M&M Cheesecake Cookie Bars

How good does that look?!?!?! Such a yummy, cute Valentine's Day treat! And they will totally work for other holidays.... or random days of the week because they are THAT good! :)

M&M Cheesecake Cookie Bars
Recipe from What's Gaby Cooking


For the Cookie Layer

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 cup white sugar

2 eggs

2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 1/2 cup all purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 bag of milk chocolate m&m's

 

For the Cheesecake Layer

 

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup white sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 

Instructions

 

For the Cookie Layer

1. Cream together the butter and sugars in a large stand mixer for 3 minutes.
2. Add the eggs and vanilla, making sure to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl.
3. Add the flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder and mix on low until everything is incorporated. Toss in a handful of the m&m's and mix for a quick second. Chill the dough while you make the cheesecake layer

For the Cheesecake Layer

1. Whip together the cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla for 3 minutes until everything is evenly combined and smooth.
To assemble
2. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
3. Line a 9x9 baking square pan with tin foil and spray it with non-stick baking spray.
4. Press 1/2 of the cookie dough mixture into the bottom of the pan to make 1 even layer.
5. Spread the cheesecake mixture on top of the cookie dough.
6. Crumble and sprinkle the remaining cookie dough on top of the cheesecake mixture and then sprinkle with the remaining m&m.s
7. Place it into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the cookie dough is golden brown. The inner part of the dish might look a bit jiggly, but not to fear. Once the Cheesecake Cookie Bars have baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the counter for 30 minutes. Then transfer them to the fridge and cool completely for at least 2 hours. Cut and serve as needed.