Chocolate Cheesecake Cookie Bites

 These were delectable and devoured.

Creamy, rich, chocolatey cheesecake in a sweet bite sized cookie. Can you eat just one? Neither could any of us.
This makes on 8x8 inch pan cut into small squares or any size you feel like cutting.
Crust:
1 cup flour, I used spelt, but all purpose works the same
1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/3 cup real butter, cold, cut in small bits
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Filling:
1 8oz package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
4 oz semi sweet chocolate, melted
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules, optional
4 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a large mixing bowl, place all the crust ingredients except the butter.

In retrospect, the pecans should have been chopped and added after the butter but either way works. Mix all the dry ingredients

then add the butter bits

and cut together as a pie crust. Should look like course crumbs. Very important, set aside a scant ( just less than) cup of the crumb mixture.

 Line an 8x8 with parchment paper so you can lift this out easily after it is cool. Then press the crust onto the fitted paper with your fingertips.

Bake at 350F. for 12-15 minutes or until edges are starting to turn golden. While it is baking, put all the cheesecake ingredients into the mixing bowl

and beat well.
This is the crust just out of the oven.

Now pour the cheese mixture onto the warm crust,

and spread evenly.

Then sprinkle the remaining crust crumbs on the top. You did save the cup of crumbs didn't you?

Bake at 350F. for 35-40 minutes. Should still jiggle slightly but not look loose or liquid.
Allow to cool for 25 minutes then refrigerate for an hour until well set and chilled.

Loosen edges and lift by the over lapping paper onto a cutting board. Here's a hint: if you trim the edges, no one will know you tried them before cutting and serving. Or if you serve them on a pretty plate who's to know if one is missing or not. I like hints and tips, how about you?

Additional thoughts:
You could substitute the coffee granules for a teaspoon of raspberry flavor or orange...mint? hazelnut...
Let me know if you try a different flavor!