Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

My friend Jamie hosted a little girl's night get-together at her place this weekend and I wanted to bring some dessert as my contribution to the evening. Jamie had prepared tons awesome treats for us (including some incrible coconut pineapple rum punch - mmmm) but I think these little bars fit in nicely. They were very easy to make too, which is always a plus. I'm not a cheesecake fan so I can't personally speak for the success of the recipe, but people seemed to enjoy them! Thanks to Baking Blonde (the dessert guru!) for suggesting them - the original recipe comes from Pillsbury.

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup coconut, if desired
1 roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury® Create 'n Bake® refrigerated chocolate chip cookies

Heat oven to 350°F. In small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and egg until smooth. Stir in coconut.
In ungreased, 9- or 8-inch square pan, break up half of cookie dough. With floured fingers, press dough evenly in bottom of pan to form crust. Spread cream cheese mixture over dough. Crumble and sprinkle remaining half of dough over cream cheese mixture.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch. Cool 30 minutes. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or until chilled. For bars, cut into 4 rows by 4 rows. Store in refrigerator.