Dreamy Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe: A Delightful Fusion

Creamy cheesecake meets classic sugar cookie in a dessert that promises pure indulgence.

Sweet memories dance across my mind, recalling childhood treats with a grown-up twist.

Smooth cream cheese blends seamlessly with delicate sugar cookie crumbles, creating a magical fusion.

Layers of rich, velvety filling nestled atop a crumbly, buttery base await your spoon.

Delightful textures and flavors will make you the star of any gathering.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time.

Prepare to fall in love with every single decadent bite.

Storage and Reheating for Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Slices

• Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep cheesecake chilled to maintain texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Store up to 2 months. Unwrap and thaw in refrigerator for 2-3 hours.
• Warm individual slices at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwave to prevent texture changes and prevent ganache from separating.

Pairing Tips for Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

• Pair with Festive Hot Cocoa: Warm, rich hot chocolate complements the sweet, creamy cheesecake with marshmallow and cinnamon notes that highlight the dessert's sugary profile.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Latte: Smooth espresso and creamy vanilla create a luxurious counterpoint to the dense cheesecake, cutting through its richness while enhancing the dessert's sweet undertones.
• Match with Sparkling Moscato: Light, sweet white wine with bubbles provides a refreshing contrast to the heavy cheesecake, bringing a festive touch that elevates the holiday dessert experience.
• Accompany with Salted Caramel Martini: Sophisticated cocktail with smooth caramel and hint of salt balances the cheesecake's sweetness, creating a decadent adult dessert pairing that feels elegant and indulgent.

Cookie Cheesecake Flavor Spins

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular sugar cookie crust with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour base. Use certified gluten-free ingredients throughout the recipe.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Use vegan butter, egg replacer, and dairy-free white chocolate for ganache. Select plant-based sugar cookie alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Swap regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia in both crust and filling. Reduce total sugar content by 50% while maintaining original flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace cream cheese with coconut cream-based filling. Use coconut oil instead of butter. Select dairy-free white chocolate for topping and ensure all ingredients are lactose-free.

FAQs

• How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

Use a water bath during baking and avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter. Let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly open to prevent sudden temperature changes.

• Can I use store-bought sugar cookie dough?

Yes, you can use pre-made sugar cookie dough, but homemade dough will provide a fresher and more authentic flavor. Just ensure the dough is chilled and firm before adding to the cheesecake.

• Is a springform pan necessary for this recipe?

Absolutely. A springform pan allows you to remove the cheesecake easily without damaging its delicate structure. Using a regular cake pan will make it difficult to slice and serve the dessert.

• How far in advance can I prepare this cheesecake?

You can make the cheesecake 2-3 days before serving. Keep it refrigerated and add the white chocolate ganache and decorations just before serving to maintain the best texture and appearance.

Qualities That Make Sugar Cookie Cheesecake a Star

• Effortless Holiday Magic: Transform traditional sugar cookies into a show-stopping cheesecake that wows guests with minimal kitchen skill required.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, and potlucks where you want maximum taste with minimal preparation time.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows personal touches like different sprinkles, chocolate drizzles, or cookie variations to match your style and preference.
• No-Stress Baking: Straightforward steps and common ingredients mean even novice bakers can create a decadent dessert that looks professionally crafted.

Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Ingredients

• Sugar Cookies, Graham Crackers: Classic sweet base for the cheesecake.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients.

• Cream Cheese: Creamy and rich foundation of the cheesecake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the filling.
• Large Eggs: Provides structure and richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and smooth texture.

• Sugar Cookie Dough: Adds festive chunks throughout the cheesecake.
• Vanilla Extract: Complements cookie dough flavor.

• White Chocolate: Creates smooth ganache layer.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create ganache texture.
• Holiday Sprinkles: Adds festive visual appeal.

• Salt, Baking Powder: Enhances crust and filling flavors.
• Cornstarch: Helps stabilize cheesecake texture.

Sugar Cookie Cheesecake: The Method You Need

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Position your oven rack in the center and heat to 350°F. Coat a 9-inch springform pan with baking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Cookie Base

• Graham crackers
• Sugar cookies
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar

Crush cookies and graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden. Let cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare Cookie Dough Surprises

Roll small balls of sugar cookie dough. Place on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 30 minutes. This helps them maintain shape during mixing and baking.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Filling

• Cream cheese
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Large eggs
• Sour cream

Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar and mix until fluffy. Incorporate eggs one at a time. Blend in vanilla and sour cream. Gently fold in ⅔ of the frozen cookie dough balls.

Step 5: Bake in a Cozy Water Bath

Pour cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust. Create a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger roasting pan filled with hot water. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F. Bake for 80-90 minutes until center is slightly jiggly.

Step 6: Cool and Decorate

Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Prepare white chocolate ganache by melting white chocolate with heavy cream. Pour over chilled cheesecake. Garnish with remaining frozen cookie dough balls and festive sprinkles.

Cheesecake Tips for a Sugar Cookie Dessert Hit

• Prevent Crust Crumbling: Press sugar cookie crumbs firmly and evenly into the pan's bottom to create a solid, compact base that holds together perfectly when slicing.
• Freeze Cookie Dough Strategically: Freeze cookie dough balls completely before adding to cheesecake filling to prevent them from melting and maintain distinct chunks throughout the dessert.
• Master Water Bath Technique: Wrap springform pan's exterior with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping into the cheesecake, ensuring a smooth, crack-free surface during baking.
• Control Baking Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to verify precise temperature, preventing overbaking that can cause dry, cracked cheesecake texture and ensuring creamy consistency.
• Cooling is Crucial: Allow cheesecake to cool gradually at room temperature, then refrigerate overnight to develop deep flavors and achieve perfect slicing texture without structural breakdown.

Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet dreams come alive with sugar cookie cheesecake, a delightful fusion of classic dessert favorites. Rich cream cheese nestles atop a crumbly cookie base, offering pure comfort in each creamy, indulgent slice that promises to delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cane sugar
• 0.75 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 egg yolk, room temperature

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 0.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoons salt

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 0.33 cups Christmas sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly coat a 9-inch springform pan with baking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Combine sugar cookie crust ingredients into a crumbly mixture, pressing firmly and evenly into the pan’s base to create a compact foundation.
3. Gently bake the crust at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until edges turn golden brown, then remove and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
4. Shape sugar cookie dough into uniform small balls and transfer to freezer to solidify for approximately 20-30 minutes.
5. Prepare cheesecake filling by blending cream cheese, sugar, and other ingredients until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
6. Carefully fold two-thirds of the frozen cookie dough balls into the cheesecake mixture, distributing them evenly throughout.
7. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
8. Create a water bath by placing the springform pan inside a larger baking dish filled with hot water to ensure even, gentle baking.
9. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F and bake cheesecake for 80-90 minutes, watching for a slight jiggle in the center when gently shaken.
10. Remove cheesecake from oven and water bath, allowing it to cool at room temperature before refrigerating for several hours.
11. Melt white chocolate ganache and carefully drizzle over the chilled cheesecake, creating an elegant, smooth coating.
12. Garnish with remaining frozen cookie dough balls and colorful sprinkles for a festive, whimsical presentation.

Notes

• Freeze cookie dough balls completely before adding to cheesecake to prevent them from melting during baking and maintain their shape and texture.
• Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to create a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling that blends perfectly and ensures even baking.
• Wrap springform pan with aluminum foil when using water bath to prevent water from seeping into the crust, keeping it crisp and preventing soggy bottoms.
• For gluten-free option, substitute sugar cookie crust with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour-based crust to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg