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
- 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.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting for cleaner slices.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- 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.
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 BarsTry adding a sprinkle of sea salt over the caramel for a salted caramel twist, or use dark chocolate chips for a more intense flavor.
FAQsCan 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.