Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is the perfect treat to serve during the holiday season. This decadent dessert combines the classic flavors of a sugar cookie crust with the smooth richness of cheesecake, all topped with edible cookie dough balls and a creamy white chocolate ganache. Whether you’re looking for a festive dessert for a Christmas gathering or simply want to indulge in something sweet, Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is sure to impress. With its creamy texture, delightful cookie dough crunch, and indulgent ganache, this dessert is bound to be a showstopper at any holiday celebration. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and create a memorable treat for your next holiday feast.
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Ingredients
For this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together to create the ultimate holiday dessert. Here’s what you’ll need for each component:
A. Sugar Cookie Crust:
- 1 cup Regenerative Organic Certified® Cane Sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
B. Cookie Dough Balls:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup mini Christmas sprinkles
C. Cheesecake:
- 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese (softened)
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
D. White Chocolate Ganache:
- 8 oz white chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating the perfect Sugar Cookie Cheesecake requires following a few detailed steps. Here’s how to prepare each layer:
1. Sugar Cookie Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, butter, flour, and salt. Mix until you have a smooth dough.
- Press the dough into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Make sure it’s evenly spread out.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Set aside to cool.
2. Cookie Dough Balls:
- In a separate bowl, beat together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract, flour, and salt. Stir until combined into a dough.
- Gently fold in mini sprinkles.
- Roll the dough into small balls and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
3. Cheesecake:
- Reduce your oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream, heavy cream, and sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully mixed before adding the next. This will ensure a creamy, lump-free cheesecake filling.
- Gently fold in two-thirds of the cookie dough balls.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled sugar cookie crust in the springform pan.
4. White Chocolate Ganache:
- In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until just simmering. Remove from heat.
- Add chopped white chocolate and stir until smooth and glossy.
- Pour the ganache over the chilled cheesecake once it’s completely set.
Baking Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
To ensure your Sugar Cookie Cheesecake turns out perfect every time, here are a few essential tips:
1. Water Bath for a Smooth Finish:
- Baking your cheesecake in a water bath helps prevent cracks and ensures even baking. Place your springform pan in a larger pan and fill the outer pan with hot water before baking.
- This method helps maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
2. Cooling Process:
- Let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about an hour. This prevents sudden temperature changes that can cause cracking.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake overnight to set properly before adding the ganache.
3. Removing Cheesecake from the Pan:
- After chilling, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Use parchment paper circles for easy release.
Substitutions & Variations
This Sugar Cookie Cheesecake can easily be adapted for different dietary needs or personal preferences:
- Dairy-Free Options: For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream cheese and coconut sour cream. You can also use dairy-free butter and non-dairy milk in the ganache.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this cheesecake gluten-free, replace the sugar cookie crust with a gluten-free graham cracker crust or almond flour-based crust. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Eggless Cheesecake: If you want to make this cheesecake eggless, try using an egg substitute like flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water for each egg) to maintain the creamy texture.
Serving and Storing Tips
Once your Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is ready, you’ll want to know how to store and serve it:
1. Serving Tips:
- Slice and serve the cheesecake chilled for a smooth, creamy texture. Garnish with extra cookie dough balls or festive sprinkles to make it more visually appealing.
2. Storing:
- Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to keep it covered to maintain freshness.
- If you’d like to freeze the cheesecake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 30 days. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
3. Freezing Ganache:
- The white chocolate ganache can also be frozen separately. When ready to serve, reheat it gently before pouring it over the cheesecake.
FAQ: Common Questions About Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about this recipe:
Yes! You can adapt the recipe to make individual mini cheesecakes by using a muffin tin or mini springform pans. Adjust the baking time to around 15-20 minutes for mini cheesecakes.
If your cheesecake cracks, don’t worry! Use the white chocolate ganache to cover it. To avoid cracks in the future, remember to use a water bath and cool the cheesecake gradually.
Absolutely! You can try using a graham cracker crust, Oreo crust, or even a gluten-free alternative to suit your taste.
If you want to use a different pan size, make sure to adjust the recipe’s ingredients accordingly. If using a larger pan, you may need to reduce the baking time slightly.
Related recipes
- If you love sugar cookies, you’ll enjoy these sugar cookies for a delicious treat.
- For a fun and portable dessert, try these Andes Mint Mini Cheesecakes – Easy Recipe
- Add some extra cheer to your holiday spread with these Red Velvet Brownies

Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is the perfect treat to serve during the holiday season. This decadent dessert combines the classic flavors of a sugar cookie crust with the smooth richness of cheesecake, all topped with edible cookie dough balls and a creamy white chocolate ganache.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Regenerative Organic Certified® Cane Sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup mini Christmas sprinkles
- 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese (softened)
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz white chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, butter, flour, and salt. Mix until you have a smooth dough.
- Press the dough into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Make sure it’s evenly spread out.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Set aside to cool.
- In a separate bowl, beat together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract, flour, and salt. Stir until combined into a dough.
- Gently fold in mini sprinkles.
- Roll the dough into small balls and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
- Reduce your oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream, heavy cream, and sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully mixed before adding the next. This will ensure a creamy, lump-free cheesecake filling.
- Gently fold in two-thirds of the cookie dough balls.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled sugar cookie crust in the springform pan.
- In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until just simmering. Remove from heat.
- Add chopped white chocolate and stir until smooth and glossy.
- Pour the ganache over the chilled cheesecake once it’s completely set.
Notes
Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can be frozen for up to 30 days. Freeze the ganache separately if needed.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg


Final thoughts
Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is the ultimate holiday dessert, perfect for creating sweet memories with family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or simply indulging in a treat during the festive season, this cheesecake will surely be a hit. With its creamy texture, delightful cookie dough pieces, and white chocolate ganache, it’s a dessert that combines all the best flavors of the holidays. Follow the instructions carefully, and you’ll have a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Try this recipe, and make your holiday gatherings extra special!
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