This Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines the best of both worlds: the softness of a cheesecake and the sweetness of sugar cookies. Ideal for Christmas gatherings or any festive occasion, this cheesecake features a luscious sugar cookie crust, a creamy filling dotted with sugar cookie dough balls, and a rich white chocolate ganache on top. It’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cream cheese, sugar cookies, and white chocolate creates a rich and indulgent taste.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: The vibrant Christmas sprinkles make this cheesecake visually appealing, perfect for holiday tables.
- Versatile Dessert: While ideal for Christmas, this cheesecake is great for birthdays, family gatherings, or any special occasion.
- Easy to Make: With clear steps and simple ingredients, even novice bakers can achieve success with this recipe.
- Generous Servings: This recipe yields 16 slices, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making your Sugar Cookie Cheesecake, gather your tools and equipment to ensure a smooth baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Springform pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Springform pan: Allows for easy removal of the cheesecake without damaging its delicate structure.
- Electric mixer: Ensures that the cream cheese is smoothly blended for a creamy texture.
- Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of mixing bowls to incorporate every bit of deliciousness.
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 Sugar Cookie Dough Balls
- 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)
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 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 White Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup White chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup Heavy cream
How to Make Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Cookie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in vanilla extract, egg, egg yolk, and mix well. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until combined. Fold in Christmas sprinkles. Press mixture into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake for 15 minutes. Let it cool.
Step 2: Make Sugar Cookie Dough Balls
In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Mix in vanilla extract, then add milk to combine. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in more Christmas sprinkles. Form dough into small balls about one inch in size and place on a parchment-lined tray. Chill while preparing the cheesecake filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar while mixing well after each addition. Blend in sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until combined. Add eggs one at a time while mixing slowly until just incorporated.
Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake
Pour half of the cheesecake filling into the cooled crust. Evenly distribute chilled cookie dough balls over this layer before adding the remaining cheesecake batter on top.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for about 80 minutes or until edges are set but center still jiggles slightly. Turn off oven but leave cheesecake inside for an additional hour before cooling completely at room temperature.
Step 6: Prepare White Chocolate Ganache
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream with white chocolate chips until melted and smooth. Drizzle over cooled cheesecake once fully set.
Now your delicious Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
Serving your sugar cookie cheesecake can turn a simple dessert into a festive celebration. With its rich flavors and delightful toppings, there are many ways to present this sweet treat.
Individual Slices
- Serve each slice on a colorful dessert plate for a cheerful touch.
- Garnish with additional Christmas sprinkles for extra color and texture.
With Fresh Berries
- Pair with fresh strawberries or raspberries to add a tart contrast to the sweet cheesecake.
- Arrange the berries artfully on the plate for an elegant presentation.
Drizzled with Ganache
- Use leftover white chocolate ganache to drizzle over each slice.
- This enhancement adds richness and makes the dessert even more indulgent.
Whipped Cream Topping
- Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
- Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm, comforting flavor.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Include slices of sugar cookie cheesecake alongside other holiday treats like cookies and brownies.
- This variety will please guests and make your dessert table visually appealing.
How to Perfect Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
To achieve the perfect sugar cookie cheesecake, follow these helpful tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure all dairy products are at room temperature for smooth mixing and even baking.
- Don’t overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks in the cheesecake.
- Bake in a water bath: Place your cheesecake pan in a larger pan filled with hot water during baking. This helps maintain moisture and prevents cracking.
- Chill before serving: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) before serving. This enhances flavor and texture.
- Garnish creatively: Get creative with your toppings! A mix of sprinkles, crushed cookies, or berries can add visual appeal and unique flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
Complementing your sugar cookie cheesecake with thoughtful side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options:
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of the cheesecake.
- Chocolate Mousse: This rich chocolate dessert provides a decadent contrast to the lightness of the cheesecake.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully, creating a delightful temperature contrast.
- Coffee or Espresso: A cup of coffee or espresso can help cut through the richness of the cheesecake while enhancing its flavors.
- Cheese Plate: A selection of cheeses offers savory bites that pair well with the sweetness of sugar cookie cheesecake.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide crunchiness and an unexpected flavor that complements the dessert beautifully.
- Mini Cupcakes: Small cupcakes in festive flavors make for fun finger foods alongside your signature dessert.
- Hot Chocolate Bar: Set up a hot chocolate bar with various toppings for guests to enjoy alongside their slices of cheesecake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a sugar cookie cheesecake, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using cold ingredients: This can lead to uneven mixing and a lumpy texture. Always use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
- Skipping the crust chilling: If you skip chilling the sugar cookie crust, it may not hold its shape while baking. Allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes before filling.
- Overmixing the cheesecake batter: Overmixing can introduce too much air, causing cracks in your cheesecake. Mix until just combined for the best results.
- Not allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually: Rapid cooling can crack your cheesecake. Turn off the oven and let it cool inside with the door ajar for an hour.
- Using low-quality chocolate for ganache: Cheap chocolate can affect the flavor of your white chocolate ganache. Use high-quality chocolate chips for a rich taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover sugar cookie cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge.
- It will last up to 5 days when properly stored.
Freezing Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil before placing them in the freezer.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
- Oven: Preheat to 325°F (160°C) and warm covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warmed through, being careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat and cover with a lid, warming gently for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sugar Cookie Cheesecake?
Sugar cookie cheesecake combines creamy cheesecake with a sweet sugar cookie crust, making it a delightful dessert option.
Can I use different sprinkles?
Yes! Feel free to substitute Christmas sprinkles with any seasonal or colorful sprinkles of your choice for festive flair.
How do I know when my cheesecake is done?
The edges should be set while the center remains slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools.
Can I make this sugar cookie cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dessert can be made one day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until serving time.
Final Thoughts
This sugar cookie cheesecake is not only beautiful but also incredibly delicious. Its creamy texture paired with a sweet, buttery crust makes it perfect for any festive occasion. Feel free to customize it with different toppings or flavors to suit your taste!
Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
Indulge in the bliss of our Sugar Cookie Cheesecake, a heavenly fusion of creamy cheesecake and sweet sugar cookie goodness. This dessert features a buttery sugar cookie crust, a rich filling embedded with cookie dough balls, and is crowned with a luxurious white chocolate ganache. Perfect for Christmas gatherings or any festive occasion, this delightful treat will not only satisfy your sweet cravings but also dazzle your guests with its charming presentation. Easy to make and generous in servings, this cheesecake is sure to become a favorite at your celebration!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 80 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 16 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/3 cup Christmas sprinkles (jimmies)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 cup Christmas sprinkles (jimmies)
- 24 oz cream cheese
- 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
- 3/4 cookie dough balls
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the sugar cookie crust by mixing flour, baking soda, and salt. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then add egg and vanilla. Combine with dry ingredients and press into a springform pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Make the sugar cookie dough balls by mixing the remaining flour and butter with sugar and vanilla, adding milk gradually. Form into balls, chill.
- For the cheesecake filling, blend cream cheese until smooth, adding sugar gradually. Mix in sour cream and eggs until just combined.
- Assemble by pouring half the filling over the crust, placing cookie dough balls on top, then adding the rest of the filling.
- Bake for about 80 minutes until edges are set; cool inside the oven for an hour before chilling completely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
