Cheese Cake Cookies blend the creamy indulgence of cheesecake with the crunch of nutty cookie crusts. These delightful bites feature a shortbread-like base layered with a tangy, sweet cream cheese filling, creating the perfect two-in-one dessert. With roots in classic American baking, this treat is ideal for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy family dessert night. The handwritten recipe reflects home-style simplicity and irresistible charm.
Ingredients
Crust:
- ⅓ cup butter
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup nuts (chopped )
Filling:
- ¼ cup sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp vanilla
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Crust
- Cream butter and brown sugar in a small bowl.
- Add flour and nuts. Mix to make a crumbly mixture.
- Reserve 1 cup for topping.
- Press remaining dough into the bottom of a greased 8x8-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes or until lightly browned.
Step 2: Make Filling
- While crust bakes, beat sugar and cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- Add egg, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla. Beat well.
Step 3: Assemble & Bake
- Spread cream cheese mixture over the pre-baked crust.
- Sprinkle reserved crumbs on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. Cool completely.
- Cut into 2-inch squares.
Tips
- Swap lemon juice for orange juice for a citrus twist
- Use walnuts or pecans based on personal preference.
- Chill bars before cutting for cleaner edges.
- Add a dash of cinnamon to the crust for warmth.
Nutrition
Calories: 156kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 87mgPotassium: 63mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 209IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 46mgIron: 1mg
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