Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe

Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe

The Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake combines two beloved holiday treats in one delicious dessert. With a sweet sugar cookie crust and a rich, creamy cheesecake filling, this dessert is perfect for the holiday season. It’s simple to make and sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner or bringing a dessert to a holiday party, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

This dessert brings the best of both worlds—sugar cookies and cheesecake—together in one festive treat. The buttery, slightly sweet sugar cookie crust provides a perfect base for the smooth, velvety cheesecake filling. The combination of flavors is a delightful twist on traditional holiday desserts. Plus, it’s easy to make, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without spending hours in the kitchen.

If you’re a fan of cheesecake recipes or love the comforting taste of sugar cookies, this recipe should definitely be on your list this year. For those looking for more holiday-inspired cheesecake options, you can explore other festive variations, like our peppermint cheesecake or gingerbread cheesecake recipes.

Making a homemade cheesecake might seem intimidating, but with this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be able to create a stunning dessert with minimal effort. The key to success lies in the simple yet effective ingredients—cream cheese, granulated sugar, and a dash of vanilla extract. These ingredients come together to create a rich, flavorful filling that complements the sweet, buttery crust perfectly.

Ingredients for the Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

To create this Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that are commonly found in most kitchens. The ingredients are divided into three components: the sugar cookie crust, the cheesecake filling, and the optional toppings. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor for this festive dessert.

For the Sugar Cookie Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of the crust, providing structure and texture.

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – The butter gives the crust a rich, buttery flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.

• ½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the crust, making it deliciously sugary and crisp.

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a subtle depth of flavor to the crust.

• Pinch of salt – Enhances the flavors of the sugar and vanilla, balancing out the sweetness.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened – Cream cheese gives the filling its rich, creamy texture. Make sure it’s softened to avoid lumps when mixing.

• 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake filling.

• 3 large eggs – Provides structure to the filling while ensuring it sets properly.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the cheesecake with a comforting, aromatic taste.

• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional) – Adds a warm, nutty flavor, perfect for the holiday season.

• ¼ cup sour cream – Creates a creamy texture and adds a slight tang to balance the sweetness.

For the Topping (Optional):

• Whipped cream – Adds a light, airy finish to the cheesecake.

• Sprinkles or crushed sugar cookies – Perfect for a festive touch, adding both flavor and texture.

• Christmas-themed decorations – Ideal for adding a cheerful look, making it perfect for the holiday season.

These ingredients are easy to find, and the best part is that they come together quickly to make a holiday-ready dessert with minimal preparation. If you’re looking for more holiday dessert ideas, you can explore some easy holiday baking recipes that will add cheer to any gathering.

Now that you’ve got the list of ingredients ready, let’s move on to the steps to create this delicious, festive treat!

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to bring your Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake to life! Follow these easy steps for a hassle-free baking experience. With the right techniques, you’ll create a beautiful and delicious dessert that will be the star of any holiday gathering.

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures that the cheesecake bakes evenly and doesn’t overcook.

• Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter or non-stick spray to make sure the cheesecake can be removed easily after it’s finished.

The springform pan is essential for cheesecakes, as it allows you to easily remove the sides, creating a smooth, professional finish.

Make the Sugar Cookie Crust

• In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt.

• Add the ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a spoon to combine until the dough forms a soft, crumbly consistency.

• Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Make sure to spread it evenly to create a solid base for the cheesecake. The dough will firm up as it bakes, giving the crust a nice crunch.

• Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Once baked, set it aside to cool completely.

While the crust cools, you can prepare the cheesecake filling.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

• In a large bowl, beat 3 packages (8 oz each) of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of granulated sugar together. Beat until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps in the mixture.

• Add 3 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.

• Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and, if desired, ¼ teaspoon of almond extract to bring a subtle holiday flavor to the filling.

• Finally, add ¼ cup of sour cream to the filling and mix until it’s smooth and well combined. The sour cream adds richness and a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the cheesecake.

The cheesecake batter should be thick and creamy. It’s important to make sure that each ingredient is fully incorporated, as this will affect the smoothness of the final filling.

Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake

• Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled sugar cookie crust in the springform pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

• Bake the cheesecake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. The edges should be golden, and the center should only wobble a little when gently shaken.

• Once baked, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door cracked for about 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking by allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually.

• After an hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results. Chilling helps the cheesecake set and enhances its flavor.

Once the cheesecake has fully chilled, it’s ready for the final touches.