Layered Cookie Bars are the ultimate dessert indulgence, combining a buttery Golden Oreo crust, chewy chocolate chip cookie dough, a rich cheesecake layer, and a gooey caramel-nut topping. These bars offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite—making them a show-stopping treat for parties, bake sales, or any time you crave something sweet and decadent.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Triple-layered goodness: Oreo crust, cookie dough, and cheesecake
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Loaded with caramel, chocolate chips, toffee bits, and pecans
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Perfect for holidays, bake sales, and indulgent snack tables
Ingredients Breakdown
Crust Layer:
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Golden Oreos (1 package / 14.3 oz) – Crushed to form a sweet, crunchy base.
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Unsalted Butter (½ cup, melted) – Binds the Oreo crumbs into a cohesive crust.
Cookie Dough Layer:
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Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened) – Provides richness and a soft texture.
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Granulated Sugar (½ cup) – Adds sweetness and structure.
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Brown Sugar (½ cup, packed) – Adds depth and a hint of molasses flavor.
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Large Egg (1) – Binds the dough together.
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Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances flavor.
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All-Purpose Flour (1¼ cups) – Forms the base of the dough.
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Baking Soda (½ tsp) – Leavening agent for a slight rise.
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Salt (¼ tsp) – Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.
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Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup) – Classic chocolatey goodness in every bite.
Cheesecake Layer:
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Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened) – Adds creaminess and a tangy contrast.
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Granulated Sugar (¼ cup) – Sweetens the cheesecake layer.
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Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Adds warmth and depth.
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Large Egg (1) – Helps the cheesecake layer set during baking.
Toppings:
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Caramel Sauce (½ cup) – Adds a gooey, buttery layer of sweetness.
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Chopped Pecans (½ cup) – Provides a nutty crunch.
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Toffee Bits (½ cup) – Adds a rich, buttery caramel crunch.
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Mini Chocolate Chips (¼ cup) – Extra chocolate flavor and visual appeal.
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Tips and Tricks
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Chill before slicing for clean cuts
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Use a food processor for even Oreo crumbs
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Swap Golden Oreos with graham crackers or chocolate sandwich cookies
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Lightly toast pecans before adding for deeper flavor
Variations and Customizations
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Add peanut butter chips to the cookie dough for a nutty twist
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Replace caramel with dulce de leche for a richer finish
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Make it festive: top with red & green M&Ms for the holidays
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Use a chocolate cookie base for extra cocoa decadence
Pairing Suggestions
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Pair with a glass of cold milk or vanilla latte
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Serve with a scoop of salted caramel or vanilla bean ice cream
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Plate with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a fruity contrast
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
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Freezer: Freeze bars (uncut or pre-cut) tightly wrapped for up to 2 months
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To Serve: Let thaw overnight in the fridge or 1 hour at room temperature
Popular Questions
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! These bars are perfect for prepping the day before a party or event.
Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
You can, but homemade adds better flavor and texture.
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Are these bars overly sweet?
They’re rich but balanced. Reduce the caramel drizzle or toffee bits for a less sweet version.
PrintLayered Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour (includes cooling time)
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
Description
Layered Cookie Bars – A quadruple-decker dessert dream! Golden Oreo crust + chocolate chip cookie dough + creamy cheesecake + caramel-pecan swirl = pure magic in every bite. Chewy, gooey, and gloriously over-the-top
Ingredients
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1 package (14.3 oz) Golden Oreos, finely crushed
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup brown sugar, packed
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1 large egg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1¼ cups all-purpose flour
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½ tsp baking soda
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¼ tsp salt
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ cup caramel sauce
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½ cup chopped pecans
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½ cup toffee bits
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¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a bowl, mix crushed Golden Oreos with melted butter until evenly combined. Press firmly into the pan to form a compact crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Cookie Dough
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Cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the egg and vanilla.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet.
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Fold in the chocolate chips.
Spread cookie dough evenly over the Oreo crust.
Step 4: Cheesecake Layer
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Beat cream cheese until smooth.
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Add sugar, vanilla, and egg. Beat until creamy and lump-free.
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Spread over the cookie dough layer.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Drizzle caramel sauce across the top. Sprinkle with pecans, toffee bits, and mini chocolate chips for ultimate texture and flavor.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment overhang to lift and slice into squares or bars.
Notes
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For best presentation, top bars with a final caramel drizzle right before serving
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Bars will firm up more once chilled — ideal for slicing cleanly
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This recipe is highly adaptable and perfect for seasonal spins
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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