Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Sprinkle Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars are a delightful, two-layer dessert that combines a soft, buttery cookie base with a creamy, tangy cheesecake filling. The colorful sprinkles on top add a festive touch, making these bars perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, a family gathering, or just indulging in a sweet treat, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. The balance of textures—crunchy, creamy, and chewy—is absolutely irresistible!

Sprinkle Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients

For the Cookie Base:

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
¾ cup sprinkles
Pinch of salt

For the Cheesecake Layer:

8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
8 oz mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 tsp all-purpose flour
½ cup sprinkles

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking pan.

Make the Cookie Base:

Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat for another 30 seconds.
Add the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until fully combined.
Stir in the sprinkles until evenly distributed.
Divide the dough: Place ¾ of it into the bottom of the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Set the remaining ¼ aside.

Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:

Clean out the mixing bowl and use it to beat the cream cheese, mascarpone cheese, and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fully incorporated.
Add the flour and mix until smooth.

Assemble the Bars:

Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cookie dough in the pan, spreading it evenly.
Roll the remaining ¼ of the cookie dough into small balls and scatter them on top of the cheesecake layer, without letting them touch each other.
Sprinkle additional sprinkles over the top for a colorful finish.

Bake:

Bake for 40–55 minutes, depending on your oven. The center should be set, and the edges should be slightly golden.
Let the bars cool to room temperature on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow them to set properly.

Serve:

Once chilled, cut into squares (about 12 large or 24 small).
Let the bars come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 large bars or 24 small bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40-55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)

Variations

Different Sprinkles: Use themed sprinkles for different occasions (e.g., heart-shaped sprinkles for Valentine’s Day or red and green for Christmas).
Fruit Addition: Top the cheesecake layer with fresh fruit like berries or sliced peaches before baking for a fruity twist.
Nutty Touch: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cookie base for extra texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. To freeze, place them in a freezer-safe container, and thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese for the cheesecake layer?

Yes, you can substitute mascarpone cheese with more cream cheese or ricotta cheese. However, mascarpone gives a richer, creamier texture.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars actually taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Make them ahead and refrigerate for 1-2 days for a more intense flavor.

Can I use a different type of cookie dough for the base?

Yes, if you prefer, you can use your favorite sugar cookie dough or even store-bought dough as a shortcut.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure they are fully cooled, and store them in a sealed container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.

Conclusion

These Sprinkle Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert for any celebration, with their bright colors, creamy texture, and delicious sweet flavor. The combination of the buttery cookie base, rich cheesecake layer, and crunchy sprinkles creates a treat that everyone will love. Whether you serve them at a party, for the holidays, or as an indulgent snack, these bars are sure to be a hit!