Description
These Creamy Cookie Squares are a delightful no-bake dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious cream cheese and whipped cream layer, and an optional rich chocolate topping. Perfectly chilled and easy to prepare, they offer a creamy, sweet treat with a satisfying crumbly base and a smooth, fluffy filling.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or any cookie crumbs)
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cream Layer
- 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Topping (Optional)
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the dessert later. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter thoroughly until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a solid crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely to set.
- Make the Cream Layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, free of lumps. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, indicating the cream is well aerated. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula, preserving the fluffiness and combining until fully incorporated.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust using a spatula, smoothing the surface for an even layer. Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, allowing the cream layer to firm up and set properly.
- Optional Chocolate Topping: Combine the chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring well between each session, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Drizzle or spread the melted chocolate evenly over the chilled cream layer. Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for an additional 15 to 20 minutes to let the chocolate topping set.
- Cut and Serve: Once fully set, carefully lift the entire dessert out of the pan using the parchment paper edges. Cut into 9 equal squares for serving. Keep the squares chilled until ready to serve for the best creamy and refreshing texture.
Notes
- You can substitute graham cracker crumbs with any cookie crumbs such as digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and light whipping cream, but note the texture might be less rich.
- If refrigeration time is short, freezing for 1 hour can help set the dessert quicker.
- The chocolate topping is optional but adds a nice contrast to the creamy layer.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
