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These cookie bars take the best parts of a silky raspberry cheesecake and pair them with a buttery sugar cookie base. Each bite features a tangy swirl of ruby-red berries and creamy cheesecake goodness—a treat sure to dazzle friends, family, or just you after a long day.
Ingredients
- 1 (16.5 oz) package refrigerated sugar cookie dough
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam or preserves
- 2 tablespoons fresh raspberries, mashed (optional but extra-delicious!)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil for easy lifting later. Start by pressing the sugar cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the pan. Aim for a uniform layer—this will turn golden as it bakes, making a sweet, crisp crust for the bars.
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and a tiny pinch of salt, mixing until everything is well combined. This luxurious filling will lend the creamy cheesecake tang we all love.
Spread the cheesecake mixture across the sugar cookie crust. Next, in a small bowl, stir together the raspberry jam (and mashed fresh raspberries, if you’re feeling fancy) until combined. Spoon dollops of the jam mixture over the cheesecake layer, then use a butter knife to swirl it through the filling. Don’t overmix—you want those lovely ribbons of raspberry to shine.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the center is just set and the edges are lightly golden. Cool completely at room temperature, then pop it into the fridge to chill for at least two hours. Once firm, cut into bars to serve and watch them disappear in a flash.
These bars are fantastic for brunches, potlucks, or anytime you crave something sweet but sophisticated. The pairing of a simple sugar cookie crust and a swirled cheesecake layer makes for an effortless dessert that looks like it took hours. If you’re watching sugar intake, you can use a lower-sugar jam or opt for fresh berries instead. Feel free to swap out raspberries for strawberries, blueberries, or even a mixed-berry jam for a fun twist. Enjoy these creamy squares of sweetness the next time you’re craving a little extra comfort in dessert form!
