Funfetti Cheesecake Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Indulging in the joy of baking can bring a smile to any face, and when you combine the delightful flavors of funfetti and creamy cheesecake, you create a sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. These Funfetti Cheesecake Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, chewy, and bursting with colorful sprinkles, making them a fun and festive dessert for birthdays, parties, or just a cozy night in. With a simple ingredient list and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be on your way to creating these delicious bars in no time!
What Sets This Recipe Apart
What truly makes this Funfetti Cheesecake Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe stand out is the harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The base is a soft sugar cookie, rich with the flavor of vanilla and complemented by the delightful crunch of funfetti sprinkles. Topped with a creamy cheesecake layer that has a hint of vanilla, these bars create a perfect balance between chewy and creamy. They are not just visually appealing with their colorful sprinkles but also incredibly satisfying to eat. Each bite is a celebration, making them an instant favorite for both kids and adults alike!
Shopping List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup funfetti sprinkles (plus extra for topping)
- 8 oz brick-style cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg, slightly beaten
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Before You Start: Equipment
- Baking Pan: 9×13-inch baking dish for the bars.
- Mixing Bowls: One for the cookie dough and one for the cheesecake batter.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For easy mixing of the cream cheese and sugar.
- Spatula: To spread the cookie dough and cheesecake layer evenly.
- Parchment Paper: Optional, but recommended for easy removal of bars.
Cook Funfetti Cheesecake Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe Like This
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars will bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Step 3: Make the Sugar Cookie Base
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Fold in the Funfetti
Gently fold in the funfetti sprinkles into the cookie dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Step 6: Spread the Cookie Dough
Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to form the base. Press down gently to create an even layer.
Step 7: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until combined. Then, mix in the slightly beaten egg and vanilla extract until the batter is creamy and smooth.
Step 8: Assemble the Bars
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the sugar cookie base. Use a spatula to spread it evenly over the top of the cookie layer.
Step 9: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares and top with additional funfetti sprinkles if desired. Enjoy your delightful Funfetti Cheesecake Sugar Cookie Bars!
What to Use Instead
- Butter: You can use coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Substitute with dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option.
- Funfetti Sprinkles: Use natural dye sprinkles for a healthier choice.
Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them
- Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough bars. Mix until just combined.
- Undercooking: Keep an eye on the baking time; undercooked bars can be gooey and hard to cut.
- Sticking to the Pan: Use parchment paper or grease the pan well to prevent sticking.
- Cracking Cheesecake Layer: Avoid sudden temperature changes by letting the bars cool gradually.
Shelf Life & Storage
These Funfetti Cheesecake Sugar Cookie Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you have leftovers, they can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
Ask & Learn
Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! They freeze well. Just make sure to wrap them tightly and store them in a freezer-safe container.
Can I use different flavors of sprinkles?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different flavored sprinkles or colors to match your event or celebration.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese with ricotta cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you prefer.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Quick Weeknight Wins
- Chocolate Chip Cookies – A classic that never fails!
- Easy Chocolate Cake – Moist and rich, perfect for any occasion.
- Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes – Decadent and deliciously simple!
Bring It Home
These Funfetti Cheesecake Sugar Cookie Bars are not just a treat; they are a way to create precious moments with friends and family over something sweet. With their vibrant colors and delicious flavors, they are sure to brighten up any day. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply because, these bars will always be a hit. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a batch of happiness! Enjoy the process, share with loved ones, and savor each delightful bite.
There’s something inherently joyful about funfetti desserts, and when combined with the creamy richness of cheesecake, it’s a celebration in every bite. Happy baking!
Funfetti Cheesecake Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the OvenBegin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars will bake evenly.
- Step 2: Prepare the Baking PanGrease your 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
- Step 3: Make the Sugar Cookie BaseIn a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Step 4: Combine Dry IngredientsIn another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Step 5: Fold in the FunfettiGently fold in the funfetti sprinkles into the cookie dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Step 6: Spread the Cookie DoughTransfer the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to form the base. Press down gently to create an even layer.
- Step 7: Prepare the Cheesecake LayerIn a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until combined. Then, mix in the slightly beaten egg and vanilla extract until the batter is creamy and smooth.
- Step 8: Assemble the BarsPour the cheesecake mixture over the sugar cookie base. Use a spatula to spread it evenly over the top of the cookie layer.
- Step 9: BakePlace the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Step 10: Cool and ServeOnce baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares and top with additional funfetti sprinkles if desired. Enjoy your delightful Funfetti Cheesecake Sugar Cookie Bars!
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
- Try using brown sugar for a deeper flavor in the cookie base.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- These bars freeze well; wrap tightly and store in a freezer-safe container.
- Feel free to mix different flavors of sprinkles to match your theme!
