Introduction

This Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is a festive twist on a classic dessert, combining the buttery crunch of sugar cookie crust with a creamy, colorful cheesecake filling. Its sprinkled interior and optional whipped cream topping make it perfect for holiday celebrations.

The image shows a close-up of a cheesecake with two visible layers. The bottom layer is a dark brown crumbly crust, slightly textured with bits of crumbs. Above it is a thick, smooth, creamy off-white cheesecake layer with tiny red specks spread within and on the sides. The top of the cake is decorated with small colorful candy balls in red, green, and white, along with irregular chunks of dark brown chocolate pieces. In the background, there is a large red bow partially visible at the top, adding a festive touch. The whole cake sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups crushed sugar cookies (store-bought or homemade)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream
⅓ cup Christmas-colored sprinkles (red, green, and white)
Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
Extra Christmas sprinkles, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan to prepare for the crust.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed sugar cookies and melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Step 3: Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
Step 4: Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes or until it’s lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely before adding the filling.
Step 5: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
Step 7: Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined.
Step 8: Gently fold in the Christmas-colored sprinkles, taking care not to overmix to avoid bleeding of colors.
Step 9: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 10: Bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes, until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.
Step 11: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour to cool gradually and prevent cracking.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cheesecake filling.
Use gluten-free sugar cookies for a gluten-free version of the crust.
Swap the sprinkles for mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts if preferred.
Allow the cheesecake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture and flavor.

Storage

Store the cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to serve, you can add whipped cream and extra sprinkles for garnish. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled for the best taste and texture.

How to Serve

A two-layered round cheesecake with a thick, crumbly dark brown crust at the bottom and a smooth, creamy pale yellow cheesecake filling on top. The top layer is decorated with small shiny red, green, and white candy balls scattered evenly, along with chunks of dark brown chocolate and tiny white candy pieces. There are also thin red sprinkles creating light streaks across the surface. A shiny red bow sits on top near the edge, adding a festive touch. The cheesecake is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh homemade sugar cookies for the crust?

Yes, freshly made sugar cookies can be crushed to make the crust. Just ensure they are completely cooled and slightly crisp for the best texture.

How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

Gradual cooling is key: leave the cheesecake in the turned-off oven with the door slightly ajar for an hour after baking. Also, avoid overmixing the batter and do not open the oven door during baking.

Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 67 reviews

Celebrate the holidays with this festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake featuring a buttery sugar cookie crust, a creamy cream cheese filling speckled with colorful Christmas sprinkles, and an optional whipped cream topping for extra indulgence. Perfect for holiday parties and gatherings, this cheesecake combines the best of classic sugar cookies with rich cheesecake in a beautifully vibrant presentation.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes plus 4 hours chilling
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sugar Cookie Crust:

2 cups crushed sugar cookies (store-bought or homemade)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream
⅓ cup Christmas-colored sprinkles (red, green, and white)

For the Topping:

Whipped cream (optional)
Extra Christmas sprinkles, for garnish

Instructions

Making the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan thoroughly. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed sugar cookies with the melted unsalted butter. Mix until well combined. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create a solid base. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until it turns lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely before proceeding.
Making the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined to maintain a creamy texture. Gently fold in the Christmas-colored sprinkles, taking care not to overmix so the sprinkles retain their shape and color.
Baking the Cheesecake: Pour the prepared cheesecake filling over the cooled sugar cookie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface. Place the springform pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set, but the center retains a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour to cool gradually, which helps prevent cracking.
Serving: Once cooled, optionally top the cheesecake with whipped cream and sprinkle extra Christmas sprinkles on top for a festive decoration. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving for best texture and flavor.