Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars (Printable Version)

# What You Need:

→ Dough and Filling

01 - 16.5 ounce tube of sugar cookie dough
02 - 1 egg
03 - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
04 - 8 ounce box of cream cheese (room temperature)

→ Optional Toppings

05 - Sprinkles
06 - Powdered sugar

# Steps to Follow:

01 - In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, vanilla extract, and egg, mixing on slow speed. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth mixture.
02 - If the cream cheese mixture appears chunky, fill your sink with a couple of inches of hot water and place the bowl in the warm water to bring the cream cheese to proper temperature. Be careful not to get any water into the mixture.
03 - Cut the roll of sugar cookie dough in half with a clean knife to make it easier to work with.
04 - Press half of the sugar cookie dough evenly into the bottom of a baking dish to form the crust. Use your hands or a spatula to create a uniform layer.
05 - Pour the cream cheese mixture over the sugar cookie crust, spreading it evenly to cover the entire base, ensuring it reaches all edges.
06 - Using the remaining half of the cookie dough, create flattened chunks and place them evenly over the cheesecake mixture. These pieces will expand during baking to create a cookie top layer.
07 - Bake for 30 minutes, or until the sugar cookie portions turn golden. Watch carefully as sugar cookies can burn quickly - it's better to remove slightly early than risk burning.
08 - Allow the bars to cool for at least one hour to ensure the cheesecake filling sets properly and the cookie layers cool completely.
09 - Once completely cooled, add sprinkles or dust with powdered sugar if desired. Use a sifter for even powdered sugar application.
10 - Cut into squares with a sharp knife, cleaning the blade between cuts for neat presentation.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Use room-temperature cream cheese for the smoothest filling texture.
02 - Avoid overbaking to prevent dry, crumbly bars.
03 - Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean edges.
04 - Use non-stick spray on your baking dish for easy removal.

Return