If you want a holiday dessert that combines creamy cheesecake with the magic of soft, buttery Christmas sugar cookies, this Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is the show-stopping centerpiece your holiday table needs.
With a thick, tender sugar cookie crust and a silky-smooth vanilla cheesecake filling, this dessert tastes like your favorite Christmas cookie turned into a decadent, rich, sliceable masterpiece. Topped with whipped cream, festive sprinkles, and even mini sugar cookies, this cheesecake brings pure Christmas joy in every bite.
Perfect for Christmas Eve, holiday parties, dessert trays, or cozy family gatherings — and guaranteed to impress even the pickiest dessert lovers!
Why You’ll Love Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
This cheesecake is festive, indulgent, and unbelievably delicious.
- A buttery sugar cookie crust instead of graham cracker
- Creamy, rich cheesecake filling with pure vanilla sweetness
- Perfectly festive with sprinkles or decorative sugar cookies
- Smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture
- Make-ahead friendly for easy holiday prep
- Christmas flavor + holiday cookie nostalgia in every slice
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This cheesecake is the perfect blend of two classics: sugar cookies and cheesecake. Using sugar cookie dough as the crust creates a soft, sweet, buttery base that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling. It’s festive, gorgeous, and much easier than it looks — ideal for impressing guests without hours of work.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sugar Cookie Crust
- 1 package refrigerated sugar cookie dough (or homemade)
- Optional: Christmas sprinkles to mix into dough
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
Toppings
- Whipped cream swirls
- Christmas sprinkles
- Mini sugar cookies
- White chocolate drizzle (optional)
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake (Detailed)
1. Prepare the Sugar Cookie Crust
Press sugar cookie dough evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Press halfway up the sides for a beautiful crust.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, just until lightly puffed.
Let cool slightly.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add sugar and beat until creamy.
Add eggs one at a time.
Mix in sour cream, vanilla, flour, and salt until silky.
3. Assemble the Cheesecake
Pour cheesecake batter over the partially baked cookie crust.
Smooth the top.
4. Bake
Reduce oven to 325°F (163°C).
Bake for 50–60 minutes, until edges are set but center is slightly jiggly.
Turn off oven and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
5. Chill
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
6. Decorate
Top with whipped cream, sprinkles, mini sugar cookies, or a white chocolate drizzle.
7. Slice & Serve
Use a warm knife for clean cuts — enjoy chilled!
Nutritional Information (Estimated per slice)
- Calories: 440
- Carbs: 48g
- Fat: 24g
- Sugar: 36g
- Protein: 7g
Tips for the Best Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for a silky filling.
- Don’t overbake — slight jiggle = perfectly creamy.
- Chill overnight for best firmness and flavor.
- Add sprinkles to crust or filling for extra festive color.
- Press crust evenly so it bakes uniformly.
- Use a water bath only if you want extra smoothness — optional.
Variations & Substitutions
- Funfetti Christmas Cheesecake: Mix sprinkles into batter.
- Sugar Cookie Snickerdoodle Cheesecake: Add cinnamon sugar to crust.
- Peppermint Version: Add peppermint extract + crushed candy canes.
- Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Crust: Use chocolate chip cookie dough.
- Gluten-Free: Use GF sugar cookie dough.
What to Serve with This Cheesecake
- Hot chocolate
- Christmas punch
- Peppermint mocha
- Coffee or tea
- Fresh berries
- Holiday dessert platters
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold cream cheese: Causes lumps.
- Overbaking: Leads to dry, cracked cheesecake.
- Skipping chill time: Cheesecake won’t set properly.
- Not pre-baking crust: It can become too soft.
- Using too many sprinkles inside batter: Can streak color — add gently.
Storing Tips
- Refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Freeze slices for 2 months.
- Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Conclusion
This Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is the perfect blend of holiday magic and classic comfort. With its buttery sugar cookie crust, smooth vanilla cheesecake filling, and festive decorations, it’s the kind of dessert that turns every slice into a celebration. Whether you serve it at a party or enjoy it with family by the Christmas tree, this dessert brings joy and sweetness to every moment.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough?
Yes — it works beautifully.
Does the crust get too hard?
No — it stays soft and buttery, perfect for cheesecake.
Can I freeze the whole cheesecake?
Yes — wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
Do I need a water bath?
Optional — this recipe works without one.
Can I add sprinkles inside the cheesecake?
Yes, but fold gently to avoid color bleeding.