Name: Layered Cookie Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package (14.3 oz) Golden Oreos, crushed into fine crumbs.; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted.; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened.; ½ cup granulated sugar.; ½ cup brown sugar, packed.; 1 large egg.; 1 tsp vanilla extract.; 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour.; ½ tsp baking soda.; ¼ tsp salt.; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips.; 8 oz cream cheese, softened.; ¼ cup granulated sugar.; 1 tsp vanilla extract.; 1 large egg.; ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade).; ½ cup chopped pecans.; ½ cup toffee bits.; ¼ cup mini chocolate chips.

Billion Dollar Cookie Bars bring together the best of layered desserts, featuring a crunchy Golden Oreo crust, sweet chocolate chip cookie dough, creamy cheesecake, and a decadent caramel topping with chopped pecans, toffee bits, and mini chocolate chips. These bars are perfect for special occasions or when you crave a treat that’s worth every penny. With 20 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of baking, this dessert is as impressive as it is delicious.

Billion Dollar Cookie Bars

Billion Dollar Cookie Bars are the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers. This recipe layers a variety of flavors and textures, starting with a crunchy Golden Oreo crust, followed by a sweet chocolate chip cookie dough layer, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a final topping of caramel sauce, chopped pecans, toffee bits, and mini chocolate chips. Each bite offers a rich, decadent experience, making it perfect for special occasions or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.

INGREDIENTS

Golden Oreos: 1 package (14.3 oz), crushed into fine crumbs for the crust
Unsalted butter: ½ cup, melted for the crust; ½ cup softened for the cookie dough layer
Granulated sugar: ½ cup for the cookie dough layer, ¼ cup for the cheesecake layer
Brown sugar: ½ cup, packed, for the cookie dough layer
Large eggs: 2, one for the cookie dough layer, one for the cheesecake layer
Vanilla extract: 2 tsp, divided between the cookie dough and cheesecake layers
All-purpose flour: 1 ¼ cups, for the cookie dough layer
Baking soda: ½ tsp, for the cookie dough layer
Salt: ¼ tsp, for the cookie dough layer
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 cup, for the cookie dough layer
Cream cheese: 8 oz, softened, for the cheesecake layer
Caramel sauce: ½ cup, for the topping
Chopped pecans: ½ cup, for the topping
Toffee bits: ½ cup, for the topping
Mini chocolate chips: ¼ cup, for the topping

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2:: In a bowl, mix crushed Golden Oreos with melted butter until combined. Press firmly into the prepared pan to form an even crust.
Step 3:: For the cookie dough, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and fold in chocolate chips.
Step 4:: Spread the cookie dough evenly over the Oreo crust.
Step 5:: For the cheesecake layer, beat softened cream cheese until smooth, then add granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg. Spread over the cookie dough layer.
Step 6:: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cheesecake layer, then sprinkle with chopped pecans, toffee bits, and mini chocolate chips.
Step 7:: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
Step 8:: Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or bars and serve.

Serving and Storage Tips

Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting for cleaner slices.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Helpful Notes

Use homemade caramel sauce for an even richer flavor.
Feel free to swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for different flavor profiles.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

To achieve a firm crust, press it into the pan using the bottom of a measuring cup, as recommended by baking experts.

Perfecting Billion Dollar Cookie Bars

The secret to these cookie bars is to layer each component evenly to achieve a balanced bite of crust, cookie dough, cheesecake, and toppings.

Customizing Your Billion Dollar Cookie Bars

Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt over the caramel for a salted caramel twist, or use dark chocolate chips for a more intense flavor.

FAQs

Can I freeze these cookie bars?

Yes, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Can I use a different type of Oreo for the crust?

Yes, regular Oreos or chocolate-flavored Oreos work well for the crust.

What other toppings can I use?

Consider adding crushed pretzels or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra crunch.

How can I make these bars gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cookies for the crust and gluten-free flour for the cookie dough.

Summary

These Billion Dollar Cookie Bars are a decadent layered dessert that combines multiple textures and flavors in every bite. It starts with a buttery Golden Oreo crust, followed by a sweet and chewy chocolate chip cookie dough layer. Next comes a creamy cheesecake layer, topped with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce, chopped pecans, toffee bits, and mini chocolate chips. This dessert is designed for indulgence, making it a great choice for parties, gatherings, or a special sweet treat. Bake for 25-30 minutes and allow to cool completely before cutting into bars for neat, delicious squares.