Holiday Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe

Introduction

Celebrate the season with this delightful Holiday Sugar Cookie Cheesecake. Combining a buttery sugar cookie crust with a creamy cheesecake filling, it’s the perfect festive dessert for any gathering. Sprinkled with holiday cheer, it’s as delicious as it is beautiful.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
• 1 large egg (for crust)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for crust)
• 32 ounces cream cheese, softened (four 8-ounce packages)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs (for filling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for filling)
• Assorted holiday sprinkles

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Beat in the egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Step 6: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
7. Step 7: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Step 8: Carefully press the dough evenly onto the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
9. Step 9: Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let it cool completely.
10. Step 10: Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
11. Step 11: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth and creamy.
12. Step 12: Beat in the sour cream until well incorporated.
13. Step 13: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
14. Step 14: Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract, if using.
15. Step 15: Pour the cheesecake filling into the cooled sugar cookie crust.
16. Step 16: Bake for 55-65 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. Using a water bath is optional but helps prevent cracking.
17. Step 17: Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
18. Step 18: Remove the cheesecake and let it cool completely at room temperature.
19. Step 19: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
20. Step 20: Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan carefully.
21. Step 21: Decorate the top with assorted holiday sprinkles.
22. Step 22: Slice and serve chilled.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger almond flavor, increase the almond extract to 1/2 teaspoon or omit it entirely for a classic vanilla cheesecake.
• If you don’t have a springform pan, you can line a regular cake pan with parchment paper for easier removal.
• Customize holiday sprinkles with colored sugar, nonpareils, or edible glitter to match your celebration theme.
• A water bath can reduce cracks on the cheesecake surface by providing gentle, even heat.

Storage

Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, allow slices to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes; cheesecake is typically enjoyed chilled but can be served slightly warmed if preferred.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.

How long should I chill the cheesecake before serving?

For the best texture and flavor, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, though overnight chilling is recommended.

Holiday Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 67 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 slices 1x

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Description

Holiday Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is a festive dessert that combines a buttery sugar cookie crust with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling, topped with colorful holiday sprinkles. Perfect for celebrations, this recipe layers classic flavors with a joyful twist, making it an irresistible centerpiece for your holiday table.

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Ingredients

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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

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)

Topping

• Assorted holiday sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sugar cookie crust.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients for Crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender crust.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar to combine.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing 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 firm up, which will make it easier to roll out.
7. Roll Out Dough: After chilling, lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness for an even crust.
8. Form Crust in Pan: Carefully transfer the dough to 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 for 12-15 minutes until it is lightly golden brown. Then remove it from the oven and let it cool completely before adding the filling.
10. Reduce Oven Temperature: Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for baking the cheesecake filling.
11. Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
12. Add Sour Cream: Beat in the sour cream to add moisture and a slight tang to the filling.
13. Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth texture.
14. Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using) to give the cheesecake its classic flavor with an optional nutty note.
15. Pour Filling into Crust: Pour the prepared cheesecake filling into the cooled sugar cookie crust, spreading it evenly.
16. Bake Cheesecake: Bake for 55-65 minutes until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Use a water bath if desired to prevent cracking.
17. Cool in Oven: Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour to avoid sudden temperature changes that could crack the cake.
18. Cool Completely: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature before refrigeration.
19. Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let it set properly.
20. Remove from Pan: Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan once fully chilled.
21. Decorate: Decorate the top with assorted holiday sprinkles to add festive color and texture.
22. Serve: Slice and serve the cheesecake chilled for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Chilling the dough is essential for easy rolling and shaping of the crust.
• Using a water bath while baking the cheesecake can help prevent cracks, but it is optional.
• Make sure all cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
• The cheesecake is best when refrigerated overnight to fully set the texture.
• Sprinkles are purely decorative and can be omitted or substituted with other toppings like crushed candy canes or nuts.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Holiday cheesecake, sugar cookie crust, festive dessert, Christmas cheesecake, holiday sprinkles