Creamy, dreamy, and full of festive cheer — this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is the ultimate holiday dessert! With a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth vanilla cheesecake filling speckled with sugar cookie pieces, and a swirl of whipped cream topped with colorful sprinkles, it’s as joyful to look at as it is to eat. Each bite feels like the holidays wrapped in dessert form.

Perfect for Christmas gatherings, holiday parties, or simply treating yourself, this cheesecake brings together classic flavors in a new and exciting way. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or contributing to a festive potluck, this dessert is bound to impress — and disappear quickly.

Why You’ll Love This Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

This cheesecake takes everything you love about sugar cookies and transforms it into a rich, creamy dessert. The texture is luxuriously smooth with just the right amount of crunch from the crust and bits of cookie baked right into the filling. The colorful festive topping adds an extra touch of holiday magic — and it’s easier to make than it looks!

It’s also incredibly versatile. You can prep it a day ahead, customize it with your favorite cookies, and decorate it to match your seasonal theme. It’s sweet, comforting, and totally crowd-pleasing.

What Kind of Cookies Should I Use in Sugar Cookie Cheesecake?

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can use homemade sugar cookies for a personal touch, or opt for store-bought ones if you’re short on time — both work wonderfully. Aim for a cookie that’s not too soft so it holds its texture when baked into the cheesecake. Want to add a twist? Try using holiday-themed sugar cookies with colored sprinkles or mini cookie cutouts to bring more character and fun into the mix.

Ingredients for the Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

Each ingredient in this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor:

Graham cracker crumbs – These form the sturdy, buttery crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Unsalted butter – Melted and mixed with the graham crumbs to hold the crust together.
Cream cheese – The base of the filling, giving the cheesecake its rich, smooth consistency.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the filling while keeping it light.
Sour cream – Adds a subtle tang and creaminess that rounds out the flavors.
Vanilla extract – Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
Eggs – Provide structure to the cheesecake so it sets properly.
Sugar cookies (chopped) – These little chunks add a fun, chewy surprise in every bite.
Whipped cream – For topping, adding extra indulgence and a festive finish.
Holiday sprinkles – The final touch of holiday cheer and color.

How To Make the Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

Step 1: Prep the Crust

Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a springform pan. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating just until blended. Gently fold in the chopped sugar cookies.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Tap the pan gently to remove air bubbles. Bake at 300°F (149°C) for about 55-65 minutes or until the center is just slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour inside.

Step 4: Chill and Decorate

Transfer the cheesecake to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. Before serving, pipe whipped cream on top and decorate with festive holiday sprinkles for that extra sparkle.

Serving and Storing Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

This Sugar Cookie Cheesecake serves about 10–12 people, making it a fantastic option for parties, potlucks, or family dinners. It’s rich and satisfying, so a small slice goes a long way — though you might find guests coming back for seconds!

To store, keep the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 1 month. Let frozen slices thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

What to Serve With Sugar Cookie Cheesecake?

Hot Chocolate

A cozy cup of cocoa makes this dessert even more comforting — perfect for holiday movie nights.

Spiced Apple Cider

The warm, cinnamon-spiced notes of apple cider are a lovely complement to the vanilla and sugar cookie flavors.

Fresh Berries

A bowl of fresh strawberries or raspberries adds a bright contrast to the creamy richness.

Peppermint Mocha

This winter favorite offers a refreshing minty contrast that pairs beautifully with each bite.

Eggnog

A classic holiday drink that feels right at home next to a slice of sugar cookie cheesecake.

Roasted Nuts

Set out a bowl of candied pecans or almonds for a crunchy, nutty contrast.

Vanilla Ice Cream

For an extra indulgent dessert plate, serve a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side.

Sparkling Wine

Light and bubbly, it helps cut through the richness and adds a celebratory touch to your gathering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought sugar cookies?
Yes! Store-bought sugar cookies work great in this recipe. Choose a slightly firm cookie so it holds up during baking and adds a nice texture inside the cheesecake.

How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
Avoid overmixing the batter and bake the cheesecake in a water bath or with a pan of water on the lower rack. Let it cool slowly in the oven before refrigerating.

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s best made a day in advance so it has enough time to chill and set. You can even make it two days ahead and decorate just before serving.

Can I freeze the cheesecake?
Yes, it freezes well. Wrap the whole cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Can I use other cookies instead of sugar cookies?
Definitely! Try using gingersnaps, shortbread, or even holiday-flavored sandwich cookies to customize the flavor and make it your own.

Save This Pin For Later

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I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.
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Conclusion

This Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is more than just a dessert — it’s a festive centerpiece that brings smiles to every celebration. With its smooth, creamy filling and playful pops of cookie goodness, it captures the nostalgic flavor of sugar cookies in a new, irresistible way.

Whether you’re baking it for a holiday party, gifting it to friends, or enjoying a cozy night in, it’s a sweet success every time. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite seasonal tradition.

Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

Author: Livia Scott
Total Time: 6 hours
Yield: 10–12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Celebrate the holidays with this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake — a rich, creamy dessert packed with sweet cookie flavor and topped with festive whipped cream swirls and sprinkles. It’s an ideal choice for a quick holiday treat, easy dinner dessert, or a crowd-pleasing party dish. Whether you’re looking for holiday baking ideas, easy recipes, or festive food ideas, this cheesecake has it all.

Instructions

1. Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl until well mixed. Press into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 10 minutes and let cool.

2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla extract; mix until combined.

3. Add eggs one at a time, beating lightly after each until just blended. Fold in chopped sugar cookies.

4. Pour filling over the crust. Tap pan to release air bubbles.

5. Bake at 300°F (149°C) for 55–65 minutes until center is slightly jiggly. Turn off oven, crack door open, and cool inside for 1 hour.

6. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

7. Before serving, pipe whipped cream on top and add holiday sprinkles for decoration.

Notes

Make sure all ingredients are room temperature before mixing for a smoother filling.

Avoid overbaking — the center should still jiggle slightly when done.

Chill overnight for the best texture and flavor.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 445
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 260mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: sugar cookie cheesecake, holiday dessert, easy recipe, Christmas cheesecake