I love baking. Taking time to bake during the holidays is my dream. And, since we were gone during Thanksgiving, I feel like I’ve lost half of my opportunity! I’m ready to dig in.

Participating in this cookie exchange through The Mom Creative is an awesome way to get some great new recipes. Just browsing through some of the ones that have already been added is dreamy …

My recipe is a favorite from Betty Crocker – these are heavenly!

CHOCOLATE CHIP CHEESECAKE BARS

1/2 cup cold butter
1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker ® oatmeal chocolate chip cookie mix
1 egg
2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla

Heat oven to 350 °F. Spray bottom of 13×9-inch pan with cooking spray.

In large bowl, cut butter into cookie mix using fork or pasty blender. Stir in 1 egg until mixture is crumbly. Gently spoon 3 cups crumb mixture into pan; press into bottom of pan. Bake 15 minutes.

In small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, 2 eggs and the vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Pour over cookie crust. Spoon remaining crumb mixture over cream cheese.

Bake 25 to 30 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 9 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.