Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars

These delicious bars are courtesy of my husband who made them last week. Needless to say, they were very, very good! It's always a treat to come home and find a nice surprise like this. I printed out the recipe but cannot find the source of it. I believe this is a Betty Crocker recipe though. All I can say is that if you like cheesecake and chocolate then this is the dessert for you!

I think summer has finally arrived. We have had several days of warm, humid weather and I am not complaining. I hope it's here to stay this time but the rain can definitely stay away! Anyone out there watch Amercian Idol? I am addicted to that show and have been since it first aired years ago. I won't even guess who might win since my favorite was already voted off. I really liked James and was shocked that he was voted off and not even in the top 3. Oh well, I guess you just never know.

CRUST

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

3/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

FILLING

10 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup sugar

1 egg, room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DOUGH

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

3 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dash salt

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

TOPPING

1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9x9x2 inch pan with foil, leaving extra foil extending over edges. Spray with nonstick cooking spray.

In medium bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until crumbs are moistened. Stir in miniature chocolate chips. Press into bottom and 1 inch up sides of pan. Bake 6 minutes or until set; cool on wire rack. Decrease oven temperature to 325 degrees F.

In large bowl, beat cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar at low speed until smooth. Beat in egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla just until blended. Pour filling into crust.

In same large bowl, beat 5 tablespoons butter, brown sugar, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla and salt at medium speed 1 minute or until blended. Beat in flour at low speed just until incorporated. Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips. Drop teaspoonsfuls of dough over filling. Bake at 325 degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes or until top feels dry and looks set when shaken slightly. Cool completely.

Dip fork into melted chocolate chips; drizzle chocolate over top of bars. Let stand until set.

Using foil edges, lift bars from pan; peel away foil. Cut into 16 pieces; serve at room temperature. (Bars can be made up to 2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)