Name: Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 5 h 30 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (240 grams) sugar cookies, crushed; 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted; 3 packages (24 ounces or 680 grams) cream cheese, softened; 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream; 0.33 cup (50 grams) Christmas-colored sprinkles; Whipped cream; Christmas sprinkles

Sweet dreams meet festive reality in this delightful christmas sugar cookie cheesecake that promises to dazzle your holiday gatherings.

Creamy layers meld perfectly with crisp cookie crumbles for an indulgent dessert experience.

Nostalgic flavors dance across your palate, bringing warmth and joy to every single bite.

Seasonal magic unfolds through each carefully crafted slice of pure deliciousness.

Crumbly sugar cookie pieces nestled within rich cheesecake create a symphony of textures that sing holiday cheer.

Minimal kitchen effort yields maximum celebration and smiles around your festive table.

Dive into this decadent treat that will make you the star of any seasonal celebration.

Create Festive Magic: Transform classic sugar cookies into a decadent, show-stopping cheesecake that brings holiday cheer to any dessert table.
Bake with Minimal Effort: Simple mixing technique and straightforward ingredients make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, even those with limited kitchen experience.
Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combines two beloved treats – sugar cookies and cheesecake – creating a unique dessert that appeals to both kids and adults at family gatherings and holiday parties.
Customize with Ease: Add your personal touch by selecting different colored sprinkles or experimenting with sugar cookie variations to match your celebration's theme.

Crust Ingredients:

Sugar Cookies: Classic holiday cookies that form the base of the cheesecake crust.
Butter: Helps bind the cookie crumbs and create a solid, flavorful crust.

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:

Cream Cheese: The primary component that gives the cheesecake its rich and creamy texture.
Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps balance the tangy cream cheese.
Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help create the smooth, custardy texture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to enhance the cheesecake.
Sour Cream: Contributes to the creamy texture and adds a subtle tanginess.
Sprinkles: Bring festive color and a fun, celebratory touch to the cheesecake.

Topping Ingredients:

Whipped Cream, Sprinkles: Add a decorative and delicious finishing touch to the cheesecake.

Step 1: Craft the Festive Cookie Base

Warm up your oven to a cozy 325°F. Grab a springform pan and give it a light butter massage.

Crush those sweet sugar cookies into delicate crumbs, mixing them with melted butter until they stick together like best friends. Press this magical mixture firmly into the pan, creating a sturdy foundation.

Pop it into the oven for a quick 8-10 minute toast, then let it cool down completely.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Dreaminess

Grab your electric mixer and start dancing with the cream cheese and sugar.

Beat them until they’re smoother than a holiday jazz tune. Introduce eggs one by one, letting each one get cozy with the mixture.

Splash in some vanilla extract and sour cream for that extra zing. Gently fold in colorful sprinkles, being careful not to let their colors run wild.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour your dreamy filling over the cooled cookie crust, smoothing the top like you’re creating a winter landscape. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the center does a little jiggle dance. Turn off the oven, crack the door open just a bit, and let it cool down slowly for an hour.

Step 4: Chill and Wait

Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, then tuck it into the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours (overnight is even better). This is when the magic happens – the flavors mingle and the texture becomes perfectly creamy.

Step 5: Decorate and Serve

Just before serving, crown your cheesecake with fluffy whipped cream and a sprinkle shower of colorful confetti-like sprinkles. Slice and watch everyone’s eyes light up with holiday joy!

Crush sugar cookies finely for a smooth, even crust that holds together perfectly when sliced.
Avoid overmixing sprinkles to prevent color bleeding, gently folding them in at the last moment maintains their festive appearance.
Let cheesecake cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly open to prevent cracking and ensure a creamy texture.
Chill cheesecake overnight for the best flavor development and firm, clean slices that showcase the holiday spirit.
Use room temperature ingredients to create a silky-smooth filling without lumps, ensuring a professional-looking dessert.

Gingerbread Spice Edition: Replace sugar cookies with crushed gingerbread cookies in the crust. Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the cheesecake filling for a warm, festive flavor profile.
Peppermint Candy Crunch: Mix crushed candy canes into the crust. Swirl peppermint extract into the filling and top with crushed peppermint candies for a refreshing holiday touch.
Eggnog Inspired: Substitute half the sour cream with eggnog in the filling. Sprinkle nutmeg on top and garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon for a classic holiday taste.
White Chocolate Cranberry: Fold chopped white chocolate and dried cranberries into the cheesecake filling.

Pair with Sweet Sparkling Wine: Choose a light, bubbly prosecco or champagne that complements the cheesecake's sweet and festive profile, enhancing the dessert's playful sprinkle-filled texture.
Match with Holiday-Spiced Coffee: Brew a rich, warm coffee with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla to create a cozy contrast against the cool, creamy cheesecake, amplifying the holiday spirit.
Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a scoop of smooth, creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cheesecake to create a luxurious temperature and flavor contrast that elevates the dessert's richness.

Refrigerate: Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, ensuring the quality and freshness remain intact.
Freeze: Slice cheesecake into individual portions, wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating Slice: Bring refrigerated cheesecake to room temperature for 15-20 minutes. For a slightly warmed texture, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds on low power.
Serving Cold: Enjoy cheesecake directly from the refrigerator for the best taste and texture. Garnish with fresh whipped cream and sprinkles just before serving to maintain the decorative appeal.

Why do I need to use sugar cookies for the crust?

Sugar cookies provide a sweet, festive base that complements the creamy cheesecake filling and adds a unique holiday flavor to the dessert.

How do I prevent the sprinkles from bleeding color into the cheesecake?

Fold the sprinkles gently and avoid overmixing to minimize color bleeding and maintain the white cheesecake appearance.

What's the purpose of leaving the oven door slightly ajar after baking?

This gradual cooling prevents the cheesecake from cracking by reducing temperature shock and helps the cheesecake set smoothly.

Can I use different types of sprinkles?

Yes, you can use holiday-themed or colored sprinkles to match the season or your personal preference, just be sure they’re evenly distributed.

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.

Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.