Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars*

By srumbel

These bars are easy to assemble and a lot quicker to bake than a regular cheesecake. A creamy layer of cheesecake is sandwiched between layers of chewy peanut butter chocolate chip oatmeal cookie. Just enough oatmeal is mixed in to give the cookie layers a slight nutty flavor while without making them too heavy. Peanut butter is added in because peanut butter is the perfect pairing to oatmeal cookies and cheesecake!
from a-kitchen-addiction.com

Ingredients

• For the Cookie Layers
• 2/3 C butter, softened
• 2/3 C no-stir natural peanut butter
• 1/2 C sugar
• 2/3 C brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 C white whole wheat flour
• 1 C all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 C rolled or quick oats
• 1 C chocolate chips
• For the Cheesecake Layer
• 16 oz. 1/3 of the fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg
• 1/2 C sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp salt

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 325. Lightly spray a 9x13 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
In the bowl of a stand mixer (or with a handmixer), cream together butter, peanut butter, and sugars. Add in eggs and vanilla extract and beat until creamy.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flours, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Add to creamed butter mixture and beat until combined. Stir in oats and chocolate chips.
Prepare cheesecake layer by beating cream cheese, egg, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until creamy.
Press half of cookie dough into the bottom of prepared baking dish. Spread cream cheese mixture over the top. Drop remaining cookie dough evenly over the top.
Bake for 30-40 minutes or until edges are golden brown and center is set.
Serve warm or cool. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Serves: 36