Nostalgia-Filled Cookie and Cream Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients

• 2 cups chocolate sandwich cookies, finely crushed
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies

• 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips

Method

1. 01
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
2. 02
   In a medium bowl, combine the finely crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well coated.
3. 03
   Press the cookie crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
4. 04
   In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
5. 05
   Add the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until fully incorporated and smooth. Gently fold in the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies.
6. 06
   Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
7. 07
   Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the center is set and edges are slightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
8. 08
   For the whipped topping, beat the chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together in a medium bowl until soft peaks form.
9. 09
   Spread the whipped topping over the chilled cheesecake bars and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips.
10. 10
    Carefully lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and serve.