Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
Celebrate the holidays with our Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake—a festive dessert that perfectly blends buttery sugar cookie crust with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling. Ideal for holiday gatherings, this easy-to-make treat can be served as mini cheesecakes or a full-sized cake, decorated with colorful sprinkles and holiday flair. It’s a make-ahead friendly recipe that brings joy and delicious flavors to your festive table.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8-12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be made gluten-free or vegan with substitutions
Crust Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups sugar cookies, crumbled (about 15–20 cookies)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Festive sprinkles or colored sugar, optional (for mixing in crust)
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or sour cream
- Festive sprinkles or colored sugar, for topping
- Prepare the Crust: Crush sugar cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and crushing with a rolling pin. Combine the crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of a springform pan or mini cheesecake cups to create an even layer.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat softened cream cheese with a mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add granulated sugar and mix until fully combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream or sour cream until the filling is silky and smooth.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Avoid overbaking to maintain creamy texture.
- Cool and Chill: Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and texture to firm up.
- Decorate and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle festive colored sugar or holiday-themed sprinkles on top. Optionally garnish with whipped cream or mini sugar cookie pieces for added texture and festive appeal.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Avoid overmixing to prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
- Consider baking in a water bath to add moisture and reduce cracking.
- Chill the cheesecake thoroughly for firm slices and enhanced flavor.
- Choose high-quality sugar cookies for the best crust flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Christmas dessert, holiday cheesecake, sugar cookie crust, festive cheesecake, easy holiday dessert