This awesome recipe combines two favorite flavors — chocolate chip cookies and cheesecake!

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients

3/4 cup shortening
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1-1/2 cups miniature semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup chopped pecans

Filling:

2 — 8 oz. packages cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

~In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.

~Combine the flour, salt, and baking soda; gradually add to the creamed mixture until blended. Fold in the chocolate chips and pecans.

~Set aside a third of the dough for topping. Press remaining dough into a greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Bake at 350° for eight minutes.

~Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Spoon over crust.

~Drop teaspoonfuls of reserved dough over filling. Bake at 350° for 35 to 40 minutes (or until golden brown). Cool on a wire rack. Cover and store in the refrigerator.