Billion Dollar Cookie Bars

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.

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Conclusion

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.