This Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any festive occasion, especially Christmas! With its luscious sugar cookie crust and creamy cheesecake filling dotted with sugar cookie dough balls, this dessert is sure to impress your family and friends. Topped with a rich white chocolate ganache, it beautifully combines flavors and textures that make every bite a celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sugar cookie and cheesecake creates a deliciously sweet dessert that everyone loves.
- Visual Appeal: The vibrant Christmas sprinkles add a festive touch that makes this cheesecake perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Easy to Make: Despite its impressive look, this recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile Dessert: Enjoy this cheesecake at holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion where you want to impress.
- Decadent Toppings: The white chocolate ganache and cookie dough bites elevate the flavor and texture, making each slice irresistible.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes the process smoother when preparing your Sugar Cookie Cheesecake. Ensure you have everything in place before starting your baking adventure.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch springform pan
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort by easily blending ingredients until smooth.
- 9-inch springform pan: Allows for easy release of the cheesecake after baking without damaging its shape.
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookie Crust
- 1 3/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 3/4 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup White granulated sugar
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 1 Large egg (room temperature)
- 1 Egg yolk (room temperature)
- 1/3 cup Christmas sprinkles (jimmies)
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup White granulated sugar
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 3 TBSP Milk
- 1/2 cup Christmas sprinkles (jimmies)
- 24 oz Cream cheese (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup White granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Sour cream (room temperature or greek yogurt)
- 1/4 cup Heavy cream (room temperature)
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 4 Large eggs (room temperature)
- 3/4 Cookie dough balls
For the Ganache Topping
- 1 cup White chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup Heavy cream
How to Make Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
Step 1: Make the Sugar Cookie Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the Christmas sprinkles.
Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan. Bake for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
While the crust cools down, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and eggs one at a time. Gently fold in cookie dough balls.
Pour this mixture over the cooled crust in your springform pan. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 60–70 minutes or until set but slightly jiggly in the center. Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating for at least four hours or overnight.
Step 3: Make the Ganache Topping
In a small saucepan over low heat, heat heavy cream until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add white chocolate chips. Stir until smooth and fully melted. Pour this ganache over your chilled cheesecake.
Step 4: Serve Your Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
Once everything is chilled and set, remove from springform pan carefully. Slice into pieces and serve with extra cookie dough balls on top if desired! Enjoy this special treat during your holiday celebrations!
How to Serve Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
Serving sugar cookie cheesecake is all about presentation and pairing it with delightful accompaniments. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.
For a Festive Touch
- Christmas Sprinkles: Top each slice with colorful Christmas sprinkles for a joyful, festive look.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on the side for extra creaminess and lightness.
With Fresh Fruit
- Berries: Serve with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a tart contrast to the sweet cheesecake.
- Sliced Kiwi: The bright green color of kiwi adds an appealing visual element and a refreshing taste.
Beverages to Pair
- Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate complements the rich flavors of the cheesecake perfectly.
- Coffee or Tea: Brewed coffee or herbal tea can balance the sweetness and provide a comforting finish to your meal.
How to Perfect Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
Perfecting your sugar cookie cheesecake can take it from delicious to extraordinary. Here are some helpful tips.
- Chill the Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smooth texture.
- Beat Eggs Slowly: Add eggs one at a time and beat gently to avoid incorporating too much air into the batter.
- Use Quality Chocolate: Choose high-quality white chocolate for the ganache; it makes a significant difference in flavor.
- Cool Gradually: After baking, let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly open. This prevents cracking on top.
Best Side Dishes for Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
Pairing side dishes with sugar cookie cheesecake can elevate your dessert experience. Here’s a list of delicious sides that complement this rich treat.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, vanilla ice cream offers a creamy contrast and coolness.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits provides a light balance to the richness of the cheesecake.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over each slice for an indulgent touch.
- Caramel Sauce: Sweet caramel sauce adds another layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with sugar cookies.
- Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of nutty granola on top offers crunch and texture that enhances every bite.
- Cheesecake Bites: Serve mini cheesecake bites alongside for those who want just a taste without having a full slice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making sugar cookie cheesecake can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy cheesecake batter.
- Overmixing the filling: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in your cheesecake.
- Skipping the water bath: A water bath helps regulate the temperature while baking. It prevents the edges from cooking too fast and keeps your cheesecake creamy.
- Not chilling before serving: Allow your cheesecake to chill for several hours or overnight. This enhances its flavor and texture, making it more enjoyable.
- Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on the baking time. Underbaking results in a wobbly center, while overbaking makes it dry.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store sugar cookie cheesecake in an airtight container.
- It will keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
- You can freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the slices for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sugar Cookie Cheesecake?
Sugar cookie cheesecake blends two beloved desserts into one delicious treat. It features a sugar cookie crust and a creamy cheesecake filling with cookie dough balls.
Can I customize my Sugar Cookie Cheesecake?
Absolutely! You can add different flavors or toppings like chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit to enhance the dessert’s taste.
How long does Sugar Cookie Cheesecake last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, sugar cookie cheesecake lasts about 5 days. In the freezer, it can last up to 2 months.
Is Sugar Cookie Cheesecake difficult to make?
Not at all! While it requires some steps, following the recipe closely makes it manageable for bakers of all levels.
Final Thoughts
This sugar cookie cheesecake is not only festive but also versatile enough for any occasion. Its delightful combination of flavors will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Feel free to customize it with different toppings or flavors that you love!
Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts, perfect for any celebration, especially during the holidays! This creamy cheesecake features a buttery sugar cookie crust and is studded with cookie dough balls for a fun twist. Topped with rich white chocolate ganache and vibrant Christmas sprinkles, it offers an irresistible blend of flavors and textures that will leave your family and friends wanting more. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cheesecake is sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 80 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 3/4 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup White granulated sugar
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 1 Large egg (room temperature)
- 1 Egg yolk (room temperature)
- 1/3 cup Christmas sprinkles (jimmies)
- 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup White granulated sugar
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 3 TBSP Milk
- 1/2 cup Christmas sprinkles (jimmies)
- 24 oz Cream cheese (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup White granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Sour cream (room temperature or greek yogurt)
- 1/4 cup Heavy cream (room temperature)
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 4 Large eggs (room temperature)
- 3/4 Cookie dough balls
- 1 cup White chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup Heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg, yolk, and vanilla; mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in sprinkles.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan and bake for about 10 minutes until lightly golden.
- For the filling, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla extract, one egg at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Fold in cookie dough balls.
- Pour filling over cooled crust and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 60–70 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center. Cool completely before refrigerating for at least four hours or overnight.
- For the ganache topping, heat heavy cream until simmering; remove from heat and stir in white chocolate chips until smooth. Pour over chilled cheesecake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
