Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

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Creamy, festive, and bursting with classic holiday flavor — this Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake brings together the nostalgic sweetness of sugar cookies and the luxurious richness of cheesecake. With a buttery crust, velvety filling, and joyful holiday decorations, this dessert makes a stunning centerpiece for any Christmas gathering. Whether you’re hosting family dinner or contributing to a holiday dessert table, this cheesecake is sure to impress every guest who takes a slice.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 ¾ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup sour cream (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, adds sugar-cookie flavor)
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)

For the Topping

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Holiday sprinkles
• Decorative red bow (optional)

Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon.
3. Add melted butter and mix until it resembles wet sand.
4. Press firmly into a 9-inch springform pan.
5. Bake for 8–10 minutes and cool completely.

Step 2 — Make the Filling

1. Beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Add sugar and mix again, scraping the bowl as needed.
3. Blend in sour cream, vanilla, and optional almond extract.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated — avoid overmixing.

Step 3 — Bake the Cheesecake

1. Pour the batter over the cooled crust.
2. Tap the pan gently to release air bubbles.
3. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
4. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake rest inside for 1 hour.

Step 4 — Chill Completely

Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight until fully set.

Step 5 — Decorate

1. Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
2. Pipe swirls around the top edge.
3. Add festive sprinkles and a red bow just before serving.

Pro Tips

• Let all dairy ingredients come to room temperature for a smooth filling.
• Mix gently after adding the eggs to prevent cracking.
• A water bath (optional) helps create a perfectly even texture.
• Chill overnight for the best flavor and structure.
• Decorate right before serving for the freshest look.

Why This Recipe Works

• Holiday flavors: The almond-vanilla combination mimics classic sugar cookie taste.
• Stunning presentation: Ideal for Christmas parties and dessert tables.
• Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for busy holiday schedules.
• Creamy and rich: Each bite delivers silky cheesecake heaven.
• Customizable: Change sprinkles, flavor extracts, or crust type.

Substitutions & Variations

Crust Options

• Swap graham crackers for crushed sugar cookies, gingersnaps, or vanilla wafers.
• Use gluten-free cookies for a gluten-free version.

Flavor Variations

• Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract for a candy-cane twist.
• Mix in white chocolate chips for extra decadence.
• Top with strawberry or cherry compote for a fruity finish.

Decoration Ideas

• Use metallic sprinkles for an elegant look.
• Create whipped-cream trees with green food coloring.
• Add crushed peppermint for sparkle and crunch.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

Make-Ahead

• Best made 1 day before serving for perfect texture.

Refrigerate

• Store covered for up to 5 days.

Freeze (Undecorated Only)

• Freeze whole cheesecake or slices for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before decorating.

Avoid Freezing Decorated Cheesecake

• Topping and sprinkles lose their texture and color.

Serving Ideas

Pair your Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake with:

• Fresh berries (raspberries or strawberries)
• Hot chocolate or peppermint mocha
• Spiced apple cider
• Espresso or strong coffee
• Vanilla ice cream
• Cranberry compote
• Holiday cookies
• Warm mulled wine

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

Approximate values per slice (12 slices total):

• Calories: 410
• Total Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 260mg
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Sugar: 24g
• Protein: 6g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different crust?

Yes! Sugar cookies, gingersnaps, or vanilla wafers work beautifully.

2. How do I know it’s done baking?

The edges will be set, and the center will have a slight jiggle.

3. Can I make this without a springform pan?

You can use a deep 9-inch cake pan with parchment, though removal may be trickier.

4. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

You can, but it will make the filling softer and less rich.

5. Why did my cheesecake crack?

Common reasons include overmixing, fast cooling, or incorrect oven temp.

6. How do I get clean slices?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts.

7. Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes — use gluten-free cookies for the crust.

8. Can I add more decorations?

Absolutely — sprinkles, edible glitter, chocolate drizzle, or crushed candy all work.

This Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake brings holiday flavor to life with its creamy filling, festive decorations, and irresistible sugar-cookie sweetness. Perfect for special gatherings or cozy celebrations at home, it’s a dessert that promises joy in every slice. Once you try it, it may just become your new Christmas tradition.

Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

A rich and festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake with creamy filling, buttery crust, and joyful sprinkles — the perfect holiday showstopper.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Cooling Time: 5 hours hrs 35 minutes mins

Total Time 7 hours hrs

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 410 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Crust

• 1 ¾ cups raham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup sour cream (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract (optional, adds sugar-cookie flavor)
• 3 ar-cookie flavor)3

For the Topping

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Holiday sprinkles
• Decorative red bow (optional)

Instructions

 

Step 1 — Prepare the Crust

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
• Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon.
• Add melted butter and mix until it resembles wet sand.
• Press firmly into a 9-inch springform pan.
• Bake for 8–10 minutes and cool completely.

Step 2 — Make the Filling

• Beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
• Add sugar and mix again, scraping the bowl as needed.
• Blend in sour cream, vanilla, and optional almond extract.
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated — avoid overmixing.

Step 3 — Bake the Cheesecake

• Pour the batter over the cooled crust.
• Tap the pan gently to release air bubbles.
• Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
• Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake rest inside for 1 hour.

Step 4 — Chill Completely

• Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight until fully set.

Step 5 — Decorate

• Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
• Pipe swirls around the top edge.
• Add festive sprinkles and a red bow just before serving.

Notes

• Almond extract enhances the classic sugar-cookie flavor.
• Chill time is essential for a perfect, sliceable texture.
• Change the sprinkles to match your holiday theme.
• For extra stability, wrap your pan tightly if using a water bath.
• Avoid overwhipping the topping to keep it silky and smooth.

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