Dessert

Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe

BySimon Carel October 25, 2025October 25, 2025

Introduction

Celebrate the holiday season with this Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake, a festive twist on a classic dessert. Featuring a buttery sugar cookie crust and a creamy, flavorful filling, it’s perfect for your holiday gatherings.

A round cake with three visible layers sits on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface; the bottom layer is a golden brown crust, the middle layer is a light cream color with red and green specks throughout, and the top layer is thick white frosting spread smoothly in a spiral pattern, decorated with small red, green, pink, and white round and rod-shaped sprinkles scattered evenly on top; one slice is cut and placed near the cake on a white plate with a silver fork resting next to it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups sugar cookie crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
24 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Red and green sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a bowl, combine the sugar cookie crumbs with the melted butter until well mixed.
Step 2: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create the crust layer.
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them.
Step 5: Mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream, heavy cream, and almond extract until the batter is smooth and combined.
Step 6: Pour the cheesecake batter evenly over the prepared crust in the springform pan.
Step 7: Bake the cheesecake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken.
Step 8: Turn off the oven, crack the oven door open, and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour to cool gradually.
Step 9: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture.
Step 10: Just before serving, decorate the top with red and green sprinkles to add a festive holiday touch.

Tips & Variations

For a nutty twist, add a handful of finely chopped almonds or pecans to the crust mixture before pressing it into the pan.
If you prefer, substitute the sugar cookie crumbs with graham cracker crumbs for a different flavor base.
To avoid cracks, always use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter once the eggs are added.

Storage

Store the cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To serve, bring it to room temperature for about 15 minutes for the best flavor and texture. Leftovers can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

How to Serve

A round cake with a golden-brown crust visible at the bottom and edges, topped with a thick, smooth layer of white frosting spread evenly over the surface. The frosting is decorated with a mix of small round and long sprinkles in red, green, pink, and white scattered across the top, focused more toward the center. One slice is cut out and resting on a white plate with a silver fork beside it, showing the inside of the cake which is light-colored with small red and green specks, matching the theme of the sprinkles on top. The cake and plate sit on a white marbled textured surface with some scattered sprinkles around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a regular cake pan instead of a springform pan?

While a springform pan makes it easier to remove the cheesecake without damage, you can use a regular cake pan lined with parchment paper for easier lifting. Just be sure to grease the pan well to prevent sticking.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?

The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and the center still jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pan. It will continue to set as it cools, preventing overbaking.