Mint Chocolate Chip Bars (Printable)
Creamy mint-flavored bars with chocolate chips layered on a crisp chocolate cookie crust.
# What You'll Need:
→ Crust
01 - 20 chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed
02 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
→ Cheesecake Filling
03 - 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
04 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1 large egg yolk
07 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
08 - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
09 - 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
10 - 1/2 cup sour cream
11 - 2-3 drops green food coloring (optional)
12 - 2/3 cup mini chocolate chips
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - Combine crushed chocolate cookies and melted butter in a medium bowl. Mix until evenly moistened.
03 - Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake for 8 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
04 - Beat cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
05 - Add egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and salt. Beat until fully combined.
06 - Mix in sour cream and food coloring if using until mixture is smooth and evenly colored.
07 - Gently fold in mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
08 - Pour cheesecake filling over pre-baked crust and smooth top. Bake for 30-32 minutes until center is just set and edges appear slightly puffed.
09 - Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully chilled.
10 - Lift cheesecake from pan using parchment overhang. Cut into 16 bars and serve.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The combination of cool mint and rich chocolate feels like eating an elevated version of your favorite ice cream
- These bars slice beautifully and look impressive on any dessert platter
02 -
- Overbeating the eggs can incorporate too much air and cause your cheesecake to crack or puff excessively
- The center may look underbaked when you remove it from the oven but it will finish setting as it cools
03 -
- Room-temperature ingredients prevent lumps and ensure smooth incorporation
- Run a thin knife around the edge of the pan immediately after baking to prevent cracking as it cools