Mint Chocolate Chip Bars (Printable Version)
Creamy mint and chocolate chip bars over a chocolate cookie crust, offering a refreshing indulgence.
# What You'll Need:
→ Crust
01 - 20 chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos), crushed
02 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
→ Cheesecake Filling
03 - 16 oz cream cheese, softened
04 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1 large egg yolk
07 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
08 - 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
09 - 1/4 tsp 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, then press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8 minutes and set aside.
03 - Beat cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and salt; beat until fully combined.
04 - Mix in sour cream and food coloring until smooth and evenly colored throughout the mixture.
05 - Gently fold mini chocolate chips into the cheesecake batter until evenly distributed.
06 - Pour cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust and smooth the top. Bake for 30-32 minutes until the center is just set and edges appear slightly puffed.
07 - Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully chilled before serving.
08 - Lift cheesecake from pan using parchment overhang. Cut into 16 bars and serve chilled.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The combination of cool mint and rich chocolate feels like eating an elevated version of your favorite ice cream
- These bars travel beautifully and actually taste better after a night in the fridge
02 -
- Overbeating after adding the eggs introduces too much air and causes cracking during baking
- The center may look slightly jiggly when you remove it from the oven, but it continues cooking as it cools
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients prevent lumps and ensure the smoothest filling
- A water bath in the oven prevents cracking but is not strictly necessary for bars