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Holiday Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe

4.8 from 132 reviews

This Holiday Sugar Cookie Cheesecake combines the buttery crunch of a sugar cookie crust with the creamy richness of classic cheesecake, topped with festive sprinkles to celebrate the season. It’s the perfect dessert to impress guests with a delightful mix of textures and sweet flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sugar Cookie Crust

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cheesecake Filling

  • 32 ounces cream cheese, softened (four 8-ounce packages)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

For Decoration

  • Assorted holiday sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender crust.
  4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in one large egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed mixture for flavor and binding.
  5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
  6. Chill Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to roll out.
  7. Roll Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface, then roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness for an even crust base.
  8. Form Crust: Carefully transfer the dough into a 9-inch springform pan, pressing it evenly onto the bottom and up the sides to form the crust.
  9. Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden brown. Remove and allow it to cool completely.
  10. Reduce Oven Temperature: Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for baking the cheesecake filling.
  11. Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with one cup of granulated sugar until smooth and creamy to form a rich base.
  12. Add Sour Cream: Beat in 1/4 cup sour cream to add moisture and slight tanginess to the cheesecake filling.
  13. Incorporate Eggs: Add two large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each to ensure smoothness and proper texture.
  14. Add Extracts: Stir in one teaspoon vanilla extract and optionally 1/4 teaspoon almond extract to enhance the flavor profile.
  15. Pour Filling: Pour the prepared cheesecake filling into the cooled sugar cookie crust evenly.
  16. Bake Cheesecake: Bake for 55-65 minutes until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. Using a water bath is optional but can help prevent cracking.
  17. Cool in Oven: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for one hour to cool gradually and prevent cracks.
  18. Room Temperature Cooling: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature for best texture.
  19. Chill: Cover and refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to fully set and develop flavors.
  20. Remove from Pan: Carefully detach the springform pan and release the cheesecake.
  21. Decorate: Sprinkle assorted holiday sprinkles on top for a festive touch.
  22. Slice and Serve: Cut into slices and enjoy your holiday dessert!

Notes

  • Chilling the dough before rolling helps manage stickiness and improves crust texture.
  • Allowing the cheesecake to cool in the oven with the door ajar minimizes cracks on the surface.
  • Using full-fat cream cheese and sour cream provides a rich, creamy texture.
  • A water bath is optional but recommended for a smoother cheesecake surface.
  • Decorate just before serving to keep sprinkles vibrant and crunchy.

Keywords: Holiday Sugar Cookie Cheesecake, sugar cookie crust, cheesecake recipe, festive dessert, holiday dessert, Christmas cheesecake, cream cheese dessert