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Sugar Cookie Cheesecake – Ultra Creamy, Festive & Made With a Buttery Sugar Cookie Crust

This Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is the ultimate fusion of two beloved desserts: the buttery softness of sugar cookies and the rich, silky smoothness of classic cheesecake. With a tender sugar cookie crust, a creamy vanilla–infused cheesecake filling, and optional festive decorations, it’s a show-stopping dessert perfect for Christmas, birthdays, special occasions — or any time you crave something beautifully indulgent. Imagine: a thick layer of soft sugar cookie dough baked into a sweet, fragrant crust, topped with velvety cheesecake and finished with whipped cream swirls, sprinkles, or crushed cookies. Every slice is melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes
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Ingredients
  

Sugar Cookie Crust
  • 1 16–17 oz roll prepared sugar cookie dough
  • or your favorite homemade sugar cookie dough
  • 1 tbsp flour only if dough is overly soft
Cheesecake Filling
  • 24 oz cream cheese softened (3 bricks)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 3 large eggs room temp
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp almond extract optional but highly recommended
  • Topping Optional but Delicious
Whipped cream
  • Extra sugar cookies broken or mini
  • Christmas sprinkles
  • White chocolate drizzle
  • Crushed peppermint
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Equipment

  • Springform pan (9-inch)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil
  • Cooling rack
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat
  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Line the bottom of a springform pan with parchment and lightly grease sides.
Step 2: Make the Sugar Cookie Crust
  1. Press the sugar cookie dough evenly across the bottom of the springform pan.
  2. If dough is sticky, dust fingers with flour.
  3. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly set but not fully baked.
  4. Let cool while preparing filling.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
  1. Beat softened cream cheese until completely smooth (2–3 minutes).
Add:
  1. sugar
  2. sour cream
  3. cornstarch
  4. Mix until creamy.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low.
  6. Do NOT overbeat — prevents cracking.
Stir in:
  1. vanilla
  2. almond extract
  3. The batter should be silky and pourable.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake
  1. Pour filling over cooled crust.
  2. Wrap the outside of the springform pan with foil.
  3. Place into a larger pan and fill halfway with hot water (water bath).
  4. Bake 60–70 minutes, until edges are set and center jiggles slightly.
  5. Turn oven off.
  6. Crack door and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour — prevents cracks.
Step 5: Chill
  1. Remove water bath.
  2. Cool cheesecake fully, then chill at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
Step 6: Decorate
  1. Top with:
  2. piped whipped cream
  3. broken sugar cookies
  4. festive sprinkles
  5. or chocolate drizzle
  6. Slice with a sharp, warm knife for clean edges.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Freezing

Refrigerator: 4–5 days
Freezer (whole or sliced): 2 months
Thaw overnight in the fridge.

🥄 Variations

Funfetti Cheesecake
Add rainbow sprinkles to the filling + funfetti sugar cookie crust.
Peppermint Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
Add crushed candy canes + peppermint extract.
Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
Use chocolate chip sugar cookie dough as the crust.
Snickerdoodle Cheesecake
Add cinnamon swirl + cinnamon sugar topping.
Lemon Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
Add lemon zest + lemon glaze.
Berry Swirl Cheesecake
Swirl raspberry or strawberry sauce into the top.
Nutella Drizzle Cheesecake
Add warm Nutella on top before serving.
Brown Butter Sugar Cookie Crust
Make homemade dough using browned butter.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free sugar cookie dough.
Christmas Cookie Cheesecake
Add crushed gingerbread and holiday sprinkles inside the filling.

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough?
Yes — works beautifully.
Why use a water bath?
Prevents cracks and ensures creamy texture.
Why did my cheesecake crack?
Overbeating or rapid temperature changes.
Can I skip the almond extract?
Yes — but it adds bakery flavor.
How do I know when it’s done?
Center should jiggle like Jell-O.
Can I freeze slices?
Yes — wrap tightly individually.
Can I bake without a water bath?
Yes, but texture will be slightly denser.
Why chill so long?
Sets the filling and enhances flavor.
Can I add fruit to the filling?
Yes — fold in berries gently.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Not recommended — affects texture.

🏁 Conclusion

This Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is creamy, dreamy, and irresistibly sweet with the perfect balance of buttery sugar cookie crust and luscious cheesecake filling. It slices beautifully, serves effortlessly, and adds stunning elegance to any dessert table.
The perfect blend of nostalgic sugar cookies and luxurious cheesecake — a true holiday (or anytime) showstopper.