Ah, Christmas! The smell of pine needles in the air, twinkling lights reflecting in frosted windows, and the warm embrace of freshly baked treats wafting from the kitchen. One Christmas season, curled up on the sofa with my little ones, we embarked on an exciting baking adventure. Our traditional sugar cookies were on the agenda, but midway through, inspiration struck! Why not combine the flavors we adored into one dreamy cheesecake? That’s how our beloved Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake was born. The first bite tasted like happiness—rich, creamy cream cheese perfectly complemented by that signature sugar cookie flavor. It danced on our tongues and filled our home with the most delightful aroma.
We loved this dessert’s whimsical nature; it brought together our cherished holiday memories in a comforting, sliceable form. I promise you, this cheesecake will become your new holiday favorite—just like it has for my family. So grab your apron, and let’s embark on this delicious journey together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for holiday parties! Who can resist cheesecake topped with colorful sprinkles?
- Easy: With just a few simple steps, this delightful treat comes together effortlessly.
- Flavorful: The richness of cream cheese paired with sweet cookie dough creates an irresistible fusion.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare this indulgent dessert the day before, making your holiday schedule a breeze!
- Customizable: There are countless ways to personalize it, so you can make it truly your own!
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups sugar cookie dough
Store-bought or homemade, this will serve as a buttery base that’s both delicious and fun!1 cup cream cheese, softened
Make sure it’s at room temperature for an ultra-smooth batter—no lumps here!1/2 cup sugar
Just the right amount to sweeten your cheesecake without overpowering the flavors.1 teaspoon vanilla extract
This adds warmth and depth—use pure vanilla for the best result!1 cup sour cream
In addition to adding creaminess, it gives your cheesecake that classic tanginess.2 eggs
These help your cheesecake set perfectly! Room temperature eggs create a creamier texture.1/4 teaspoon almond extract
This introduces a subtle, nutty flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the sugar cookies.Sprinkles for decoration
Because who doesn’t love a pop of color? They make this dessert feel festive!
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and toasty to bake your cheesecake evenly.
2. Prepare the Crust
Press the sugar cookie dough into the bottom of a greased springform pan to create a crust. Use your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup for an even layer. The cookie aroma will start to fill your kitchen—so delightful!
3. Beat the Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. I love using a hand mixer for this—it breaks down any lumps and gets that creamy texture just right!
4. Mix in Wet Ingredients
Add in the vanilla extract, sour cream, eggs, and almond extract, and mix until well combined. The batter should be smooth and luscious, with hints of vanilla and almond wafting through the air—heavenly!
5. Pour the Cream Cheese Mixture
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the springform pan. Gently spread it out; it’s like wrapping your sugar cookie crust in a warm, creamy blanket.
6. Bake
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the center is set. Your kitchen will smell like a Christmas wonderland! It’s okay if the center jiggles a little; it will firm up as it cools.
7. Cool and Chill
Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together. Patience is a virtue!
8. Add Sprinkles
Before serving, top with sprinkles. Feel free to get artistic—this is where the fun begins!
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the eggs, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to cracks!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allowing your cream cheese and eggs to warm up makes for a smoother filling.
- Use a Water Bath: For an ultra-smooth texture, bake your cheesecake in a water bath—it prevents cracking!
- Let It Chill: Don’t skip chilling! It helps the flavors develop and gives you that perfect, creamy texture.
Flavor Variations
- Add Chocolate: Swirl in some melted chocolate for a rich twist!
- Seasonal Spices: Consider adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture for a warm spice kick.
- Fruit Toppings: Top with fresh berries or a fruit compote for a refreshing contrast against the creamy cheesecake.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this cheesecake with a steaming cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea for an ultimate cozy experience. A dollop of whipped cream on top is always a crowd-pleaser. For an extra festive touch, plate it alongside festive red and green fruit for a beautiful contrast!
Make-Ahead & Storage
This cheesecake can easily be made a day in advance, making it a perfect holiday make-ahead dessert. Store it wrapped tightly in the fridge, where it will last for about 4-5 days.
Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is a feat, I must say!), consider crumbling it over some yogurt or serving it as a fun topping for your morning oatmeal. It adds a lovely sweetness to breakfast!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this cheesecake! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months. Just remember to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving!
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your cheesecake warm, the best method is to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. If you prefer it slightly warm, a quick blast in the microwave for 10-15 seconds works wonders, but be careful not to overheat!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought sugar cookie dough?
Absolutely! That’s a fantastic way to save time and still enjoy delicious flavors.
Can I substitute the sour cream?
You can use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a tangy twist, and it works beautifully!
What kind of toppings go well with this cheesecake?
Fresh berries, chocolate sauce, or a drizzle of caramel sauce are all excellent options!
Is this recipe suitable for the holidays?
Yes! It’s perfect for any holiday gathering and will definitely wow your guests!
Final Thoughts
Baking this Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake will fill your kitchen with love and warmth—just like the holiday season itself. Every bite carries sweet nostalgia and comforting flavors that remind us of home. Whether it becomes a staple at your festive gatherings or your secret indulgence, this charming cheesecake will surely make your heart flutter. Happy baking, my friends! I can’t wait for you to taste this delightful creation and share special moments around your holiday table. Cheers to sweet memories and joyful celebrations!
Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
Ingredients
Crust
- 1.5 cups sugar cookie dough Store-bought or homemade
Filling
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened At room temperature for better blending
- 0.5 cups sugar To sweeten without overpowering
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Use pure vanilla for the best flavor
- 1 cup sour cream Adds creaminess and tanginess
- 2 large eggs Room temperature for better texture
- 0.25 teaspoon almond extract Provides a nutty flavor
- as needed Sprinkles for decoration Colorful decoration for a festive touch
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Press the sugar cookie dough into the bottom of a greased springform pan.
- In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add in the vanilla extract, sour cream, eggs, and almond extract, and mix until well combined.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the springform pan.
Baking
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the center is set.
- Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Finishing Touches
- Before serving, top with sprinkles.