Mint Chocolate Chip Bars (Printable Version)
Creamy mint layers atop chocolate crust, studded with chips for a refreshing and indulgent dessert bar.
# What You Need:
→ Crust
01 - 20 chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos), crushed
02 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
→ Cheesecake Filling
03 - 16 oz cream cheese, softened
04 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
05 - 1/3 cup sour cream
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 1/2 tsp pure peppermint extract
08 - 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
09 - Green food coloring (optional, a few drops)
10 - 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
→ Garnish (optional)
11 - Additional mini chocolate chips
12 - Fresh mint leaves
# How-To:
01 - Preheat oven to 325°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 medium bowl. Mix until well combined. Press firmly into bottom of prepared pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then set aside.
03 - Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add sour cream, eggs, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and food coloring if using. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
04 - Fold in mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout batter.
05 - Pour cheesecake mixture over prepared crust and smooth top. Bake for 30-32 minutes until center is just set and still slightly jiggly. Do not overbake.
06 - Remove from oven and cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully chilled.
07 - Lift bars out of pan using parchment overhang. Cut into 16 squares. Garnish with extra mini chocolate chips and mint leaves if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- They taste exactly like mint chocolate chip ice cream but in an elegant, sliceable form that travels beautifully to parties or potlucks.
- The chocolate cookie crust creates this perfect crunch that balances the silky cheesecake layer in a way that makes people go quiet after their first bite.
02 -
- The center will look slightly underbaked when you pull it from the oven, but it continues cooking as it cools—this is exactly what creates that creamy texture.
- Room temperature ingredients are absolutely critical here; cold cream cheese or eggs will leave you with a lumpy batter no matter how long you mix.
03 -
- Run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between slices for perfectly clean cuts that show off those beautiful layers.
- A springform pan makes serving even easier—just release the sides and slide the whole cheesecake onto a serving plate.