If you love classic sugar cookies and creamy cheesecake, this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is going to be your new obsession. Picture a golden, buttery sugar cookie crust that holds the silkiest, tangiest cheesecake filling—each bite is pure joy. Whether you’re searching for a festive dessert to wow your friends or simply craving a new way to enjoy two nostalgic favorites in one, this impressive treat hits the sweet spot every single time. It’s a showstopper, an indulgence, and honestly, the kind of dessert you’ll dream about long after the last crumb is gone!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake recipe plays an important role, bringing the right balance of flavor, structure, and texture. Simple pantry staples come together in a way that feels truly magical—don’t skip a single one, because that’s what takes this cheesecake from good to unforgettable!
- Refrigerated sugar cookie dough: The ultimate shortcut to a buttery, golden cookie crust that’s instantly crowd-pleasing.
- Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened so your filling comes out impossibly smooth and creamy.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake without overpowering the tang from the cream cheese.
- Large eggs: These bind the filling and create that luscious, sliceable texture everyone loves.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a dreamy aroma and rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
- Sour cream: A touch of tang and extra creaminess ensures your cheesecake is melt-in-your-mouth good.
- Whipped cream, sprinkles, or crushed sugar cookies (optional): These fun toppings add visual appeal and extra bursts of flavor—highly recommended, especially for celebrations!
How to Make Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan really well. Unwrap the sugar cookie dough and press it evenly into the bottom and just a bit up the sides of the pan. This will be your sweet, chewy crust—the best foundation for our Sugar Cookie Cheesecake! Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until it’s barely golden at the edges, then set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Luscious Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and free of lumps (this is your ticket to that dreamy texture). Add in the granulated sugar and mix again—don’t rush this part, as it sets you up for success. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. Finish it off by blending in the vanilla extract and sour cream until the mixture is silky and homogenous. Get ready to meet your new favorite batter!
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cream cheese mixture gently onto your cooled cookie crust, smoothing out the top. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the center is just set and has the slightest jiggle when you nudge the pan. Resist the urge to dive in right away—the magic happens as it cools.
Step 4: Cool and Chill for Perfection
Once the cheesecake comes out of the oven, turn off the oven but leave the cheesecake inside with the oven door cracked for 1 hour. This gradual cooling prevents cracking and helps the flavors meld. After that, transfer it to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours (overnight, if you can wait) to set completely. Trust me—your patience will be rewarded!
Step 5: Add Your Finishing Touch
Just before serving, get creative! Top with swirls of whipped cream, cheerful sprinkles, or a handful of crushed sugar cookies for the full Sugar Cookie Cheesecake experience. Every little extra makes it all the more delicious.
How to Serve Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
Garnishes
The finishing touches make your cheesecake irresistible! For a classic look, piped whipped cream around the edges is always a crowd-pleaser. Sprinkles give a festive pop of color, while a dusting of crushed sugar cookies ups the nostalgia factor. Don’t be afraid to get playful—this dessert is made for celebration.
Side Dishes
Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is rich and satisfying on its own, but if you want to serve extras, try fresh berries, a tart raspberry sauce, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. These light, fruity, or creamy sides balance the sweet richness of the cheesecake, creating a perfect dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, slice the cheesecake into bars or small squares for bite-sized treats. Or, use mini springform pans to make individual cheesecakes—so cute! Decorating with themed sprinkles can really make it pop for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion where you want a dessert that feels a little extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Sugar Cookie Cheesecake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen each day, so you may even find yourself sneaking a slice for breakfast—no judgment!
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later, this cheesecake freezes beautifully. Wrap slices (or the whole cheesecake) tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and you’ll be amazed at how fresh it still tastes.
Reheating
Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is best served cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer it slightly warm, a very gentle zap in the microwave (10-15 seconds per slice) works. Be careful not to overheat, or you’ll lose that silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade dough will work very well. Just make sure you use about 16.5 ounces, and roll or press it to an even thickness in the pan for the crust. The flavor will be a touch more personalized too.
How can I tell when my Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is done baking?
Keep an eye on the center—it should jiggle just a bit when you gently shake the pan, but not slosh. The edges may puff up slightly. Don’t worry if the center seems slightly underdone; it will continue setting as it cools.
Why did my cheesecake crack on top?
Cracks can happen if the cheesecake cools too quickly or if it’s overbaked. To avoid this, let it cool slowly in the oven with the door ajar, as suggested. But don’t stress—cracks can always be covered with whipped cream or toppings, and the taste will still be fantastic!
Can I make this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free sugar cookie dough and double-check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The result is just as creamy and delicious.
What’s the best way to slice cheesecake neatly?
For perfect slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This prevents sticking and gives you those magazine-worthy edges every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Sugar Cookie Cheesecake before, I can’t recommend it enough—it’s the best of both beloved treats, and truly a joy to share. One bite and you’ll see how quickly it disappears! Gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and celebrate the sweetness of homemade baking with a dessert no one will forget.
Print
Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of a sugar cookie crust and velvety cheesecake filling with this easy-to-make Sugar Cookie Cheesecake. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a sweet treat!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 package (16.5 oz) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
For the Topping (optional):
- Whipped cream, sprinkles, or crushed sugar cookies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and press the sugar cookie dough into the bottom to form the crust. Bake until lightly golden.
- Prepare the filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream. Pour over the cooled crust.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until the center is set. Cool in the oven, then chill for at least 4 hours.
- Serve: Top with whipped cream, sprinkles, or crushed sugar cookies if desired.
Notes
- Allow cream cheese to come to room temperature for a smoother filling.
- Use mini sugar cookies as a shortcut for decorating.
- Cheesecake can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
