Description
This festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake combines the buttery, sweet crunch of sugar cookie crumbs with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling. Baked to perfection with hints of vanilla and almond, it’s decorated with colorful red and green sprinkles for a holiday-ready dessert that’s sure to delight family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups sugar cookie crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 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
Topping
- Red and green sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, mix the sugar cookie crumbs and melted butter until the mixture is evenly combined. This will form the base of your cheesecake.
- Form the Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer to serve as the crust.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until the texture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a fully blended mixture that is light and airy.
- Add Extracts and Creams: Mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream, heavy cream, and almond extract until the batter is fully incorporated and smooth.
- Assemble: Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared sugar cookie crust in the springform pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake the cheesecake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly when shaken gently.
- Cool Gradually: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the oven door slightly open for 1 hour to cool gradually, which helps prevent cracking.
- Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up.
- Decorate and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle red and green sprinkles on top to add a cheerful, festive touch perfect for the holiday season.
Notes
- Allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven prevents cracks from forming on the surface.
- For best results, use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth batter.
- This cheesecake can be made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to develop fully overnight in the refrigerator.
- If you prefer, substitute sugar cookie crumbs with graham cracker crumbs for a different crust flavor.
- Sprinkles can be omitted or replaced with chopped nuts or a berry topping for variation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas cheesecake, sugar cookie crust, holiday dessert, creamy cheesecake, festive cheesecake, almond extract cheesecake
