I need help creating a cookie bar

[XUfan]

OK...I can picture this in my head, and I think it would be good, but I need a basic recipe to start me off.

I want to make a bar cookie that has a cream cheese cookie base (it's like a sugar cookie, but made with cream cheese...NOT a layer of cream cheese on top of the cookie), with cherry pie filling and a streusel topping. I have the pie filling, and I know how to make the topping, but I can't find a recipe for the cookie part. OK...I found 1 recipe, but it was just the ingredients...no bake time.

So...who's creative?? Or...who's got a recipe they'll share?

Thanks in advance!

[puakinikini]

I do not have any suggestions - but that sounds absolutely wonderful. I think I need to go to lunch now.

[bethanyam]

I have not tried this recipe myself, but have heard it's wonderful....It's in my stack of "to try" recipes. :) Hope it helps.

Cream Cheese sugar cookies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, butter, cream cheese, salt, almond and vanilla extracts, and egg yolk. Beat until smooth. Stir in flour until well blended. Chill the dough for 8 hours, or overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough 1/3 at a time to 1/8 inch thickness, refrigerating remaining dough until ready to use. Cut into desired shapes with lightly floured cookie cutters. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Leave cookies plain for frosting, or brush with slightly beaten egg white and sprinkle with candy sprinkles or colored sugar.
4. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until light and golden brown. Cool cookies completely before frosting.

[XUfan]

Thank you!!! That sounds like what I'm looking for!!

Now...does anyone have any idea how long I'd bake them, if I'm using that recipe for bar cookies?

[XUfan]

I do not have any suggestions - but that sounds absolutely wonderful. I think I need to go to lunch now.

Doesn't it! I dreamed it up while I was looking through my pantry the other day. I have a couple cans of cherry pie filling, but the only time we ever use it is when we put it on cheese cake. And I want something different this time.

[bethanyam]

I would drop the temp to about 325 or 350 and bake about 20-30 minutes until golden brown. I hope that helps.

[bethanyam]

Ok I dug a recipe out that I use cookie dough for a crust for pecan pie bars and those directions say to bake for 20 mins at 350, then add toppings and bake for 15 more minutes. It's a recipe that always turns out great, and I imagine that i would work well for this too. Oh and it's in a 9x13 pan.

[XUfan]

Ok I dug a recipe out that I use cookie dough for a crust for pecan pie bars and those directions say to bake for 20 mins at 350, then add toppings and bake for 15 more minutes. It's a recipe that always turns out great, and I imagine that i would work well for this too. Oh and it's in a 9x13 pan.

That sounds perfect! I think I'll make them tomorrow, since it's a little late to make something that has to chill for a while. I'll LYK how they turn out. Thanks so much for all of your help!!

[bethanyam]

You are very welcome. I would love to hear how they turn out! I also would love to know the recipe that you use for your topping.

[rrpate]

mmmmmmmmmmmmm I WAN'T SOME!