Name: Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 5 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups crushed sugar cookies (store-bought or homemade); 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup sour cream; ⅓ cup Christmas-colored sprinkles (red, green, and white); Whipped cream (optional); Extra Christmas sprinkles, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking to add a truly festive and delicious twist to your holiday dessert table, you absolutely must try this Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake. It’s a showstopper that combines the buttery, crumbly goodness of classic sugar cookies with the creamy, luscious texture of cheesecake, all dressed up with joyful red, green, and white sprinkles. Every bite bursts with holiday cheer, making it a perfect centerpiece for celebrations or a cozy treat to share with your loved ones. Trust me, once you experience this delightful fusion, Christmas dessert will never be the same again!

Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for this Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is surprisingly simple, yet each one plays an essential role in creating that perfect holiday flavor and texture. From the cookie crust that adds a nice crunch to the creamy filling that melts in your mouth, these ingredients come together beautifully for a memorable dessert experience.

2 cups crushed sugar cookies: Use either store-bought or homemade for the perfect buttery crust foundation.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Binds the cookie crumbs together and gives richness to the crust.
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient that makes the cheesecake incredibly smooth and creamy.
1 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right level of sweetness to balance the cream cheese tang.
3 large eggs: Helps bind the cheesecake filling for that classic silky texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to every bite.
½ cup sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that brightens the filling.
⅓ cup Christmas-colored sprinkles: Red, green, and white sprinkles mixed into the filling bring festive color and a little fun crunch.
Whipped cream (optional): For topping, adding a lovely light contrast to the rich cheesecake.
Extra Christmas sprinkles: Perfect for decorating the top and giving that festive finishing touch.

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C) and greasing a 9-inch springform pan so your cheesecake won’t stick. Combine crushed sugar cookies with melted butter in a bowl, mixing until well blended to create your crust base. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your pan—think of it as laying the perfect foundation for your cheesecake masterpiece! Bake it for about 8-10 minutes until lightly golden, then set it aside to cool completely before adding your creamy filling.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until silky smooth and creamy, making sure there aren’t any lumps. This step is key to that dream-worthy cheesecake texture. Incorporate your eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition to keep the batter luscious. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream—these add complex flavors and moistness. Finally, gently fold in the colorful Christmas sprinkles. Be careful not to overmix here because you want the sprinkles to stay intact and beautifully speckled throughout your filling.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the cheesecake filling over your cooled crust, smoothing out the top with a spatula for a nice even finish. Pop your pan into the oven and bake the cheesecake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’re aiming for the center to be just about set but still with a slight jiggle—this ensures it will have that perfect creamy consistency when chilled. Once done, turn off your oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door cracked open for about an hour. This gentle cooling step helps prevent cracks and maintains smoothness.

Step 4: Cooling and Chilling

After the hour in the oven, carefully remove the cheesecake and allow it to come to room temperature completely. Then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, so it can fully set and flavors can meld beautifully. Patience here rewards you with the most decadent results.

How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

Garnishes

Before serving, add a dollop of fluffy whipped cream atop the cheesecake for a creamy contrast. Scatter extra Christmas-colored sprinkles over the whipped cream to echo the festive theme and add a cheerful crunch that will make your guests smile. You can even toss on a few small sugar cookie pieces for texture and extra sweetness.

Side Dishes

This Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea, whose cozy flavors complement the richness of the dessert. For a lighter touch, serve alongside fresh berries or a bright fruit compote; the tartness is superb next to the sweet, creamy cheesecake.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve your cheesecake on a decorative holiday platter surrounded by pine sprigs or cinnamon sticks for that seasonal flair. You can also slice it into mini portions in colorful cupcake liners, turning your cheesecake into festive bites perfect for parties or dessert tables. Wrapping individual slices with clear boxes and ribbons makes a beautiful edible gift too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake keeps beautifully when covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and creamy for up to 4 days, perfect if you want to enjoy it a little longer or prepare ahead of your holiday celebrations.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later or need to prepare in advance, this cheesecake freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for that flawless texture and taste.

Reheating

Cheesecake is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you prefer a softer texture, just leave it on the counter for about 20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can cause the cheesecake to separate or become rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cookies for the crust?

Absolutely! While sugar cookies give this cheesecake its classic holiday vibe, you can swap in gingerbread or shortbread cookies for a different flavor twist that still complements the creamy filling beautifully.

Is it possible to make this cheesecake gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free sugar cookies for the crust and double-check your sprinkles to ensure they’re gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I make the cheesecake without the sprinkles inside the filling?

Definitely! The sprinkles add a fun festive look and a slight crunch, but leaving them out won’t affect the cheesecake’s taste or texture—instead, you can always sprinkle them on top after baking.

How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?

Be sure to avoid overmixing the batter and don’t overbake. Using the step where you let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly open helps prevent cracking by cooling gently and evenly.

Can I prepare this cheesecake a day in advance?

Yes! In fact, making your Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake a day ahead is ideal to allow it to chill thoroughly, making slicing easier and flavors richer.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is an absolute game-changer when it comes to holiday desserts. Easy to make, visually stunning, and irresistibly indulgent, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to revisit year after year. So go ahead and bring some extra festive magic to your celebrations with this delightful treat—you and everyone you serve it to will be so glad you did!

Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 30 reviews

Author: Matteo
Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake combines the buttery, crumbly goodness of sugar cookies with a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling, speckled with colorful holiday sprinkles for a joyful and delicious dessert perfect for holiday gatherings.

Instructions

Making the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan to prepare for the crust. In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the crushed sugar cookies with the melted butter until evenly mixed. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create the crust layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the crust turns lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before adding the cheesecake filling.
Making the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until you get a smooth, creamy consistency. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain a creamy texture. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until everything is well combined. Finally, gently fold in the Christmas-colored sprinkles, being careful not to overmix so that the colors stay vibrant within the filling.
Baking the Cheesecake: Pour the prepared cheesecake filling over the completely cooled crust and smooth out the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. The cheesecake should be almost set in the center but still have a slight jiggle to it, indicating it is perfectly baked. After baking, turn the oven off and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour; this helps prevent cracking by allowing it to cool gradually.
Cooling and Chilling: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and the texture to firm up properly for slicing.
Serving: When ready to serve, optionally top the cheesecake with whipped cream and sprinkle extra Christmas-colored sprinkles on top for festive decoration. Slice carefully and enjoy a creamy, colorful holiday treat with family and friends.

Notes

Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
Do not overmix the batter after adding the eggs to prevent too much air incorporation, which can cause cracks.
Using a water bath is optional but recommended for extra moist cheesecake without cracks.
Allow the cheesecake to chill preferably overnight for best texture and flavor.
Store leftover cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American