The Ultimate Holiday Fusion: Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
This dessert merges the chewy, buttery delight of a classic sugar cookie crust with a rich, tangy baked cheesecake filling. It’s a stunning, festive centerpiece for any holiday gathering.
Ingredients: Combining Crust and Cream
This recipe builds a baked cheesecake on a non-traditional sugar cookie base, requiring precise ratios for stability and flavor.
I. The Festive Crust:
- **1 (16 oz) package** refrigerated sugar cookie dough (Pillsbury style)
- **2 tablespoons** all-purpose flour (optional, for firmer crust)
- Holiday sprinkles (optional, for color)
II. The Creamy Cheesecake Filling:
- **3 (8 oz) packages** full-fat cream cheese, softened
- **1 1/2 cups** granulated sugar
- **1/4 cup** all-purpose flour (stabilizer)
- **1 teaspoon** vanilla extract
- **1/2 teaspoon** almond extract (enhances sugar cookie flavor)
- **3 large** eggs, room temperature
- **1/4 cup** sour cream or heavy cream
- **Pinch of salt**
III. Optional Holiday Topping:
- **1 cup** heavy whipping cream, whipped stiff
- **2 tablespoons** powdered sugar
- Extra holiday sprinkles, colored sugar, or fresh raspberries/mint
