Scarlet Sensation Cheesecake with Cream Cheese and Cookie Dough

Heat-Treat the Flour: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the flour on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes to kill any potential bacteria. Let it cool.
Mix the Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add the vanilla extract and milk, and stir until smooth.
Combine: Slowly add the heat-treated flour and mix until well combined. Fold in mini chocolate chips (if using). Roll the cookie dough into small balls or flatten it into a thin layer to use as a base for the cheesecake.
Refrigerate: Set aside or refrigerate the cookie dough until ready to use.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
Make the Cheesecake Batter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract, and mix well.
Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the cream cheese mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the heavy cream and mix until smooth and creamy.
Layer the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared springform pan. Layer the cookie dough balls or flattened dough into the center of the cheesecake batter, gently pressing them down into the batter to ensure they stay embedded.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
Bake: Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly wobbly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. Then, transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Make the Scarlet Sensation Sauce
Cook the Fruit Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine strawberries or raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the fruit breaks down and becomes saucy (about 10 minutes).
Thicken (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a small amount of water and add to the simmering fruit mixture. Stir until the sauce thickens.
Cool: Let the sauce cool to room temperature before drizzling over the cheesecake.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Remove Cheesecake: Once chilled, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.
Drizzle Sauce: Drizzle the Scarlet Sensation sauce over the top of the cheesecake just before serving.
Serve: Slice and enjoy your decadent Scarlet Sensation Cheesecake with Cream Cheese and Cookie Dough!
Serving and Storage Tips