Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe

If you’ve never experienced the magic of a Sugar Cookie Cheesecake, you’re in for a real treat! This irresistible dessert combines the buttery, sweet charm of classic sugar cookies with the creamy, tangy richness of cheesecake in such a delightful way that it feels like a celebration in every bite. With layers of sugar cookie crust, festive sprinkles, creamy cheesecake filling studded with mini cookie dough balls, and a luscious white chocolate ganache topping, it’s a dessert that’s as joyful to look at as it is to devour. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just feeling like spoiling yourself, this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is an absolute must-try that will quickly become a personal favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and guarantees success. Each component in this recipe plays an essential role, from the buttery crust that forms the base, to the creamy cheesecake filling that’s bursting with flavor, and those sparkling Christmas sprinkles that add a whimsical touch. Let’s dive into what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for both crust and cookie dough balls, providing structure and that classic cookie texture.
• Baking soda: Helps the sugar cookie crust rise slightly and achieve that perfect crumb.
• Salt: A small pinch enhances all the sweet flavors, balancing the richness.
• Unsalted butter: Room temperature for easy creaming, it adds richness and moisture throughout.
• Regenerative Organic Certified® Cane Sugar from Wholesome: Sweetens naturally and creates a beautiful golden color.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds depth and complements the sweetness wonderfully.
• Large eggs and egg yolk: Bind ingredients and add silkiness to the crust and cheesecake.
• Christmas sprinkles, jimmies: For a festive crunch and pop of color, sprinkled throughout crust and cookie dough balls.
• Milk: Included in the cookie dough balls for tenderness.
• Cream cheese: The star of the cheesecake, smooth and creamy for that indulgent texture.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and makes the cheesecake extra moist.
• Heavy cream: Enriches the cheesecake filling and is essential for the luscious ganache topping.
• White chocolate chips: Melted for the ganache, offering a sweet, creamy finish.

How to Make Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Cookie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350℉ and preparing a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray and parchment paper. Mixing the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, and salt—sets the stage for the crust’s texture. Creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy brings that buttery sweetness upfront. When you add vanilla, eggs, and sprinkles, the dough transforms into a festive, fragrant base. Press the dough evenly into the pan bottom—no need to go up the sides—and bake until golden. This crust forms the irresistible foundation for your cheesecake.

Step 2: Roll the Cookie Dough Balls

While the crust bakes, mix the ingredients for the cookie dough balls, which add delightful bites inside the cheesecake. Combining butter and sugar until creamy ensures a smooth base, then vanilla and milk soften the mixture. Folding in the dry ingredients and sprinkles gives you colorful, tender dough. Rolling these into dime-sized balls can be a fun family activity! Pop them into the freezer to firm up—this step guarantees they hold their shape during baking.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Lower the oven temperature to 325℉ and prepare your water bath—it’s essential to bake the cheesecake evenly and prevent cracks. Beat the cream cheese and sugar until silky, then blend in the sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla for smoothness and subtle tang. Adding eggs gently keeps the texture creamy without overmixing. The pièce de résistance? Gently folding in two-thirds of your chilled cookie dough balls creates pockets of chewy sweetness throughout the cheesecake. Pour this luscious filling over your sugar cookie crust and get ready to bake.

Step 4: Bake with a Water Bath

Place your springform pan inside a roasting pan and use one of two water bath methods to prevent cracking and keep the crust dry. Bake for about 80 to 90 minutes until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly for that perfect creamy texture. After baking, cool with the oven door cracked for 30 minutes—this gradual cooling helps avoid cracks and keeps the cheesecake smooth and beautiful.

Step 5: Chill and Add White Chocolate Ganache

Once cooled, refrigerate your cheesecake for at least 6 hours or overnight—this step is crucial for a firm, sliceable texture. While it chills, prepare the white chocolate ganache by heating heavy cream until steaming and pouring it over white chocolate chips. Let it melt gently, stirring until silky. Pour this elegant ganache over the cheesecake’s top, pop it in the freezer for 10 minutes to set, then adorn with remaining cookie dough balls and sprinkles for that extra festive finish.

How to Serve Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

Garnishes

To elevate your Sugar Cookie Cheesecake even further, consider adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar around the edges. Extra festive sprinkles or colorful edible glitter give a playful touch that makes every slice feel like a special occasion. For a fresh contrast, serve with a few sprigs of mint or delicate edible flowers that brighten up the plate beautifully.

Side Dishes

While this cheesecake can stand perfectly on its own, pairing it with light, refreshing sides balances its richness. Fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries add juicy tartness that complements the sweet, creamy layers. A simple citrus salad or a small scoop of lemon sorbet can also cut through the richness to keep your palate happy throughout the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t forget: presentation is half the fun! Try serving slices on colorful dessert plates with a drizzle of berry coulis for a vibrant splash. For parties, cut cheesecake into bite-sized squares and present on a festive platter with toothpicks for easy sharing. Another fun idea is to layer crumbled remnants of the sugar cookie crust beside each slice for added texture and an interactive eating experience that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Sugar Cookie Cheesecake, you can keep leftovers in the refrigerator covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and creamy for up to five days, allowing you to savor every last bite or share with friends who couldn’t make it for the first round.

Freezing

This cheesecake freezes wonderfully! Wrap the whole chilled cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then again in foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw slices overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain that perfect creamy texture and sprinkle pop.

Reheating

Reheating cheesecake isn’t typical, but if you prefer a slightly softer slice, let your piece sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before digging in. Avoid microwaving, as it can affect texture. If you want a warm dessert, try serving with a warm berry compote instead—serving cold cheesecake alongside warm toppings makes a delightful contrast.

FAQs

Can I make the sugar cookie crust ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the sugar cookie crust a day in advance. Just let it cool completely, then wrap tightly to keep it fresh until you’re ready to add the cheesecake filling and bake.

What if I don’t have Christmas sprinkles?

No worries! You can substitute any colorful jimmies or even nonpareils you have on hand. Alternatively, crushed nuts or mini chocolate chips can add texture and a little flair.

Why use a water bath for baking cheesecake?

A water bath provides gentle, even heat that prevents the cheesecake from cracking and helps maintain its creamy texture. It’s a classic technique that’s well worth the effort for a flawless dessert.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute in this recipe. It offers a similar tang and creaminess but with a slightly denser texture, which still works beautifully.

How long do I need to chill the cheesecake before serving?

For best results, chill the cheesecake for at least 6 hours, but preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up, giving you a slice that holds beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have this enchanting Sugar Cookie Cheesecake recipe at your fingertips, there’s no reason not to bring this joyful treat into your kitchen adventures. The combination of buttery sugar cookie crust, creamy cheesecake speckled with cookie dough surprises, and a smooth white chocolate ganache will delight everyone around your table. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to keep this recipe close and share the delicious magic with all your friends and family!

Print