These little cheesecake bars are pure comfort soft, cinnamon-kissed cookie layers wrapped around the creamiest Philadelphia cream cheese filling. They’re easy, cozy, and perfect when you want a dessert that feels homemade without taking all day.
Ingredients
Snickerdoodle Layers
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Cinnamon Sugar
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
(Optional swap: add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar for extra warmth.)
Steps
- Prep the pan. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment, leaving overhang for easy lifting.
- Make the dough. Cream the butter and sugar, then mix in the egg and vanilla. Add flour, baking powder, and salt. The dough will be soft that’s perfect.
- Mix the cheesecake layer. Beat the Philadelphia cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
- Layer the bars. Split the dough in half. Press the first half into the pan. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon sugar.
- Add the cheesecake. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the base.
- Top with dough. Flatten small pieces of the remaining dough with your fingers and gently place them over the cheesecake layer. It doesn’t have to be perfect — the gaps create a pretty marbled look.
- Finish with cinnamon sugar. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar over the top.
- Bake. Bake at 350°F for 25–28 minutes, or until the top looks set and lightly golden.
- Cool and cut. Let the bars cool completely, then chill for 1 hour before slicing into mini squares.
Chef’s Tips
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened it prevents lumps and keeps the filling silky.
- If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last few minutes.
- Chilling before cutting helps the bars set and gives you clean, neat edges.
Variations
- Double Cinnamon: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon directly to the dough.
- Holiday Spice: Mix a little cinnamon and sugar into the cheesecake layer for a warmer flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Snickerdoodle: Fold 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips into the dough for a fun twist.