The Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is the sweet, festive centerpiece your holiday dessert table has been waiting for. Imagine a creamy, tangy cheesecake perched on a base of buttery sugar cookie crumbs, crowned with fluffy whipped cream, sparkly sprinkles, and a joyful crunch of more cookies on top – it’s every bit as magical as it sounds. This recipe takes everything nostalgic and comforting about Christmas sugar cookies and wraps those flavors in an irresistible, show-stopping cheesecake. You’ll get a lovely play of textures with a thick, crispy crust, luxuriously smooth filling, and festive garnishes. This is a merry union of two classic desserts, perfect for making memories with every slice!

Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking this Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is wonderfully straightforward, requiring only staple ingredients that play a starring role in each sumptuous bite. The secret is choosing quality basics – each one brings something special to the party, whether it’s rich creaminess, joyful sweetness, or playful color.

Cream cheese (16 oz, softened): The dreamy, decadent foundation of your cheesecake – make sure it’s at room temperature for the velvety-smoothest results!
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the filling just right, balancing the tang of the cream cheese and making each bite mouthwateringly good.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and enhances the holiday cookie flavors singing throughout the cheesecake.
Eggs (2 large): Essential for that custardy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that sets a great cheesecake apart.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): The secret weapon for an extra creamy filling and classic cheesecake tang.
Crushed sugar cookies (2 cups, plus extra for garnish): These make a cookie crust that’s easy to create and oh-so Christmassy—choose decorated cookies for extra flair!
Unsalted butter (4 tbsp, melted): The binder for your crust, ensuring it’s rich, flavorful, and perfectly crisp.
All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Just a touch helps ensure the cheesecake sets beautifully without getting heavy.
Salt (1/4 tsp): A pinch brings all the sweet flavors into sharper focus and rounds out the richness.
Whipped cream (for topping): Clouds of lightness on every slice, giving a lovely contrast to the luxuriously rich filling.
Festive sprinkles (for garnish): Instantly bring holiday cheer with pops of color and a bit of crunch, making it look as merry as it tastes!

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start your Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake journey by lining the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper; this trick makes removing slices a piece of cake—literally. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) so it’s perfectly hot and ready for your scrumptious cheesecake.

Step 2: Make the Sugar Cookie Crust

In a medium bowl, combine your crushed sugar cookies with the melted butter, mixing until every crumb is lightly coated and glistening. This is where flavor meets fun, especially if you use cookies decorated with brightly colored sugars or festive sprinkles! Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, packing it tightly for a sturdy, flavorful base. Pop it into the oven for 10 minutes; this helps lock in the crunch and scent your kitchen with the promise of good things to come. Let it cool while you prep the creamy filling.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Batter

With the crust cooling, grab a large mixing bowl and beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and luscious. Add the sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is dreamy and creamy. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating just enough to incorporate them – you’ll want to scrape down the sides as you go to make sure every bit gets blended beautifully. Finish by folding in the sour cream, flour, and salt until just combined; resist the urge to overmix, as a gentle touch keeps your cheesecake supremely tender.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour that lovely batter over your cooled cookie crust, using a spatula to smooth the top for an even bake. After sliding it into the oven, bake for 50–60 minutes. You’re looking for the center to be mostly set but still have a gentle jiggle—like a wobbly holiday pudding. This is the secret to a creamy, not crumbly, cheesecake! When done, switch off the oven, crack the door open, and let it cool gently inside for an hour. This step helps prevent cracks and ensures the perfectly smooth top every cheesecake lover dreams of.

Step 5: Chill and Finish With Festive Flair

Once your cheesecake has cooled in the oven, move it to the refrigerator for at least four hours—or overnight, if you want to build anticipation! When it’s finally time to serve, go all out: top with swirls of fresh whipped cream, dust with extra crushed sugar cookies, and finish with a generous shower of festive holiday sprinkles. Every slice will look like winter wonderland on a plate!

How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

Garnishes

Heighten the merry mood of your Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake with generous clouds of whipped cream, a playful scattering of extra crushed sugar cookies, and heaps of red and green holiday sprinkles. For an even more decorative touch, crown it with a few mini Christmas cookies or edible glitter. These finishing touches add both eye candy appeal and delightful crunch with every forkful.

Side Dishes

Pair this creamy, sweet treat with light accompaniments like fresh berries, a simple fruit compote, or a steaming cup of spiced tea or coffee. Since the cheesecake itself is quite rich, sides with bright flavors or subtle tartness will balance things out and keep everyone coming back for just one more bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring some extra sparkle to your table by slicing your Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake into petite squares and serving them on a platter with festive toothpicks. Or, serve each slice on a cheerful holiday plate, complete with edible holly berries or a drizzle of raspberry sauce. For parties, try baking the recipe in mini cheesecake pans or muffin tins for adorable single-serve treats everyone can grab and go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake stores beautifully! Cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep them chilled in the refrigerator. The flavors even deepen and meld after a day or two, making that second-day slice almost irresistible. Enjoy within 3 to 4 days for peak freshness.

Freezing

Feel free to get ahead on your holiday prep and freeze the cheesecake whole or in individual slices. Wrap well in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to one month. When ready to serve, let the cheesecake thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best creamy texture—avoid thawing at room temperature to keep it just right.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you prefer your cheesecake slightly warmed, pop an individual slice in the microwave for just a few seconds, but be careful not to overdo it, as heat can make the texture less creamy.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought sugar cookies for the crust?

Absolutely! Store-bought sugar cookies work perfectly and save you time. Just crush them up and proceed as directed—that way you also get to choose really fun, colorful holiday cookies to brighten up your crust.

Why does my cheesecake crack on top?

Cracks usually happen if a cheesecake cools too quickly or is overbaked. Letting your Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake cool slowly in the turned-off oven with the door ajar really helps prevent cracks. Even if cracks appear, whipped cream and sprinkles cover them beautifully!

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free sugar cookies for the crust and swap in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. The result will be just as creamy and festive.

Can I prepare the cheesecake a day ahead?

Definitely. In fact, making Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake a day in advance is a great idea. The flavors meld, the texture firms up, and you have more time to focus on holiday festivities, knowing dessert is covered.

What’s the best way to get neat slices?

For picture-perfect slices, run a sharp knife under hot water and wipe it clean between each cut. This little extra step makes the cake slice smoothly and helps every piece look bakery-beautiful!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a new highlight to your festive baking lineup, the Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is pure holiday magic in every bite. It brings together the nostalgic joy of cookies and the luxurious delight of cheesecake, wrapped in cheerful, colorful flair. Give it a try this season and watch friends and family light up with every creamy, sparkling slice!

Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the festive spirit with this delightful Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake. Creamy and rich, this cheesecake features a sweet sugar cookie crust and a velvety cream cheese filling, topped with whipped cream and colorful sprinkles for a joyful holiday treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheesecake:

16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt

Crust and Topping:

2 cups crushed sugar cookies, plus extra for garnish
Whipped cream for topping
Festive sprinkles for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
Make Crust: Combine crushed sugar cookies and melted butter, press into the pan bottom, bake for 10 minutes, then cool.
Prepare Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth, add sugar and vanilla, mix well. Beat in eggs, then add sour cream, flour, and salt, mix until combined.
Bake: Pour batter over crust, smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes until set but slightly jiggly. Cool in the oven with the door cracked.
Chill and Serve: Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Top with whipped cream, sugar cookies, and sprinkles before serving.