Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

This irresistible sugar cookie cheesecake combines two beloved desserts into one showstopping treat that's perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. With a buttery sugar cookie crust and velvety cream cheese filling, this sugar cookie cheesecake recipe is ready to prep in just 25 minutes and bakes in 45 minutes, making it both convenient and impressive for entertaining.

I first created this sugar cookie cheesecake for a holiday potluck, searching for an easy Christmas cheesecake that felt festive but wasn't too complicated to assemble. The combination of cookie and cheesecake textures was such a crowd-pleaser that requests for this recipe now pop up every year, from Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve. Making it ahead means I can enjoy time with family instead of spending hours in the kitchen the day of an event.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Cream cheese, softened (16 oz): Essential for a smooth, creamy cheesecake structure; use full fat for best taste, but you can swap with reduced fat in a pinch
• Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup): Provides richness to the cookie crust; choose quality butter for extra flavor and only melt just before mixing
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the filling perfectly without overpowering; superfine sugar also works for a silky result
• Large eggs (2): Add structure and richness; use room temperature eggs to help incorporate smoothly into the batter
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates both the filling and crust with warm undertones; pure extract is best, but imitation works in a pinch
• Sugar cookie crumbles (1/2 cup): Serve as the base and topping; use classic homemade or high-quality store bought for best texture—swap in gluten free cookies if needed
• Powdered sugar or white chocolate, for decoration: Adds a festive finish; simply dust or drizzle just before serving for that professional bakery look
• Sour cream and heavy cream (amount as desired): Blended into the filling for extra creaminess and a tangy lift; plain Greek yogurt can substitute if needed

How to Make Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

Prepare Your Baking Equipment:

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C) to ensure an even, gentle bake that prevents cracking. Grease a 9 inch springform pan thoroughly and line the bottom with parchment paper to make removal trouble free later. This step helps guarantee clean, professional slices and no sticking.

Create the Sugar Cookie Crust:

Combine sugar cookie crumbles with melted butter until the mixture reaches the texture of damp sand. Press this firmly and evenly into the pan to form a compact layer about one quarter inch thick. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, watching for a light golden color and a fragrant cookie aroma, then set aside to cool slightly before adding the filling.

Mix the Creamy Filling:

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together for 3 to 4 minutes until completely smooth, light, and lump free. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each to fully incorporate, then mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream until you have a silky, pourable batter. Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing for the creamiest texture.

Combine Crust and Filling:

Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even layer. Gently tap the pan on your counter a few times to release any air bubbles for a smooth surface and prevent cracks while baking.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake the assembled cheesecake at 325°F for 40 to 45 minutes, watching for the edges to be set while the center retains a slight wobble. Cool the cheesecake in the oven, door slightly ajar, for 30 minutes—this gradual temperature reduction helps prevent cracks and keeps the filling silky and smooth.

Chill Thoroughly:

Allow the cheesecake to finish cooling at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This critical chilling step makes for neat, clean slices and deepens the dessert's flavor as it sets perfectly marshmallowy and dense.

Decorate Festively:

Just before serving, sprinkle on more cookie crumbles, add colorful sprinkles, or drizzle with melted white chocolate across the chilled cheesecake. For extra flair, arrange small holiday cookies around the edge to echo the festive theme and cue guests to the recipe's sugar cookie magic.

The idea for this sugar cookie cheesecake came during a marathon holiday baking session where everyone in my family wanted something different. Mixing my grandmother's classic sugar cookie dough with our favorite creamy cheesecake formula brought an instant hit to our Christmas dessert table. The chewy, buttery cookie layers simply make this treat unforgettable every time we celebrate together.

Smart Swaps and Variations

This sugar cookie cheesecake recipe offers endless variation potential depending on your preferences and the season. For gluten free guests, substitute gluten free sugar cookies for both the crust and topping with no other changes needed. Citrus lovers can incorporate fresh lemon or orange zest into the filling, giving a bright, tangy counterpoint to the sweet richness. Fold in mini chocolate chips or use chocolate cookie crumbs for a twist that chocolate fans will adore. With these customizations, no two cheesecakes ever have to be alike!

How to Store and Reheat Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

Store sugar cookie cheesecake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain its creamy texture and flavor. For longer keeping, wrap individual slices or the entire cooled cheesecake in plastic wrap followed by foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then let slices sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving to restore their silky consistency and best holiday flavor.

What to Serve with Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

Sugar cookie cheesecake can be elevated with a range of tasty accompaniments. Fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries add a bright pop of color and tangy contrast to the creamy cake. Pair slices with coffee, chai tea, or even a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream for a complete dessert plate. For parties, offer a selection of sauces, such as caramel or fruit compote, for a personalized restaurant style finishing touch.

Nutritional Benefits

While sugar cookie cheesecake is indulgent, it does provide some nutritional value thanks to its protein and calcium rich cream cheese filling. Using high quality dairy ingredients makes the dessert more satisfying, which encourages mindful portions. If desired, substitutions like light cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or smaller serving sizes can help fit this treat into a balanced eating plan throughout the festive season or beyond.

Recipe Success Tips

For a flawless sugar cookie cheesecake, always ensure ingredients are at room temperature so the batter blends ultra smooth and creamy. If a crack forms, simply disguise it with extra cookie crumbles or creative decorations—flavor and texture won't be affected. If the crust crumbles at serving, pack the cookies a little more firmly next batch or add an extra spoonful of melted butter to bind the crumbs tightly before baking.

This sugar cookie cheesecake blends beloved flavors into a memorable holiday centerpiece that's easy to prep ahead and guaranteed to delight. Make it your new festive tradition and enjoy the delicious results for any special occasion.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How do I achieve a smooth cheesecake texture?

Ensure cream cheese is fully softened and beat with sugar until no lumps remain. Mixing at a low speed after adding eggs helps maintain creaminess and avoid cracks.

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

Yes, crushing ready-made sugar cookies for the crust adds convenient, buttery flavor. Homemade cookies also work well if preferred.

→ How long should the cheesecake chill before serving?

Chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. This helps the flavors meld and texture firm up.

→ What are some decorating ideas for the top?

Try sprinkling extra cookie crumbles, adding holiday sprinkles, or drizzling with powdered sugar or melted white chocolate for a festive finish.

→ How can I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Pre-baking the sugar cookie crust for 8–10 minutes creates a sturdier base and helps maintain a crisp texture beneath the cheesecake layer.