Sugar Cookie Cream Cheese Bars: A Soft, Sweet, and Irresistible Treat

If you’re a fan of soft sugar cookies and creamy cheesecake, then you’re in for a treat! These Sugar Cookie Cream Cheese Bars combine the buttery goodness of sugar cookies with a rich, velvety cream cheese filling, all topped with a sweet glaze and crunchy sugar sprinkles.

Perfect for holidays, bake sales, potlucks, or just a cozy weekend treat, these bars are easy to make and impossible to resist. They’re soft, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet, making them a crowd favorite!

Let’s dive into why these bars are so beloved, how to make them quickly and easily, and some pro tips for the perfect texture.

Why Everyone Loves Sugar Cookie Cream Cheese Bars

There’s a reason these bars are a favorite in bakeries and home kitchens alike:

✅ The Best of Both Worlds – They have the soft, chewy texture of sugar cookies combined with the creamy decadence of cheesecake.

✅ Super Easy to Make – Using pre-made sugar cookie dough makes these quick and foolproof, but you can also use a homemade version.

✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether for holidays, birthdays, or a simple dessert, these bars always disappear fast.

✅ Customizable – Add lemon zest, almond extract, or fruit toppings for a fun twist!

With these unbeatable qualities, it’s easy to see why Sugar Cookie Cream Cheese Bars are a must-bake treat.

How to Make Sugar Cookie Cream Cheese Bars

This recipe is simple and comes together quickly, whether you use store-bought dough or make your own sugar cookie base.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the sugar cookie base:

1 package sugar cookie dough (store-bought or homemade)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds amazing flavor)

For the cream cheese filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg

For the glaze and topping:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Colored sugar sprinkles or crushed cookies (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Sugar Cookie Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
If using store-bought dough, mix it with vanilla extract and almond extract for extra flavor.
Divide the dough into two portions—one for the bottom layer and one for the top.

2. Press & Pre-Bake the Bottom Layer

Press half of the sugar cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 8 minutes—this helps create a sturdy base for the filling.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg until smooth.

4. Layer & Bake

Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the partially baked cookie base.
Roll out the remaining cookie dough and gently place it over the top (it’s okay if it doesn’t cover everything completely—it will spread as it bakes).
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and set.

5. Cool & Glaze

Let the bars cool completely before adding the glaze.
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze over the bars and top with colored sugar or sprinkles for a fun finish.

6. Slice & Enjoy

Once the glaze is set, slice into squares or bars and serve!

Pro Tips for the Best Sugar Cookie Cream Cheese Bars

🔥 Use room-temperature cream cheese – This ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.

🍪 Pre-baking the bottom layer is key – It helps the bars hold their shape and prevents a soggy base.

🌡 Let them cool before slicing – The bars firm up as they cool, making them easier to cut cleanly.

🍋 Try a citrus twist – Add lemon zest to the filling or glaze for a refreshing kick.

🍫 Make it extra indulgent – Add a chocolate drizzle or crushed Oreos for a rich variation.

With these easy tips, your Sugar Cookie Cream Cheese Bars will turn out perfect every time!

Why These Bars Are Perfect for Any Occasion

These bars are versatile, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser, making them perfect for so many moments:

Holiday Treats – A fun and easy dessert for Christmas, Easter, or Valentine’s Day.
Bake Sales & Parties – They look beautiful and taste incredible—guaranteed to be a hit!
Afternoon Snacks – A sweet and satisfying treat with coffee or tea.
Dessert for Any Occasion – Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra special treat.

No matter when you serve them, these soft, creamy, and buttery bars will always be a favorite!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert, these Sugar Cookie Cream Cheese Bars are a must-try! With their soft sugar cookie base, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet glaze, they’re the perfect balance of chewy, creamy, and delicious.

The best part? They’re simple to make and can be customized in so many ways!

So, whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these bars are guaranteed to become a new favorite.

Now, grab your ingredients and start baking—because these bars won’t last long once they’re out of the oven!

Happy baking!

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