Oh my, I brought these bars to a potluck, and they were gone in no time!

Snickerdoodle cheesecake bars are the perfect blend of two beloved desserts: the classic snickerdoodle cookie and creamy cheesecake. Growing up, snickerdoodles were a staple in my household, especially during the holiday season. The warm, cinnamon-sugar coating always felt like a hug in cookie form. Now, as a busy professional, I love combining those nostalgic flavors with the rich, indulgent texture of cheesecake. These bars are not only a hit at family gatherings but also a delightful treat to share with colleagues at work. They're easy to make ahead, making them ideal for anyone juggling a hectic schedule.

These snickerdoodle cheesecake bars are delightful on their own, but if you're looking to elevate your dessert spread, consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A warm cup of coffee or a spiced chai latte complements the cinnamon notes beautifully, making it a perfect pairing for a cozy afternoon treat.

Servings: 12

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.

Add the eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the sugar mixture, and mix until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 tablespoon cinnamon.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Press half of the dough into the prepared baking pan to form an even layer.

In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.

Add the egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, and mix until well combined.

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough in the baking pan.

Crumble the remaining dough over the cream cheese layer.

In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top of the bars.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. If you're a chocolate lover, try adding a handful of mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese layer for a fun twist. You can also experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, to add a unique flavor profile. For those who prefer a less sweet treat, reduce the sugar in the cream cheese layer by a quarter.