Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookie Bars

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Set the oven to 350°F. Butter a 9x13 inch baking pan, or coat it with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, then put the bowl aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with the butter until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Add the sugar and continue mixing until it turns pale and airy. Beat in the eggs 1 at a time, then blend in the vanilla extract. Add the dry ingredients gradually, mixing only until combined and not any longer. Fold in the chocolate chips.
4. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Cool completely before cutting into bars and serving.