Name: Easy Layered Cookie Bars - Decadent Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 24 servings
Ingredients: 1 package (14.3 oz) Golden Oreos, crushed into fine crumbs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 large egg

Layered Cookie Bars are the undisputed cbeef hampions of the dessert world, offering a symphony of textures and flavors in every single bite. Forget your basic brownies or single-note cookies; these creations are a masterpiece of culinary architecture. What is it about these decadent squares that captures our hearts and taste buds? It’s the sheer, unadulterated joy of discovery with each forkful. You bite through a crisp, buttery base, then encounter a creamy, luscious filling, perhaps followed by a delightful crunch of nuts or a burst of fruity sweetness. The magic of Layered Cookie Bars lies in their inherent versatility, allowing for endless combinations of your favorite sweet elements, transforming simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary and undeniably craveable. They’re perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply a weekend treat that feels both impressive and surprisingly easy to pull off.

Ingredients:

1 package (14.3 oz) Golden Oreos, crushed into fine crum extractbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg

Cookie Crust Preparation

Step 1: Creating the Oreo Base

Let’s begin extract by crafting the delectable foundation for our Layered Cookie Bars. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Golden Oreos with the melted unsalted butter. Stir these together until the rum extractkie crumbs are thoroughly moistened. You’re aiming for a consistency that resembles wet sand – it should hold together when squeezed. This buttery Oreo mixture will form our irresistible bottom layer.

Step 2: Assembling the Cookie Dough

Now, let’s prepare the cookie dough that will sit atop our Oreo base. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, and ½ cup packed brown sugar. Beat these with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This creaming process incorporates air, leading to a tender cookie texture. Next, beat in the large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract until well combined. In another small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough bars. Finally, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. You’ll notice the dough is quite thick, which is perfect for creating distinct layers.

Cream Cheese Filling

Step 3: Crafting the Creamy Filling

This layer brings a delightful tang and creamy richness to our bars. In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. It’s important that your cream cheese is truly softened – this prevents lumps and ensures a silky smooth filling. To this, add ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Beat until everything is well incorporated and smooth. Then, add the second large egg and beat on low speed until just combined. Again, avoid overmixing once the egg is added. This simple yet decadent cream cheese mixture will be the luscious middle layer of our Layered Cookie Bars.

Assembly and Baking

Step 4: Layering and Preparing for the Oven

Now comes the fun part – assembling our layered masterpiece! Take a 9×13 inch baking pan and either grease it lightly or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This overhang will make it incredibly easy to lift the bars out of the pan once they’re cooled. Evenly press the crushed Oreo and butter mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. This forms your cookie crust. Next, carefully spread the cookie dough evenly over the Oreo crust. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth; it will bake into a delicious cookie layer. Finally, dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese filling over the cookie dough layer. Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, gently spread the cream cheese mixture to cover the cookie dough as much as possible. Don’t worry about getting it perfectly to the edges; some peeking through is delightful.

Step 5: Baking and Cooling for Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know the bars are ready when the edges of the cream cheese layer are set and slightly puffed, and the cookie dough appears baked through. The center of the cream cheese layer might still have a slight wobble, which is perfectly fine. Overbaking can make them dry, so keep an eye on them. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the Layered Cookie Bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling process is crucial for the layers to set properly. Rushing this strum extractcan lead to crumbly or messy bars. Once cooled, you can chill them in the refrigerator for at least an hour before cutting. This will make slicing much cleaner. Cut into squares and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your very own batch of delicious Layered Cookie Bars! We hope you enjoyed this recipe and are looking forward to savoring every delightful bite. These bars are incredibly versatile and truly shine when shared. They’re perfect for potlucks, bake snon-alcoholic ales, or simply as a sweet treat to brighten your afternoon. Feel free to get creative with your toppings; a drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can elevate these bars even further. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of chocolate chips or even add a swirl of jam between the layers. Most importantly, have fun making them and even more fun eating them!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Layered Cookie Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! Layered Cookie Bars store beautifully and are often even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for longer storage.

What are some good variations for Layered Cookie Bars?

The possibilities are endless! You can swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate, butterscotch, or even peanut butter chips. Consider adding a layer of crushed pretzels for a salty crunch, or a swirl of fruit jam for a fruity twist. For a decadent touch, a layer of caramel sauce before the final cookie dough is divine.

How should I store leftover Layered Cookie Bars?

To keep your Layered Cookie Bars fresh and delicious, place them in an airtight container. If you plan to eat them within a few days, room temperature storage is perfectly fine. For longer preservation, they can be stored in the refrigerator. You can also freeze them for up to 2-3 months by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.