Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

Christmas is the season for cookies, cakes, and everything sweet—but why choose just one when you can have them all in one dessert? A Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake brings together two beloved holiday classics: buttery sugar cookies and creamy cheesecake. With a sugar cookie crust, a silky cheesecake filling, and festive decorations on top, this dessert is a centerpiece worthy of your holiday table.

It’s indulgent, colorful, and filled with cheer, perfect for family gatherings, Christmas Eve dinner, or as a homemade gift that spreads joy with every slice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Holiday-ready: Festive colors, sprinkles, and sugar cookies make it picture-perfect.
• Cookie + cheesecake combo: You don’t have to choose between a cookie or a slice of cheesecake—you get both!
• Customizable: Decorate with holiday sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or piped whipped cream.
• Make-ahead dessert: Cheesecake tastes even better after chilling overnight, so it’s holiday-hosting friendly.

Ingredients

Crust

• 2 cups crushed sugar cookies (or vanilla wafers)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Cheesecake Filling

• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup heavy cream

Festive Topping

• Whipped cream (for piping)
• Holiday sprinkles
• Mini sugar cookies (store-bought or homemade)
• Crushed candy canes (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Mix crushed sugar cookies, melted butter, and sugar until crumbly.
3. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed. Stir in vanilla.
3. Fold in sour cream and heavy cream until fully combined.
4. Pour filling over the cooled crust.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

1. Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan. Add hot water halfway up the sides for a water bath (prevents cracks).
2. Bake for 55–65 minutes, until edges are set but the center jiggles slightly.
3. Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
4. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 4: Decorate with Holiday Cheer

1. Pipe whipped cream swirls around the edges.
2. Add festive sprinkles for color and crunch.
3. Place mini sugar cookies or candy cane pieces on top for the final Christmas touch.

Variations

• Peppermint Twist: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the filling and top with crushed candy canes.
• Red & Green Marble Effect: Swirl in drops of red and green food coloring before baking for a festive look.
• Gingerbread Crust: Swap sugar cookies for crushed gingerbread cookies for a spicier holiday flavor.

Tips for Success

• Room temperature cream cheese ensures a smooth filling with no lumps.
• Don’t overbake: The cheesecake should jiggle slightly in the middle—it sets while cooling.
• Chill overnight for the best texture and flavor.
• Use a water bath to prevent cracks and create a creamy texture.

Why This Dessert Belongs on Your Holiday Table

This isn’t just another cheesecake—it’s Christmas in dessert form. Each slice is rich and creamy, with the familiar sweetness of sugar cookies baked into the crust and decoration. The sprinkles and festive toppings make it sparkle with holiday spirit, and the flavors are comforting, nostalgic, and indulgent all at once.

Bring this Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake to your holiday celebration, and you’ll instantly become the star of the dessert table.

Creamy, festive, and full of Christmas joy—this cheesecake is everything the holiday season should taste like!