Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

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Sugar Cookie Cheesecake features a buttery cookie crust and creamy cheesecake filling, topped with sprinkles and whipped cream. A festive dessert for holidays or parties.

Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is a dreamy dessert that combines two holiday favorites in one irresistible treat , creamy, rich cheesecake meets buttery sugar cookie crust! This dessert is sweet, smooth, and full of nostalgic cookie flavor, making it the perfect show-stopper for Christmas parties, birthdays, or family gatherings.

With a tender sugar cookie base, a silky cheesecake filling, and a topping of crushed cookies or sprinkles, every bite melts in your mouth. This cheesecake looks festive, tastes indulgent, and is easier to make than you might think. Whether you’re a sugar cookie lover or a cheesecake enthusiast, this dessert will become your go-to holiday favorite.

Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookie Crust:

  • 16 oz refrigerated sugar cookie dough (or homemade sugar cookie dough)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (if dough is very soft)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 24 oz (3 blocks) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional for sugar cookie flavor)

For the Topping (optional):

  • Whipped cream or frosting swirls
  • Crushed sugar cookies or sprinkles

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  • Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
  • Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  • Press sugar cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the pan. If sticky, sprinkle with flour to make pressing easier.
  • Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy (about 2–3 minutes).
  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition.
  • Blend in sour cream, vanilla, and almond extract until just combined.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

  • Pour cheesecake batter over the baked sugar cookie crust.
  • Tap pan gently to remove any air bubbles.
  • Place pan in a larger baking dish and pour hot water halfway up the sides (water bath method prevents cracks).
  • Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.

Step 4: Cool the Cheesecake

  • Turn off oven and leave cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
  • Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature.
  • Chill in refrigerator for at least 6 hours (overnight for best texture).

Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve

  • Before serving, pipe whipped cream or frosting swirls around the edges.
  • Top with crushed sugar cookies, sprinkles, or holiday candies for decoration.

Variations

  • Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake: Use red and green sprinkles in the crust and on top.
  • Funfetti Version: Stir rainbow sprinkles into the cheesecake batter for a fun party look.
  • Lemon Sugar Cookie Cheesecake: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest and 2 teaspoons lemon juice for a citrus twist.
  • Mini Cheesecakes: Bake in cupcake liners for individual servings (20–22 minutes bake time).

Cooking Notes

  • Room-temperature cream cheese is key for a smooth filling, no lumps!
  • Avoid overmixing after adding eggs to prevent cracks.
  • Always chill completely before slicing for clean, neat pieces.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve chilled with a drizzle of white chocolate or caramel sauce.
  • Pair with coffee, eggnog, or hot cocoa for a cozy holiday dessert.
  • Slice into small squares for a holiday dessert platter.

Tips

  • Use a water bath or wrap the pan in foil to prevent leaks and cracking.
  • Don’t rush the cooling process , that’s what gives the cheesecake its creamy texture.
  • Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • For easy cutting, warm your knife under hot water and wipe clean between slices.

Timing

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Baking Time: 65 minutes
  • Cooling & Chilling Time: 7 hours
  • Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (per slice, 12 servings)

  • Calories: 470
  • Protein: 7g
  • Sodium: 290mg

FAQs

Q1: Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough?

  • Yes! Homemade dough gives a richer, more buttery flavor, but refrigerated dough works great for convenience.

Q2: Can I skip the water bath?

  • Yes, but the cheesecake might crack. If skipping, place a pan of hot water on the bottom oven rack to create steam.

Q3: Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

  • Absolutely , it actually tastes better the next day after chilling overnight.

Q4: How can I make it more festive for Christmas?

  • Add crushed candy canes, colored sprinkles, or decorate with mini sugar cookies on top.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

  • Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze individual slices.

Conclusion

Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is a sweet, creamy, and festive dessert that brings together the classic flavors of sugar cookies and rich cheesecake in one stunning dish. With its buttery cookie crust and silky filling, this dessert is perfect for holiday celebrations, birthdays, or any time you want to impress your guests. Each bite tastes like Christmas joy — creamy, cozy, and completely irresistible!

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