until edges are golden and center is almost set. Cool completely, then chill for at least 2 hours before slicing.