Every holiday season, our kitchens become the heart of our homes, filled with laughter, love, and the warm embrace of delicious aromas wafting through the air. The simple act of baking brings together family, as each person takes part in mixing, spreading, and decorating. Christmas Cookie Cheesecake Bars—a delightful combination of cookie and cheesecake—are bound to capture the spirit of comfort and joy that the holidays bring.
Why make this recipe?
Well, my dear friends, Christmas Cookie Cheesecake Bars are not just a sweet treat; they are a symbol of togetherness, perfect for sharing with loved ones. With their festive colors, creamy layers, and delightful crunch, they embody the cheerful spirit of the holidays, making them an irresistible addition to any festive gathering. Plus, these bars are easy to whip up, allowing you to spend more time making memories with those you cherish.
How to make Christmas Cookie Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 boxes dry sugar cookie mix
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened
- 2 eggs
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 cups whipped topping, thawed
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 7.8 ounces white chocolate instant pudding
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- Christmas sprinkles
- Red and green M&M candies
- Green and red food coloring
Directions:
First, we’ll set the stage by preheating that oven to a cozy 350 degrees F. Grab a lovely 9 x 13-inch baking pan and give it a good spray with non-stick cooking spray to make sure our bars come out beautifully.
Now, let’s start on our cookie layer. In a large bowl, combine the dry sugar cookie mix, those two sticks of softened butter, and the eggs. Mix it all up on low speed until you have a delightful and well-combined dough. Here’s where the fun begins: add a couple of drops of red food coloring until you achieve your desired festive hue. Spread that cheerful dough evenly into your prepared pan, pressing it down gently to cover the bottom. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown, filling your home with a mouthwatering aroma. Once that magic happens, let it cool completely.
Now, onto the cheesecake layer. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese for about a minute—it should be nice and creamy now. Mix in the powdered sugar until smooth. Add in 1 1/2 cups of the whipped topping and the peppermint extract, beating on low until everything is combined perfectly. Spread this creamy dream over your cooled cookie layer and pop that masterpiece into the freezer for a bit of chill.
Next comes the pudding layer. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pudding mix with the milk. Just like before, add in a drop or two of that green food coloring until you’re satisfied with the hue. Take your baking dish from the freezer and spread that lovely green pudding over the cheesecake layer. Place it back in the freezer for about 5 minutes, just until it firms up a bit.
For the finishing touch, remove your beautiful creation from the freezer once again, and spread the remaining whipped topping over that luscious pudding. Get ready to bring on the festive cheer by topping it all with mini marshmallows, sprinkles, and those colorful M&M candies. Finally, place your bars in the fridge for at least 3-4 hours until they are perfectly set. When the time comes, cut them into generous squares, and watch as your family’s eyes light up with delight!
How to serve Christmas Cookie Cheesecake Bars
Serve these scrumptious bars cold, straight from the fridge, after cutting them into cheerful squares. Present them on a pretty platter, inviting guests to enjoy a taste of holiday cheer. They make a delightful addition to any holiday dessert table, bringing smiles to everyone who gets a piece.
How to store Christmas Cookie Cheesecake Bars
These bars keep quite well, my friends! Simply cover them tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, although I doubt they’ll last that long with all the holiday festivities!
Tips to make Christmas Cookie Cheesecake Bars
- Ensure your cream cheese is softened properly for a smooth and creamy cheesecake layer.
- Experiment with food coloring to create a swirl effect for a fun presentation.
- Feel free to add in your favorite holiday sprinkles or candies for a personalized touch.
Variations
- If you’re feeling adventurous, why not substitute the peppermint extract with vanilla for a different flavor?
- You could also make the cookie layer chocolate by using a chocolate cookie mix instead of sugar cookie mix.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cheesecake bars are perfect for making a day or two in advance, allowing all those lovely flavors to meld together beautifully.
Q: How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, look for a gluten-free sugar cookie mix in your local grocery store and follow the rest of the recipe as is.
Q: Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, indeed! These bars can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to a month. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge before serving.
As the holidays approach, I invite you to gather your loved ones, create lasting memories, and savor every bite of these delightful Christmas Cookie Cheesecake Bars together. There’s just something magical about sharing sweet treats made with love that warms the heart and fosters our cherished connections. Let’s fill our homes and hearts with the joy of baking!
Christmas Cookie Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the dry sugar cookie mix, softened butter, and eggs. Mix on low speed until well-combined.
- Add a couple of drops of red food coloring until desired color is achieved. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let it cool completely.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until creamy.
- Mix in the powdered sugar until smooth. Add in 1 1/2 cups of the whipped topping and peppermint extract, beating on low until combined.
- Spread the cheesecake layer over the cooled cookie layer and place it in the freezer.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk.
- Add a drop or two of green food coloring until desired hue is achieved. Spread the pudding layer over the cheesecake layer and freeze for about 5 minutes.
- Spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer. Top with mini marshmallows, sprinkles, and M&M candies.
- Place the bars in the fridge for at least 3-4 hours until perfectly set. Cut into squares before serving.