Indulge in the magic of the holidays with this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake! Combining the classic charm of sugar cookies with the creamy decadence of cheesecake, this dessert is topped with a luscious white chocolate ganache and festive sprinkles, making it a centerpiece-worthy treat for any celebration. This recipe brings together everything we love about holiday baking. The cookie dough balls, hidden within the creamy layers, add a delightful surprise in every bite. Whether it’s for a family gathering or a festive party, this cheesecake is sure to impress with its irresistible flavors and festive flair.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
Sugar Cookie Crust:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup Regenerative Organic Certified® Cane Sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 egg yolk, room temperature
- ⅓ cup Christmas sprinkles (jimmies)
Cookie Dough Balls:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup Regenerative Organic Certified® Cane Sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 5 tablespoons milk
- ⅓ cup Christmas sprinkles
Cheesecake:
- 32 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- ⅔ cup Regenerative Organic Certified® Cane Sugar
- ¾ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt), room temperature
- ½ cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅔ of the cookie dough balls
White Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
Directions:
Sugar Cookie Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9-inch springform pan with baking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper. Spray again.
- Mix flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Beat butter and sugar on high speed for 2 minutes using a mixer. Add vanilla, egg, and egg yolk, and mix until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Fold in sprinkles.
- Press the dough into the prepared pan, creating an even layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
Cookie Dough Balls:
- Mix flour and salt in a medium bowl.
- Beat butter and sugar on high speed for 2 minutes. Add vanilla and milk; mix until combined.
- Combine with dry ingredients and fold in sprinkles.
- Roll into small balls (dime to nickel-sized). Freeze until firm.
Cheesecake:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare hot water for a water bath.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar on high speed for 2 minutes. Scrape the bowl as needed.
- Add sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla; mix until smooth. Beat in eggs on low speed until just combined.
- Fold ⅔ of the cookie dough balls into the batter and pour onto the baked crust.
- Bake in a water bath for 80-90 minutes, until edges are set and the center jiggles slightly. Cool in the oven for 30 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Chill for 6 hours or overnight.
White Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat heavy cream until steaming. Pour over white chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth.
- Pour ganache over the chilled cheesecake. Decorate with remaining cookie dough balls and sprinkles.
Prep Time: 1 hour | Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Chilling Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 551 kcal | Servings: 16 slices
The Magic of Sugar Cookie Cheesecake: A Festive Delight
The holiday season is a time of joy, indulgence, and creating memorable moments with loved ones. One dessert that perfectly embodies the spirit of Christmas is the Sugar Cookie Cheesecake. This delightful combination of two classic favorites cheesecake and sugar cookies creates a festive masterpiece that is as visually stunning as it is delicious. With its creamy layers, buttery cookie crust, and playful pops of colorful sprinkles, this cheesecake is bound to become a holiday tradition in your home.
A Holiday-Worthy Dessert
What makes Sugar Cookie Cheesecake so special is how it captures the essence of Christmas in every bite. The buttery sugar cookie crust provides a sturdy and flavorful foundation, reminiscent of the cookies many of us grew up baking during the holidays. Paired with a velvety cheesecake filling that’s studded with cheerful, edible cookie dough balls, this dessert is nothing short of a showstopper.
Topping it all off is a glossy white chocolate ganache that adds a luxurious finish, while a sprinkling of festive jimmies brings the holiday cheer full circle. It’s the kind of dessert that looks as good as it tastes, making it a perfect centerpiece for any holiday gathering.
Why Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is a Must-Bake
This dessert isn’t just about aesthetics it delivers on flavor and texture as well. The combination of creamy, tangy cheesecake with the sweet, buttery crunch of the sugar cookie crust creates a harmonious balance that appeals to all palates. The addition of edible cookie dough balls adds a playful and nostalgic element that’s especially appealing to kids and adults alike.
Another reason to love this cheesecake is its versatility. While it’s ideal for Christmas celebrations, it can easily be adapted for other occasions. Swap out the Christmas sprinkles for pastel ones, and you have an Easter dessert. Use red and pink jimmies for Valentine’s Day, or go for autumnal hues to create a Thanksgiving treat. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe a go-to for festive occasions year-round.
The Art of Cheesecake-Making
One of the defining features of any great cheesecake is its creamy, silky texture, and this recipe delivers on that front. Achieving the perfect texture requires a few key techniques, such as using room-temperature ingredients and employing a water bath during baking. These steps may require a bit of patience, but the results are well worth the effort. The water bath, in particular, helps to create a moist baking environment, preventing cracks and ensuring a smooth, flawless surface.
This recipe also includes tips for avoiding common cheesecake pitfalls, such as overmixing the batter (which can introduce too much air) and ensuring a gradual cooling process to prevent drastic temperature changes. These thoughtful details make the process approachable, even for novice bakers.
A Dessert That Brings People Together
There’s something magical about baking during the holiday season, and this recipe encourages family participation. Rolling the cookie dough balls, for instance, is a task that’s perfect for involving children. It’s a fun and interactive way to create holiday memories while also preparing a dessert that everyone will enjoy.
Moreover, the Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is a conversation starter. Its stunning presentation is sure to draw compliments from guests, and its unique combination of flavors and textures will keep them coming back for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or a casual holiday party, this cheesecake is guaranteed to impress.
The Sustainability Factor
Beyond its deliciousness, this recipe also incorporates an element of mindfulness. Using Regenerative Organic Certified® Cane Sugar, for example, supports sustainable farming practices that prioritize soil health, carbon sequestration, and fair treatment of farm workers. It’s a small but impactful way to make your holiday baking more environmentally conscious.
Customizing Your Cheesecake
One of the best things about this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is how adaptable it is to individual tastes and preferences. While the recipe calls for a sugar cookie crust, you could experiment with other bases, such as graham crackers, chocolate cookies, or even a shortbread crust. Similarly, the white chocolate ganache topping can be replaced with milk or dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
For those with dietary restrictions, the recipe can be adjusted accordingly. Gluten-free flour can be used for the crust and cookie dough balls, and dairy-free cream cheese and heavy cream are excellent substitutes for those avoiding dairy. These modifications allow everyone to enjoy this festive treat without compromising on flavor or quality.
Serving and Storing Tips
This cheesecake is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld and the textures to set beautifully. For the cleanest slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Pairing the cheesecake with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of sparkling wine can elevate the experience even further.
Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days, making it a great make-ahead dessert. The cheesecake also freezes well simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours.
Conclusion:
The Sugar Cookie Cheesecake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of everything that makes the holidays special joy, togetherness, and indulgence. With its stunning presentation and irresistible flavors, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a first-timer, this recipe is both approachable and rewarding, delivering results that will wow your friends and family.
So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a dessert that’s as magical as the season itself. The Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is more than just a treat it’s a way to make your holidays unforgettable.