There’s something magical about the holidays — the smell of butter, sugar, and vanilla filling the kitchen as cookies bake and laughter fills the air. Every December, my oven hardly gets a break. Between family gatherings and late-night baking sessions, this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake has become my secret weapon. It’s the perfect combination of two beloved desserts: the melt-in-your-mouth sweetness of sugar cookies and the rich, creamy texture of classic cheesecake.
The first time I made it, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. I had leftover cookie dough from my Christmas baking spree, a craving for cheesecake, and a wild idea to mix the two. One bite later, and it was clear this dessert was here to stay. Now, it’s the centerpiece of every holiday table — festive, comforting, and beautifully simple.
If you love creative holiday bakes, you’ll also adore my Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread and Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites. Both are easy to make, festive, and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Press softened sugar cookie dough into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a greased springform pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and let cool.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
- Pour cheesecake batter over the cooled cookie crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for about 50 minutes, then turn off the oven and let the cheesecake rest with the door slightly open to prevent cracking.
- Once cool, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, top with whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed cookies or festive sprinkles.
Nutrition
Notes
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The Perfect Blend of Sugar Cookie and Cheesecake
This Sugar Cookie Cheesecake starts with a buttery sugar cookie crust — soft, slightly chewy, and golden. The filling is smooth and creamy, flavored with vanilla and just a touch of almond extract for that nostalgic cookie-shop taste. What makes it truly irresistible is how beautifully the two layers come together — the crust holds its shape while the cheesecake melts into every crumb.
For a dessert this special, I like serving it after a cozy meal like my Golden Creamy Scalloped Potatoes or Garlic Butter Bread Rolls. It’s the perfect sweet ending to a comforting dinner.
How to Make Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. If you’re using store-bought sugar cookie dough, let it soften slightly. Press it evenly into the bottom of a springform pan and a little up the sides to form the crust. Bake it for about ten minutes until it’s lightly golden, then set it aside to cool.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined, then stir in vanilla and a touch of almond extract. The key is not to overmix — that’s what keeps your cheesecake silky. Pour the mixture over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Bake for about 50 minutes, then let it rest with the oven door slightly open to prevent cracking.
Once it’s cool, chill the cheesecake for at least four hours. Before serving, top it with whipped cream, crushed sugar cookies, or festive sprinkles for a Christmas touch. The result is a creamy, golden dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
I love pairing this with a cup of Costa Rican Tea for something soothing or serving it alongside my Pistachio Martini Recipe when guests come over. The flavors balance beautifully, turning an ordinary evening into something special.
Tips for the Creamiest Cheesecake
The secret to a Heavenly Moist Fruitcake is patience, and the same applies here. Let your ingredients come to room temperature before mixing. This ensures everything blends smoothly and prevents lumps. Always bake your cheesecake in a water bath if you can — it helps keep the texture creamy and prevents cracks.
After baking, don’t rush the chilling time. The longer it rests, the more the flavors deepen. I sometimes bake it the night before a holiday dinner, so it’s perfectly set and ready to slice. For an extra twist, try folding white chocolate chips into the batter or drizzling caramel over the top.
If you’re building a full dessert table, this cheesecake pairs beautifully with my Christmas Fruit Cake and Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin. Together, they make a festive trio that covers every craving — creamy, fruity, and perfectly sweet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is the best of both worlds. It’s easy enough for a casual weekend bake but elegant enough for Christmas dinner. The texture is smooth and rich, while the cookie crust adds a soft crunch that melts with every forkful. It’s also a showstopper — bright, golden, and speckled with holiday sprinkles that make it look as good as it tastes.
For those who love comforting recipes with a touch of sweetness, try my Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup or Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Both pair perfectly with this dessert for a cozy winter meal that feels like home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day. Chill it overnight for the perfect creamy texture.
2. Can I use homemade cookie dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely. Just make sure it’s not too sticky, and chill it before pressing it into the pan.
3. What toppings work best?
Whipped cream, crushed cookies, or even a drizzle of white chocolate — you can get creative.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Keep it covered in the fridge for up to five days. It also freezes beautifully for up to a month.
If you enjoy desserts that feel nostalgic yet special, try my Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls or the Creamed Corn Thanksgiving. Both carry that homemade comfort that makes every bite memorable.
How to Serve Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
This cheesecake deserves the spotlight. Serve it chilled, with whipped cream swirls and crushed sugar cookies sprinkled on top. For Christmas parties, add red and green sprinkles to make it sparkle. It’s also delicious with fresh berries for a lighter finish.
If you want to turn it into individual servings, bake the crust in cupcake liners and fill each with the cheesecake mixture — perfect for parties and gifting. Pair it with a warm drink and your favorite blanket, and you’ve got holiday perfection.
For a cozy family dinner, serve this dessert after my Golden Creamy Scalloped Potatoes or Mouthwatering Vegetable Soup. It’s the kind of comforting meal that brings everyone to the table.
Final Thoughts
Baking this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is like wrapping the holidays in one beautiful dessert. Every slice has the sweetness of homemade cookies and the creaminess of classic cheesecake. It’s festive, simple, and guaranteed to earn you compliments.
Whether it’s for Christmas Eve, a cozy winter dinner, or just because you love dessert, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. For more inspiration, check out my Heavenly Moist Fruitcake and Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread — both perfect for bringing a little sweetness to the season.
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