Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

Chocolate Chip Cookies + Cheesecake = Heaven.  

Thanks to Pillsbury for creating this quick and simple recipe.  The one thing to be aware of is the time it takes for the bars to chill before serving.  You need a few hours, so it's the perfect recipe to start with when preparing for a party. That way, once you've prepared everything else and cleaned up they will be good to go.  I had to bring these to a bridal shower about an hour away, which made me super nervous.  I also hadn't tried them before I put them out.  Usually, that is a big no no for me.  Anyhow, I put them out at the shower and prayed they were good.  Well, prayers answered.  It was the most requested recipe at the shower.  I even tried some at the end and they were delicious!  

INGREDIENTS:

 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg

1/2 cup coconut, if desired

1 roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated chocolate chip cookies

DIRECTIONS:

• Heat oven to 350°F. In small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and egg until smooth. Stir in coconut.
• In ungreased, 9- or 8-inch square pan, break up half of cookie dough. With floured fingers, press dough evenly in bottom of pan to form crust. Spread cream cheese mixture over dough. Crumble and sprinkle remaining half of dough over cream cheese mixture.
• Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch. Cool 30 minutes. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or until chilled. For bars, cut into 4 rows by 4 rows. Store in refrigerator.