If there’s one dessert that captures the spirit of the holidays, it’s a sugar cookie cheesecake. This dreamy dessert combines the comfort of classic sugar cookies with the creamy richness of cheesecake, creating a festive showstopper everyone raves about. You’ll love the playful sprinkles, the luscious white chocolate ganache, and the irresistible cookie dough surprise hidden inside every bite. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or want to impress your dessert bar crowd, this recipe brings warmth, nostalgia, and a satisfying crunch that defines the perfect holiday indulgence.
The Story Behind My Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
A Christmas Tradition Reimagined
I still remember the first time I baked this sugar cookie cheesecake—it was Christmas Eve, and my kitchen smelled like vanilla dreams and melted butter. My grandmother’s sugar cookies always had this soft chew and sugary sparkle that felt like magic. I decided to merge that memory with my passion for creamy cheesecakes. The result was something unbelievably good—a dessert bar masterpiece that became our family’s signature treat.
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Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 slices 1x
Description
A creamy sugar cookie cheesecake filled with cookie dough balls and topped with white chocolate ganache – a perfect dessert for holidays.
Ingredients
Sugar Cookie Crust:
1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter
1 cup cane sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 egg yolk
1/3 cup sprinkles
Cookie Dough Balls:
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter
1 cup cane sugar
1 tsp vanilla
5 TBSP milk
1/3 cup sprinkles
Cheesecake:
32 oz cream cheese
2/3 cup sugar
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla
4 eggs
2/3 cup cookie dough balls
Ganache:
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/3 cup heavy cream
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare the pan.
2. Mix crust ingredients and press into pan.
3. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden.
4. Mix cookie dough ingredients and roll into small balls.
5. Prepare cheesecake filling and fold in cookie dough balls.
6. Bake cheesecake until center is set.
7. Cool completely, then chill for 6 hours.
8. Prepare ganache, pour over cheesecake, and decorate with more cookie dough balls and sprinkles.
Notes
Make-ahead friendly. Chill overnight for best texture. Great for freezing.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why This Cheesecake Feels Like Home
Each layer tells a story: the golden sugar cookie crust that crumbles just right, the creamy cheesecake filled with tiny cookie dough balls, and the glossy ganache on top. This sugar cookie cheesecake brings joy, laughter, and that irresistible “just one more slice” feeling. It’s festive, comforting, and honestly, the dessert that makes every Christmas dinner feel complete.
Crafting the Perfect Sugar Cookie Crust
The Foundation of Flavor
The crust is the soul of any cheesecake, and this sugar cookie base sets the tone. Using soft butter and Wholesome’s organic cane sugar gives a buttery sweetness that balances perfectly with the tangy cream cheese. A touch of vanilla and a shower of colorful Christmas sprinkles make it not only delicious but beautiful too.
Pro Tips for a Golden, Crisp Base
Always start with room-temperature ingredients—this ensures the dough blends smoothly. Press the dough evenly into the pan but avoid pushing up the sides; this allows the filling to settle perfectly. Bake until lightly golden, around 25–30 minutes, and let it cool before pouring in the filling. That subtle crunch paired with creamy cheesecake creates the texture contrast that makes this dessert bar sugar cookie cheesecake irresistible.
Cheesecake Filling with Cookie Dough Surprise
Smooth, Creamy, and Perfectly Sweet
For the filling, you’ll beat together cream cheese, sour cream, and Wholesome cane sugar until silky smooth. Add in the eggs one at a time, followed by heavy cream and vanilla. The mixture should be thick yet pourable.
Hidden Gems Inside Every Bite
Now here’s the secret: tiny sugar cookie dough balls. Fold them into the cheesecake batter before baking. As the cheesecake bakes, those little cookie pieces soften slightly but retain that tender sugar-cookie flavor that melts into the creaminess. It’s a playful surprise in every slice and gives this cheesecake its signature texture that everyone talks about.
The White Chocolate Ganache Topping
Silky and Decadent
A good topping completes the story, and this white chocolate ganache adds a luxurious finish. Combine white chocolate chips with warm heavy cream, stirring until smooth and glossy. Pour it over the chilled cheesecake and spread evenly.
Decorating with Cookie Dough Balls and Sprinkles
Once the ganache sets slightly, add more sugar cookie dough balls and festive sprinkles on top. It gives your sugar cookie cheesecake that picture-perfect, bakery-style finish. This decorative touch makes it shine on a dessert bar or as the centerpiece of your holiday table.
Serving and Storing Your Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
Presentation Tips
When it’s time to serve, slice with a warm knife for clean, sharp edges. Each piece reveals the colorful sprinkles and hidden cookie dough centers, earning you guaranteed compliments. Serve slightly chilled with a dollop of whipped cream if you want to add another layer of decadence.
How to Store It Right
Cover and refrigerate your cheesecake for up to five days. It also freezes beautifully for up to a month—just thaw in the fridge overnight. This make-ahead flexibility is why this recipe is not just delicious but practical for busy holiday schedules.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
Yes, but homemade sugar cookie dough has better texture and flavor. Store-bought versions can work in a pinch, just skip extra sugar.
2. What if I don’t have white chocolate chips?
You can substitute with milk chocolate, though the flavor will differ. White chocolate gives a cleaner, smoother sweetness that pairs perfectly with sugar cookie notes.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. It needs to chill for at least six hours, so making it the night before is ideal.
4. Can I use other sprinkles?
Yes! Customize for any celebration—heart sprinkles for Valentine’s Day, pastel ones for Easter, or red-white-blue for Independence Day.
Conclusion
There’s something magical about a dessert that blends nostalgia with elegance. This sugar cookie cheesecake does just that. With its soft, buttery crust, creamy filling, and festive sprinkles, it captures the spirit of joy and warmth. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or as a year-round treat, this cheesecake proves that sugar cookies and cheesecake truly belong together.
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