If you have a serious sweet tooth and love the deliciousness of both cookies and cheesecake, then you are absolutely going to adore these Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars. Combining the chewy, peanut buttery goodness of classic monster cookies with a rich and creamy cheesecake layer, this dessert truly takes the best of both worlds and melds them into one irresistible treat. With colorful M&M’s, chocolate chips, and quick oats baked into the crust, each bite is a fun explosion of texture and flavor that will keep you coming back for more. Trust me when I say these bars will become a fast favorite to bring whenever you want to wow a crowd or indulge in a cozy night-in dessert.

Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the length of this list — these ingredients are simple staples that work perfectly together to create the vibrant flavors, creamy texture, and nostalgic appeal that make Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars so special. Each component plays an essential role, from the rich peanut butter that binds the cookie crust to the luscious cream cheese filling that melts in your mouth.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, room temperature): Adds richness and helps create the perfect cookie crust texture.
Granulated sugar (1 cup total): Sweetens both crust and cheesecake layers evenly without overpowering.
Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Imparts a deep caramel note to the cookie crust.
Peanut butter (1 cup, creamy): The heart of monster cookies; provides that classic flavor and moistness.
Large eggs (4 total): Acts as a binder and gives both layers structure.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances sweetness and adds subtle depth.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookie crust rise slightly for perfect chewiness.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the base of the cookie crust.
Quick cooking oats (1 cup): Adds chewiness and texture reminiscent of classic monster cookies.
Chocolate chips (1 cup): Brings melty pockets of chocolate throughout the crust.
M&M’s candies (1 cup, divided): The colorful sprinkle of fun inside and on top for added crunch and visual appeal.
Cream cheese (2 packages, 8 ounces each, room temperature): The star of the cheesecake layer, providing smooth, creamy richness.
Semisweet baking chocolate (4 ounces, melted): Swirled into the cheesecake for a luscious chocolate undertone.

How to Make Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a 9×13 inch baking pan with aluminum foil. Make sure to spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray so your bars release easily later. Next, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This foundational step ensures your cookie base has the perfect texture. Then, mix in the peanut butter until smooth and creamy. The peanut butter is the signature flavor that defines these monster cookies, so really give it a good blend with the butter-sugar mixture.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix Dough

In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt, baking soda, flour, and quick cooking oats. Slowly add these dry ingredients to your wet peanut butter mixture and beat until everything is just combined — overmixing can make your cookies tough, so be gentle. Stir in the chocolate chips and three quarters of the M&M’s by hand for even distribution. You’ll want to reserve some M&M’s for a colorful finish later.

Step 3: Bake the Crust Base

Press half of your cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Don’t be shy about using your hands or a spatula to get a nice, even layer. Bake this base for 5 minutes to set it slightly before adding the cheesecake filling. This step is key to making sure your layers hold together well.

Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Layer

While your cookie base is baking, start the cheesecake batter by beating the cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Add granulated sugar and beat again until fully incorporated. Slowly mix in the melted chocolate until your batter turns a beautiful chocolate-tinged cream shade. Then add eggs one at a time, beating just enough to blend. Avoid overmixing here to keep the cheesecake light and silky.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Bars

Once the cookie base comes out of the oven, spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over it. Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the top in small chunks. This crumbly topping adds delightful texture contrasts and crunch. Bake the entire pan for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cookie dough is golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 6: Add the Final Touches and Chill

Immediately after removing the bars from the oven, scatter the reserved quarter cup of M&M’s on top, pressing them down gently into the warm crust to help them adhere. This last-minute topping keeps the candies bright and intact, preventing cracking or color loss. Let the bars cool on a wire rack for an hour, then refrigerate them for at least 4 hours to fully set. When chilled, cut into 24 generous bars and get ready to indulge!

How to Serve Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars

Garnishes

These bars are already a showstopper, but you can amp up the presentation with a few simple additions. A light drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce adds extra decadence, while a dollop of whipped cream on the side balances the sweetness beautifully. If you want to keep it fresh, sprinkle a few chopped peanuts on top for more crunch and a salty contrast. Garnishing with colorful sprinkles can also make them perfect for celebrations or kids’ parties.

Side Dishes

Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars are a rich dessert that pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides. Consider serving a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a tart berry compote to cut through the richness. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or raspberries can bring brightness to the plate, complementing the creamy cheesecake layer. For a cozy gathering, a warm cup of coffee or milk is a classic match that enhances the nostalgic flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, try layering these bars in a dessert trifle with whipped cream and crushed cookies in a glass bowl or individual jars for an elegant touch. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares and serve on a dessert platter with decorative toothpicks for easy party snacking. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with colorful ribbon makes for a charming homemade gift that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars actually taste even better the next day once the flavors have had a chance to meld. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh and moist for up to 5 days. Keeping them chilled preserves the creamy cheesecake layer and keeps the cookie crust nice and chewy.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead for a special event or simply save some for later, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the bars overnight in the refrigerator to maintain their texture and flavor integrity.

Reheating

While Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars are best served chilled, if you prefer a slightly warm treat, you can gently microwave a bar for about 10-15 seconds to soften the cookie crust without melting the cheesecake too much. Just be careful not to overheat or the texture will change. Enjoy with a small scoop of ice cream or a cold glass of milk for the perfect balance.

FAQs

Can I make Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars without peanut butter?

Peanut butter is a defining ingredient in monster cookies, providing their signature flavor and chewiness. However, if you have a peanut allergy or prefer to skip it, you can substitute with an equal amount of another nut or seed butter, or even use a classic chocolate chip cookie dough base. Keep in mind this will change the flavor profile, but the bars will still be delicious.

Why do I add M&M’s after baking rather than before?

M&M’s tend to crack and lose their vibrant color if baked for too long. Adding some of them on top after baking keeps them looking bright and gives a fresh crunch. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference in the final presentation of these bars.

Can I use regular oats instead of quick cooking oats?

Quick cooking oats are preferred because they blend better into the cookie crust for a more uniform chewiness. If you only have regular oats, you can pulse them briefly in a food processor to break them down slightly so they don’t dominate the texture too much.

Why does the cheesecake layer sometimes crack?

Cheesecake cracks usually happen due to overmixing eggs, baking at too high a temperature, or sudden changes in temperature during cooling. To avoid cracks, mix the eggs slowly and avoid overbeating, bake at the recommended 350°F without opening the oven door, and let the cheesecake cool gradually before chilling in the fridge.

How thick should I cut the Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars?

The recipe suggests cutting into 24 bars, which gives a nice balance between a satisfying portion and easy handling. These bars are quite rich, so around 2-inch squares work well to serve as a dessert or snack without overwhelming your guests.

Final Thoughts

If you love the combination of chewy cookies and creamy cheesecake, you absolutely must try these Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars. They turn a nostalgic favorite into a stunning dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to casual treats at home. Once you take that first bite of the luscious cheesecake sitting atop a peanut buttery, chocolaty cookie crust, trust me, you’ll be hooked for life. Go ahead, give this recipe a whirl and watch your friends and family swoon over every decadent bite!

Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

5.1 from 11 reviews

Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars combine the best of two beloved treats: a rich, creamy chocolate cheesecake layer nestled between the thick, chewy layers of monster cookie dough packed with oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and M&M’s. These bars offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors—sweet, nutty, and chocolaty—making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion.

Author: Ella
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Crust:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup quick cooking oats
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup M&M’s candies, divided

For the Cheesecake:

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 ounces semisweet baking chocolate, melted
2 large eggs

Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and spray it lightly with nonstick baking spray to ensure easy removal later.
Make the Cookie Crust: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and both sugars together until light and fluffy. Add the creamy peanut butter and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Mix in the eggs one at a time, then beat in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together salt, baking soda, all-purpose flour, and quick cooking oats. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, beating slowly until fully incorporated. Stir in the chocolate chips and three-quarters of the M&M’s candies by hand to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
Form the Base Layer: Press half of the cookie dough evenly onto the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake this base layer for 5 minutes to start the crust, then remove it from the oven—this helps it set before adding the cheesecake layer.
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: Using a mixer, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Add in the granulated sugar and continue beating until fully combined. Slowly beat in the melted semisweet chocolate until the cheesecake mixture is uniform. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated without overmixing.
Assemble the Bars: Pour and spread the chocolate cheesecake batter evenly over the partially baked cookie crust. Crumble the reserved remaining cookie dough evenly over the cheesecake layer to create the top layer.
Bake the Bars: Bake the assembled bars for 30 to 35 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or until the cookie dough on top is golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set and no longer jiggles.
Add Final M&Ms and Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Immediately sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of M&M candies on top and press them gently into the warm bars to prevent cracking and keep them visually appealing. Let the bars cool at room temperature for about one hour.
Refrigerate and Serve: Once cooled, place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until completely chilled and set. Once cold, lift the bars out using the foil and cut them into 24 squares before serving.

Notes

M&M’s candies can crack if exposed to high heat for too long; adding them on top after baking preserves their color and shape.
This recipe uses a chocolate cheesecake layer, but a regular plain cheesecake layer also works well if preferred.
For those with peanut allergies, the cookie dough can be substituted with your favorite chocolate chip cookie dough, though it will not have the classic ‘monster cookie’ flavor.
Make sure eggs are fully incorporated into the cheesecake batter, but avoid overmixing to keep the texture smooth.