Cheesecake Cookie Bars

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Spread half of the cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing it down evenly.
7. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sour cream and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
8. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cookie base in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
9. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough on top of the cheesecake layer. Use a spatula to gently swirl the cookie dough into the cheesecake for a marbled effect.
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Allow to cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
11. Once chilled, remove from the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into bars.