Super Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookie Bars with Cheesecake Filling

Ingredients

For the molasses ginger cookie bar:

• • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg or cloves (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 egg, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon water OR orange juice
  • 1/4 cup molasses (stronger taste) or maple syrup (slightly milder taste)
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips

For the cheesecake swirl:

• 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping:

• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon