Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and a love for creamy desserts that bring a festive twist, the Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is going to be your new obsession. This dessert perfectly combines the buttery crunch of a classic sugar cookie crust with the rich, velvety texture of a cheesecake, plus irresistible cookie dough balls baked right inside. Topped with a luscious white chocolate ganache and sprinkled with colorful Christmas jimmies, this dessert delivers both eye-catching charm and unforgettable flavor. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just craving something special, the Sugar Cookie Cheesecake offers a warm, comforting bite of pure joy that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple ingredients is the first step to baking this delightful Sugar Cookie Cheesecake. Each component, from the creamy cream cheese to the festive sprinkles, plays a crucial role in crafting its unique taste, texture, and festive appearance.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for both the crust and cookie dough balls, providing structure and a tender crumb.
• Baking soda and salt: Balances flavors and ensures perfect texture in your crust and dough.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture while helping bind the dough and create a buttery crust.
• Regenerative Organic Certified® Cane Sugar from Wholesome: Sweetens naturally and enhances the cookie flavor in every layer.
• Pure vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth, rounding out the sweet flavors beautifully.
• Large eggs and yolk: Provide stability, moisture, and richness to your dough and cheesecake filling.
• Christmas sprinkles (jimmies): Sprinkle in cheer and a slight crunch, enhancing the festive vibe.
• Milk: Adds moisture and lightness to the cookie dough balls.
• Cream cheese: The star ingredient for that luxuriously creamy cheesecake texture.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Incorporates a slight tang and smooth texture.
• Heavy cream: Adds silkiness to the cheesecake and richness to the ganache.
• White chocolate chips: For the decadent ganache topping that takes this cheesecake to another level.

How to Make Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Cookie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350℉ and prepping a 9-inch springform pan with baking spray and parchment paper. Mixing the dry ingredients first—flour, baking soda, and salt—ensures even distribution later. Cream the butter and sugar for a full two minutes until fluffy, then add in vanilla, egg, and yolk for added richness. Finally, fold in the dry mix with some cheerful Christmas sprinkles before pressing the dough into the base of your pan. This crust will bake up golden and crisp, setting the perfect stage for your cheesecake layers.

Step 2: Make and Chill the Cookie Dough Balls

While your crust bakes, shift gears to the cookie dough balls. Combine the dry ingredients separately, then cream butter with sugar, followed by vanilla and milk. Mix in the flour and sprinkles last, then roll the dough by hand into tiny, playful balls. These little bites of dough, once frozen, will add surprise bursts of soft cookie delight inside your cheesecake, making every slice fun and festive.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling

Lower the oven temperature to 325℉ for baking the cheesecake. Begin by beating cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy, scraping the bowl halfway through to avoid lumps. Incorporate sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla next, maintaining a silky texture. Add eggs gently to avoid overmixing, then fold in two-thirds of your frozen cookie dough balls, which will bake seamlessly into the cheesecake, creating that special Sugar Cookie Cheesecake magic.

Step 4: Bake with a Water Bath

For a crack-free, perfectly moist cheesecake, use a water bath during baking. You can either nestle the springform pan inside a cake pan, both then placed in a larger roasting pan filled halfway with hot water, or tightly wrap the springform pan in foil and place it directly in the roasting pan with water. Bake for 80 to 90 minutes until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. Then cool gradually in the oven with the door ajar for 30 minutes before chilling overnight for full firmness and flavor meld.

Step 5: Create the White Chocolate Ganache and Finish

For that glossy, indulgent finishing touch, melt white chocolate chips with hot heavy cream, stirring after a brief rest to ensure a smooth ganache. Pour this decadent layer over the chilled cheesecake, freeze briefly to set, then top with the remaining cookie dough balls and festive sprinkles. This final flourish adds texture and visual delight, making your Sugar Cookie Cheesecake truly irresistible.

How to Serve Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

Garnishes

Topping your Sugar Cookie Cheesecake with an extra scattering of Christmas sprinkles or mini cookie dough balls amps up the festive appeal instantly. You could also add whipped cream rosettes for creamy lightness or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a luscious sweet twist. These garnishes invite everyone to dig in enthusiastically and create picture-perfect slices.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake shines best on its own, but serving it alongside fresh berries or a simple mixed berry compote complements its sweet, rich flavors and adds a burst of tartness. A light mint tea or a cup of strong coffee balances the dessert’s sweetness to round out your serving experience beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your Sugar Cookie Cheesecake into generous, inviting wedges and plate each with a tiny spoonful of sour cherry jam or a sprinkle of crushed sugar cookies for added crunch. For holiday gatherings, consider individual mini cheesecakes in ramekins with cookie dough balls nestled on top, perfect for elegant single servings that wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Sugar Cookie Cheesecake will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to five days when stored tightly covered. Make sure to remove the springform pan ring before wrapping to avoid sogginess. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making leftovers a real treat.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cheesecake wrapped securely in plastic wrap and then foil for up to two months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving to retain its creamy texture and maintain the cheerful dough ball surprises baked inside.

Reheating

This cheesecake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. However, if you prefer a slightly softer bite, let it sit out for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cookie dough instead of making cookie dough balls?

Yes, you can substitute with high-quality store-bought sugar cookie dough, but homemade cookie dough balls give you better control over flavor and texture, as well as that personalized festive sprinkle touch that’s signature to the Sugar Cookie Cheesecake.

Do I have to use a water bath for baking the cheesecake?

Using a water bath helps keep the cheesecake evenly moist and prevents cracking, but if you don’t have the equipment, baking slowly at a low temperature and cooling gradually can take the edge off. The water bath is highly recommended for best results.

Can I make this cheesecake dairy-free or vegan?

This recipe relies heavily on cream cheese and heavy cream for its characteristic texture and flavor, so dairy-free or vegan substitutions would significantly alter the outcome. You could explore vegan cream cheese alternatives, but it won’t produce the same classic Sugar Cookie Cheesecake experience.

What is the best type of pan to use for this cheesecake?

A 9-inch springform pan is ideal for this recipe because it allows easy removal without damaging the cheesecake’s delicate edges. Make sure to tightly wrap it for the water bath to avoid any water intrusion.

Can I add other mix-ins besides cookie dough balls?

Absolutely! Small chunks of chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or even white chocolate chunks would make delightful additions. Just be careful not to overload the batter to keep the cheesecake’s smooth texture intact.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake, you’ll be finding excuses to bake it again and again. Its joyful mix of textures, festive colors, and rich flavor makes it a centerpiece-worthy dessert for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones to help with the cookie dough balls, and get ready to share pure happiness in every bite!

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