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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sugar cookie crust.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients for Crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
- 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.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar to combine.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Reduce Oven Temperature: Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for baking the cheesecake filling.
- 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.
- Add Sour Cream: Beat in the sour cream to add moisture and a slight tang to the filling.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth texture.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using) to give the cheesecake its classic flavor with an optional nutty note.
- Pour Filling into Crust: Pour the prepared cheesecake filling into the cooled sugar cookie crust, spreading it evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cool Completely: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature before refrigeration.
- Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let it set properly.
- Remove from Pan: Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan once fully chilled.
- Decorate: Decorate the top with assorted holiday sprinkles to add festive color and texture.
- 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
