If you love classic sugar cookies and creamy cheesecake, then this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe is about to become your new dessert obsession! Imagine a thick, soft-baked sugar cookie crust supporting a luscious, tangy cheesecake layer, all crowned with a flurry of whipped cream and colorful sprinkles. This eye-catching treat blends two beloved desserts into one easy, celebration-worthy showstopper. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck or just making a sweet surprise for your family, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe anytime you crave something festive, rich, and simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the most magical things about this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe is the short, sweet list of ingredients. Each item is essential — from the cookie dough that forms our chewy crust, to the creamy elements in the filling — every addition helps create that perfect bite.
- Refrigerated sugar cookie dough: This ready-to-use dough forms a buttery, soft, and perfectly sweet base for the cheesecake — you can use 1½ cups of your favorite homemade dough if you prefer.
- Cream cheese (softened): The backbone of any great cheesecake, providing a rich, tangy, and ultra-creamy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Gives your cheesecake that classic sweet flavor without overpowering the gentle cookie notes.
- Large eggs: These bind the filling, ensuring it bakes up smooth and sliceable.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warm depth and a nostalgic bakery aroma to both the crust and cheesecake.
- Sour cream: Just a touch makes the filling extra luscious while balancing the overall sweetness.
- Optional toppings (whipped cream, sprinkles, crushed sugar cookies): For festive flair and a little extra delight in every bite.
How to Make Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Pre-Bake the Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan. Take the sugar cookie dough and press it evenly across the bottom to create a solid crust. This forms the sweet and buttery base that’ll hold all the creamy layers above. Bake the crust for about 10 to 12 minutes until it turns lightly golden — it should look just set but not fully baked since it will continue cooking with the filling. Let the crust cool slightly before moving on.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until the mixture is silky-smooth and lump-free. This part is key to avoiding little pockets of cream cheese in your final dessert. Add the eggs one at a time, beating just until combined (over-mixing can make your cheesecake dense). Gently blend in the vanilla extract and sour cream, making sure everything is incorporated for that classic tang.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cheesecake filling right over your slightly cooled sugar cookie crust. Spread it out evenly with a spatula for a smooth, bakery-ready finish. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is just barely set (think: the slightest jiggle!) and the edges have turned a lovely light gold. Turning off the oven but leaving the cheesecake inside with the door cracked lets it cool gently, preventing cracks on top.
Step 4: Chill for the Perfect Texture
Once your cheesecake has cooled in the oven for about 30 minutes, remove it and let it finish cooling completely at room temperature. Then, transfer the pan to the fridge for at least 4 hours or up to overnight. This rest transforms the filling from pourable to plush, giving every slice that signature creamy finish unique to this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe.
Step 5: Top and Serve!
When it’s time to serve, let your creativity shine! Add generous swirls of whipped cream, a scattering of rainbow sprinkles, or crumbled sugar cookies for extra texture and a hint of nostalgia. The real beauty is in making the cheesecake your own, and these little touches make every slice feel like a celebration.
How to Serve Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
A dazzling garnish transforms this cheesecake from simple to spectacular. Freshly piped whipped cream, sparkling sugar crystals, a handful of crushed sugar cookies, or bursts of colorful sprinkles all play beautifully against the creamy backdrop. Serve with a flourish and watch everyone’s eyes light up!
Side Dishes
Pair the Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe with a medley of fresh berries for a refreshing contrast, or offer coffee and hot chocolate on the side for an indulgent dessert hour. Lightly sweetened iced tea or a tart lemon sorbet can also balance the richness and keep everything bright.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of serving the whole cheesecake, try slicing into bars and nestling each piece into cupcake liners for a handheld party treat. You can also use cookie cutters to cut the cookie crust before assembling, creating perfectly shaped minis. Or, transform leftover slices into cheesecake parfaits layered with fruit and extra crumbled cookies in pretty glasses for a whimsical twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cheesecake keeps wonderfully in the fridge! Simply cover the pan with foil or plastic wrap (or store individual slices in airtight containers). The Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe stays fresh and creamy for up to five days, making it perfect for make-ahead entertaining or midweek treats.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can absolutely freeze this cheesecake. Slice and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then again in foil, and stash in a zip-top bag. Frozen portions last up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
Cheesecake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. However, if you like a slightly warmer, softer bite, let slices sit out on the counter for 20-30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the filling rubbery and the cookie crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough for the crust?
Absolutely! Homemade sugar cookie dough works just as well as refrigerated dough in the Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe. You’ll need about 1½ cups. Just make sure it’s easily moldable so you can press it smoothly into the pan.
Why did my cheesecake crack on top?
Cracks can happen if the cheesecake cools too quickly or bakes for too long. To prevent this, let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven with the door cracked open, and make sure not to over-bake. Luckily, a few cracks don’t affect the flavor — just cover with toppings!
How do I know when the cheesecake is fully baked?
The edges should be lightly golden and set, while the center will still have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan. This delicate balance ensures the Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe is creamy, not dry.
Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap out the regular sugar cookie dough for a trusted gluten-free version (there are great store-bought and homemade recipes). Double-check your other ingredients for hidden gluten, and enjoy every crumb.
What’s the best way to slice and serve cheesecake?
Run a sharp knife under hot water and wipe it clean between slices for neat, bakery-style pieces. This simple trick keeps each wedge tidy and beautiful, especially with the delicate cookie crust at the base.
Final Thoughts
Make dessert the most exciting part of your day with this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe! It’s playful, nostalgic, and joyfully creamy — just right for parties, holidays, or whenever you want to treat someone you love (including yourself). Give it a try and get ready for requests for seconds, thirds, and maybe the recipe, too!
Print
Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect marriage of sugar cookies and creamy cheesecake with this delightful Sugar Cookie Cheesecake recipe. A luscious dessert that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 (16.5 oz) roll refrigerated sugar cookie dough (or 1½ cups homemade sugar cookie dough)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sour cream
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Sprinkles
- Crushed sugar cookies
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Prepare Crust: Press cookie dough into pan, bake until golden, and cool.
- Make Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar, add eggs, vanilla, and sour cream.
- Fill and Bake: Pour batter over crust and bake until set.
- Cool and Chill: Cool in oven, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Top and Serve: Add toppings before serving.
Notes
- You can use homemade sugar cookie dough or your favorite store-bought version.
- For extra sweetness, swirl in 2 tablespoons of strawberry or raspberry jam before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
