Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate dessert mashup, look no further than Sugar Cookie Cheesecake. This recipe brings together the soft, buttery sweetness of sugar cookies and the rich, tangy smoothness of classic cheesecake—all in one delightfully festive treat. With a tender cookie crust, a luscious cream cheese filling, and pops of colorful sprinkles, every bite brings a little celebration to your table. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, holiday, or just a Tuesday night that needs a pick-me-up, this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is pure joy on a plate and insanely hard to resist!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is short and sweet, but each component plays a starring role. Together, these basics fuse to create a dessert that’s soft, creamy, crunchy, and full of nostalgic flavor.
- Crushed Sugar Cookies: These create a buttery, sweet base that’s so much more fun than a standard graham cracker crust.
- Unsalted Butter: Brings everything together for a melt-in-your-mouth crust that tastes like your favorite bakery treat.
- Cream Cheese: The star of the filling—make sure it’s soft for ultra-smooth results.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds essential sweetness and blends seamlessly into the creamy filling.
- Sour Cream: The secret to a tangy finish and velvety texture in the cheesecake layer.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor and gives that classic bakery aroma.
- Large Eggs: Help set the cheesecake while keeping it tender.
- Sugar Cookie Dough: Dropped on top, it bakes up into chewy, playful pockets throughout the cake—use homemade or your favorite store-bought brand.
- Rainbow Sprinkles (optional): Not just for looks—these add a festive crunch and bursts of color that make each slice party-ready!
How to Make Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper to make sure nothing sticks, then give the sides a light coating of butter or nonstick spray. This sets you up for easy removal and clean slices later.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Crust
In a medium bowl, mix the crushed sugar cookies with the melted unsalted butter until you have a texture like damp sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the base of your springform pan to form a level crust. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes—just until you get a lightly golden color and a firm set. Set aside to cool while you whip up the filling.
Step 3: Beat the Filling
With a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until there are no lumps and it’s super creamy—this typically takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Add in the sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time on low speed, scraping the bowl after each addition for a perfectly silky batter.
Step 4: Assemble and Add the Fun Topping
Pour your cheesecake filling over the cooled sugar cookie crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Next, break your sugar cookie dough into small, marble-sized pieces and scatter them over the cheesecake batter, gently pressing them in. Sprinkle on a shower of rainbow sprinkles if you’re in the mood for extra flair!
Step 5: Bake and Cool Gradually
Bake your Sugar Cookie Cheesecake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. The edges should look set while the center still has a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake begin cooling in the oven for 30 minutes—this gentle process helps prevent cracks. Then let it cool to room temperature, and finally refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for that perfect creamy texture.
Step 6: Slice, Serve, and Enjoy
Once thoroughly chilled, release the cheesecake from the pan. Cut into neat slices with a warm knife. For a seriously fun finishing touch, add a dollop of whipped cream or another sprinkle of rainbow cheer. Each slice is a glorious mix of dreamy cheesecake and nostalgic sugar cookie flavors.
How to Serve Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
Garnishes
Absolutely go wild with toppings! A swirl of whipped cream, additional rainbow sprinkles, a drizzle of white chocolate, or even a few edible glitter stars can transform your Sugar Cookie Cheesecake into a true showstopper. The more playful and colorful, the better—it’s all about making dessert feel festive!
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy cheesecake with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a refreshing minty fruit salad. The tanginess of fruit plays nicely with the sweet, buttery crust and adds a burst of color to your dessert table.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try cutting the cheesecake into small squares for a bite-sized dessert platter, or use cookie cutters to make shapes out of each slice—perfect for birthdays and holiday parties. Serve each piece on pastel plates with fun napkins for an extra pop of charm!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sugar Cookie Cheesecake keeps beautifully! Simply cover the pan or transfer slices to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The texture stays creamy, and the flavor continues to develop.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your cheesecake beyond the first few days, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Cheesecake is always best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer a softer bite, let your slice sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the texture rubbery and uneven.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought sugar cookies for the crust?
Absolutely! Store-bought sugar cookies save time and taste wonderful. Just crush them up, and you’re ready to go—no need to bake cookies from scratch for the crust.
Is it possible to make Sugar Cookie Cheesecake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free sugar cookies and gluten-free cookie dough to make this recipe safe for gluten sensitivities, with no compromise on taste or texture!
What’s the trick to avoiding cracks in cheesecake?
The secret is all in gentle mixing and slow cooling. Don’t overmix the batter, and let your cheesecake cool in the oven with the door cracked to transition gradually from hot to cool—this helps prevent big cracks from forming.
Can I make Sugar Cookie Cheesecake ahead of time?
This dessert was practically made for advance prep! It benefits from spending a few hours or overnight in the fridge, allowing the flavors to fully develop and the texture to set perfectly.
How do I get neat, clean slices of cheesecake?
Run a large knife under hot water, wipe dry, then cut your slice. Clean the knife between each cut for that bakery-style presentation where every slice looks picture-perfect.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re marking a celebration or just need a little extra sweetness in your week, Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is a whimsical treat that always puts a smile on my face. Give it a try—the playful crust, ultra-creamy filling, and joyous sprinkles might just make it your new favorite, too!
Print
Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of sugar cookies and creamy cheesecake with this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake recipe. A perfect dessert for any occasion, this treat will have your taste buds singing with joy.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups crushed sugar cookies (or sugar cookie crumbs)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
For the topping:
- 1/2 cup sugar cookie dough (homemade or store-bought)
- rainbow sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides.
- Make the crust: Mix crushed sugar cookies and melted butter, press into pan, and bake for 8–10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar, add sour cream, vanilla, and eggs. Pour over crust.
- Add topping: Break sugar cookie dough into pieces, press into batter, add sprinkles.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes until set. Cool in oven, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Serve: Slice and serve chilled, optionally topped with whipped cream or more sprinkles.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing to prevent cracks.
- Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
