Sugar Cookie Cheesecake: 5 Reasons You'll Love It!

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There are few desserts that bring as much joy as a sugar cookie, and even fewer that combine its sweetness with the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake. Enter the Sugar Cookie Cheesecake—a magical dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion. If you’re someone who loves indulgent, sweet treats (let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), this recipe will quickly become your new go-to.

But it’s not just about the flavor—this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake brings that cozy, nostalgic feeling you get when you bite into a homemade sugar cookie, with the added bonus of a decadent cheesecake layer. Trust me, your family will thank you.

The Perfect Blend of Flavors: Imagine biting into a buttery sugar cookie crust topped with a creamy, velvety cheesecake filling. It’s a match made in dessert heaven.
Festive and Fun: With colorful Christmas sprinkles and cute cookie dough balls, this cheesecake isn’t just delicious—it’s a feast for the eyes too. Perfect for the holiday season (or any day that needs a little extra sweetness).
Two Desserts in One: Who doesn’t love a good sugar cookie and cheesecake? This recipe combines both into one irresistible treat that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Impress Your Guests: Whether it’s for a holiday party or a family gathering, this cheesecake is guaranteed to be the star of the show. No one will be able to resist its decadent layers and festive charm.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prep it the night before, and you’ve got a no-fuss, show-stopping dessert ready when you need it. Perfect for busy bakers!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 3/4 cups All-purpose flour
1/2 tsp Baking soda
1/2 tsp Salt
3/4 cup Unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup Regenerative Organic Certified® Cane Sugar from Wholesome
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 Regenerative Organic Certified® Cane Sugar from Wholesome
1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
5 TBSP Milk
1/3 cup Christmas sprinkles (jimmies)

For the Cheesecake:

32 oz Cream cheese, room temperature
2/3 cup Regenerative Organic Certified® Cane Sugar from Wholesome
3/4 cup Sour cream (or Greek yogurt), room temperature
1/2 cup Heavy cream, room temperature
1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
4 Large eggs, room temperature
2/3 of the prepared cookie dough balls

For the White Chocolate Ganache:

1 cup White chocolate chips
1/3 cup Heavy cream

Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper and spray again for extra stick resistance. This is a no-stress crust!

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set it aside for later. Now, beat the butter and cane sugar together on high speed for about 2 minutes. You want it light and fluffy—just like the best sugar cookie dough. Add in the vanilla extract, egg, and egg yolk and mix until fully combined.

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until it all comes together. Fold in those festive Christmas sprinkles for a pop of color and fun!

Now, press the cookie dough into the bottom of the springform pan. It doesn’t need to go up the sides, just create a nice, even layer. Pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes until it’s golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges. Your kitchen will smell like a bakery—you’re welcome.

While the crust bakes, it’s time to make those cute cookie dough balls. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set that aside.

Beat the butter and cane sugar together on high speed for 2 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and milk, mixing until well combined. Add the dry ingredients and mix on low until it just comes together. And yes, it will feel like cookie dough should! Stir in the Christmas sprinkles for that festive flair.

Roll the dough into little balls (about the size of a dime or nickel). This part is fun, but you might want to recruit the kids or your partner to help you. Once rolled, freeze the cookie dough balls until they’re firm and ready to be added to the cheesecake later.

3. Time for the Cheesecake:

Now, preheat the oven to 325°F and start heating up water for the water bath. (You’re almost there, I promise!)

Beat the cream cheese and cane sugar on high for 2 minutes until smooth. Add in the sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until completely combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through for even mixing.

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed between each addition. Take your time—no need to rush!

Finally, fold in 2/3 of the frozen cookie dough balls and gently mix them into the cheesecake batter.

Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled cookie crust. You’re almost done!

4. Water Bath Time:

Here’s where we work our magic! Place the springform pan in a large roasting pan and carefully fill it with hot water—about halfway up the sides of the pan. This helps cook the cheesecake evenly and prevents cracks (because we all want that smooth, flawless top!).

Bake for 80-90 minutes until the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle. Once done, turn off the oven, crack the door, and let it cool for 30 minutes. This is key to avoiding cracks on top.

Let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature, then wrap it up and refrigerate it for at least 6 hours or overnight. Patience is a virtue here, but I promise it’s worth it.

5. White Chocolate Ganache and the Final Touch:

For the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it’s hot and steamy. Pour it over the white chocolate chips and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Stir until the ganache is smooth and shiny.

Take the cheesecake out of the fridge, remove the foil, and peel away the parchment paper. Pour the ganache over the cheesecake and spread it out evenly. Freeze for about 10 minutes to let the ganache set.

Now, top the cheesecake with the remaining cookie dough balls and sprinkle on a little extra holiday cheer with more Christmas sprinkles.

A Few Tips for Perfection:

Want a shortcut? If you’re short on time, you can swap out the homemade cookie crust for a store-bought sugar cookie dough. It’ll save you a bit of work and still taste delicious!
Chill your cheesecake overnight for the best texture. Trust me, the flavors will develop more as it sits.
If you’re looking for a fun way to serve this, you could slice it into little squares and serve them at your next holiday gathering. I promise your guests will be impressed.

Whole Sugar Cookie Cheesecake decorated with Christmas sprinkles and whipped cream. — This stunning Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is topped with festive whipped cream, colorful Christmas sprinkles, and candy, making it the perfect holiday treat.

Can I substitute regular sugar with a different type?

Sure! If you want a lighter option, feel free to use coconut sugar or a sugar alternative. Just keep in mind that it might affect the texture a little.

How do I store leftovers?

This cheesecake can be stored in the fridge, covered, for up to 5 days. But I doubt you’ll have leftovers… it’s that good.

This Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is more than just a dessert—it’s a showstopper. Whether you’re baking it for a festive holiday gathering or just because you need something to make your day a little sweeter, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. With a buttery sugar cookie crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a luscious white chocolate ganache, this dessert is worth every minute in the kitchen.

So, roll up your sleeves and get baking—it’s time to make something magical happen in your kitchen!

To make your dessert spread even more delightful, here are some recipes you can try alongside your Sugar Cookie Cheesecake:

Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles – If you’re a cheesecake lover, you’ll adore these bite-sized treats! They’re the perfect combination of creamy pumpkin flavor and smooth cheesecake, ideal for holiday parties or just because.
Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread – Looking for a savory side to balance out all the sweetness? This cornbread is rich, sweet, and buttery—absolutely irresistible!
Baked Cranberry Brie Bites – These savory little bites are perfect for pairing with your sweet dessert spread. The creamy brie and tart cranberry are a match made in heaven.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Meatballs – For something savory that’s sure to impress your guests, try these tender meatballs. They’re flavorful and easy to make—great for holiday dinners or casual gatherings.

These recipes will help you create a meal that’s both sweet and savory, leaving everyone asking for seconds!