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If you’re a fan of indulgent desserts that bring together the best of soft, buttery cookies and rich, creamy cheesecake, then you absolutely have to try this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake. It’s like your favorite sugar cookie got a luxurious upgrade, transforming into a luscious cheesecake crowned with white chocolate ganache and festive sprinkles. Each bite delivers that perfect balance of buttery crust, velvety cheesecake filling bursting with cookie dough balls, and a delightful pop of sweetness from the sprinkles. This dessert is not only stunning to look at but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake starts with a handful of simple, yet incredibly flavorful ingredients. Each component plays its part: the flour and butter build a tender crust, cane sugar brings the perfect sweetness, and the cream cheese ensures that creamy, dreamy texture we all crave.

All-purpose flour: Essential for both the crust and the cookie dough, it gives structure without weighing things down.
Baking soda: Adds just the right lift to the sugar cookie crust for a tender bite.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances richness beautifully.
Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter ensures a smooth mix and plenty of buttery goodness.
Regenerative Organic Certified® Cane Sugar from Wholesome: Sweetens naturally and supports sustainable farming.
Pure vanilla extract: Imparts warm, aromatic notes that tie the cheesecake and cookie flavors together.
Large eggs and egg yolk: Create structure and creamy richness for both crust and filling.
Christmas sprinkles (jimmies): Add color and a playful crunch to every slice.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Elevates moisture and tanginess, making the cheesecake silky smooth.
Heavy cream: Incorporated in the filling and ganache, giving luscious texture and decadence.
Cream cheese: The star of the show, delivering that unmistakably rich and creamy cheesecake flavor.
White chocolate chips: Melt into a silky ganache topping, adding sweetness and elegance.

How to Make Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Cookie Crust

Begin by preheating your oven to 350℉ and setting up a 9-inch springform pan with parchment and nonstick spray—this ensures your crust comes out perfectly intact. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl and set it aside. Next, cream together the butter and cane sugar until fluffy, then mix in vanilla, egg, and egg yolk. Gradually add the dry ingredients, fold in the colorful sprinkles, and press this sweet dough evenly across the bottom of your pan. Bake until golden and fragrant, forming a buttery base for the cheesecake.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough Balls

While the crust bakes, it’s time for a fun and slightly hands-on step: rolling the cookie dough balls. Start by combining flour and salt, then cream the butter and sugar as before, adding vanilla and milk for a soft, pliable dough. Mix in the dry ingredients and sprinkles, then roll the dough into tiny balls about the size of dimes to nickels. Pop them in the freezer to chill and firm up—this ensures they’ll hold their shape and add delightful pockets of cookie dough in the cheesecake.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling

Lower your oven temperature to 325℉ and prepare for a water bath, which helps your cheesecake bake evenly without cracking. Cream the cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then blend in the sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla, making sure there are no lumps. Beat in the eggs gently, and fold in two-thirds of your chilled cookie dough balls with a spatula, distributing these delicious morsels through the creamy batter.

Step 4: Bake the Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

Pour the batter over your cooled cookie crust, set it securely in a water bath (using either the double pan method or foil-wrapped springform method), and bake for 80-90 minutes. You’re looking for set edges with a gentle jiggle in the center. Once done, open the oven door slightly and cool the cake inside for 30 minutes—this slow cooling step helps prevent cracks. Then, let it cool completely at room temperature before chilling it overnight for the best texture and flavor.

Step 5: Finish With White Chocolate Ganache and Garnishes

To finish, melt white chocolate chips with hot cream to create a smooth ganache, which you’ll pour gently over the chilled cheesecake. Pop the cake into the freezer briefly to set the ganache, then top with the remaining cookie dough balls and an extra sprinkle of festive jimmies. This final touch creates a dazzling presentation and bursts of joyful flavor in every forkful.

How to Serve Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a handful more seasonal sprinkles can elevate your Sugar Cookie Cheesecake to eye-catching perfection. Fresh berries or a few peppermint shards can add a complementary freshness and crunch that pairs wonderfully with the creamy richness.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake is a dessert superstar that shines best on its own, but if you want to round out your sweet treat, consider a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or even a side of tangy lemon curd to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive celebration, serve individual mini slices garnished with edible glitter or a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can also create a cheesecake parfait layering chunks of cake, dollops of cheesecake filling, cookie dough bites, and ganache for a fun twist everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Sugar Cookie Cheesecake tightly covered in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 4 days, allowing all the flavors to marry even more over time.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the cheesecake, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

This cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer a slightly softer texture, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Avoid microwaving, as it can alter the texture negatively.

FAQs

Can I use different sprinkles for this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake?

Absolutely! While Christmas sprinkles add a festive look, you can customize with any color or style that suits your occasion or personal preference.

Do I need a water bath to bake this cheesecake?

Yes, a water bath helps regulate the oven temperature and keeps the cheesecake moist and crack-free. It’s an important step for achieving that professional, creamy texture.

Can I make the cookie dough balls in advance?

Yes, you can make and freeze the cookie dough balls ahead of time, which actually makes them easier to fold into the batter and keeps their lovely texture intact during baking.

What if I don’t have a springform pan?

A springform pan is really the best for this cheesecake to easily release the dessert without damage. If you don’t have one, try lining a regular pan tightly with parchment paper, but be extra careful when removing the cheesecake.

Is it possible to substitute the white chocolate ganache?

Definitely. You could use dark chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, or even a simple glaze. Each option will bring its own unique flavor profile to the Sugar Cookie Cheesecake.

Final Thoughts

You’re going to love making and sharing this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake as much as you’ll love eating it. It’s a deliciously festive treat that feels both comforting and special. Whether for the holidays or a sweet anytime indulgence, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your dessert repertoire. Go ahead and treat yourself—you deserve a slice (or two) of this incredible dessert!

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