Hey y'all! If you're craving a show-stopping holiday dessert that brings together the best flavors of the season, this Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is for you. Imagine a creamy, luscious cheesecake with a buttery sugar cookie crust and festive sprinkles—it's like Christmas in every bite! Whether you're hosting a holiday party, baking with family, or treating yourself, this cheesecake will be a joyful centerpiece for any occasion. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
- Festive & Colorful: Topped with vibrant sprinkles, it’s perfect for holiday celebrations.
- Creamy Texture: Ultra-smooth, melt-in-your-mouth cheesecake paired with a buttery crust.
- Easy to Make: Streamlined steps make it achievable for beginner and expert bakers alike.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Ideal for prepping the night before a big event.
- Customizable: Adjust the flavors or decorations to suit your festive vibe!
Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
- 2 cups (240g) crushed sugar cookies (about 18 regular cookies)
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120g) sour cream, room temperature
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons (16g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (120g) festive holiday sprinkles, divided
- Whipped cream, for topping (optional)
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Cookie Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, blitz the sugar cookies until you get fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter until evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool while you make the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (149°C).
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Mix in sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla, flour, and salt until just combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, gently beating after each addition. Do not overmix.
- Fold in ½ cup of festive holiday sprinkles with a spatula (tip: for best color, use jimmies, not nonpareils).
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Pour cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
- Bake in a water bath at 300°F (149°C) for 55-65 minutes, until the edges are set but the center jiggles slightly.
- Turn off the oven, crack open the door, and let cheesecake cool for 1 hour in the oven to prevent cracking.
Step 4: Chill and Decorate
- Remove cheesecake from oven and let cool completely to room temperature.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Before serving, top with whipped cream and the remaining sprinkles for a festive finish!
Notes for the Best Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
- Let all ingredients come to room temperature for ultra-creamy results.
- For a water bath how-to, check this step-by-step guide.
- Store-bought or homemade sugar cookies both work—choose your favorite brand for the crust!
Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Variations
- Peppermint Twist: Stir in ½ teaspoon peppermint extract and top with crushed candy canes.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free sugar cookies for the crust.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt ½ cup chocolate chips and drizzle over the chilled cheesecake before adding sprinkles.
Equipment Needed for Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
- 9-inch springform pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Large mixing bowls
- Food processor or zip-top bag with rolling pin (for crushing cookies)
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet (for water bath)
Storage Instructions & Shelf Life
Cover your Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices (wrapped well) for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
What to Serve with Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
- Pair with a mug of classic hot chocolate
- Serve alongside a tangy cranberry compote or fresh berries
- Enjoy with a glass of chilled eggnog or dessert wine
Pro Tips for the Perfect Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
- Do not overmix the batter—less air means no cracks!
- Always bake in a water bath for even, creamy texture. (Learn more at King Arthur Baking.)
- For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe between cuts.
Frequently Asked Questions: Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
- Can I use store-bought sugar cookie dough for the crust?
- Yes! Bake the dough, let cool, and proceed as you would with regular sugar cookies.
- How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
- Bake in a water bath, avoid overmixing, and let it cool gradually in the oven.
- Can I freeze Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake?
- Absolutely. Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 65 minutes | Total Time: 6 hours (includes chilling)
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar cookie crumbs (from baked sugar cookies)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup holiday sprinkles
- ½ cup chopped sugar cookies for topping
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
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2Mix sugar cookie crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
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3In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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4Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream. Gently fold in holiday sprinkles.
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5Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust. Bake for 60 minutes, or until the center is just set.
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6Cool cheesecake to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Before serving, top with chopped sugar cookies and additional sprinkles.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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