Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe with a Buttery Crust and Creamy Filling

Brandi Oshea Avatar
By:
Brandi Oshea
Published:

[grow_share_buttons]

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
  • Ease of preparation: This sugar cookie cheesecake recipe is quick and simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and straightforward steps that even beginners can follow, ensuring a hassle-free baking experience.
  • Health benefits: Unlike traditional cheesecakes, this version includes ingredients that offer nutritional advantages, such as reduced sugar options and wholesome components, making it a slightly healthier indulgence.
  • Versatility: The recipe is adaptable to various dietary needs, including vegan, gluten-free, and low-calorie versions, allowing everyone to enjoy the delicious sugar cookie cheesecake regardless of dietary restrictions.
  • Distinctive flavor: Combining the classic sweetness of sugar cookies with creamy cheesecake, this dessert offers a unique and memorable taste that stands out from ordinary cheesecakes.
Jump To
  • 1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour (shortbread crust)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar (shortbread crust)
  • Pinch of kosher salt (shortbread crust)
  • 1/2 cup (110g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed (shortbread crust)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (shortbread crust)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (sugar cookie dough)
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar (sugar cookie dough)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (sugar cookie dough)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (sugar cookie dough)
  • 1 cup (130g) all-purpose flour (sugar cookie dough)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (sugar cookie dough)
  • 3 tablespoons jimmies sprinkles (rainbow sprinkles can be used) (sugar cookie dough)
  • 4 (8 oz) blocks full-fat cream cheese, room temperature (cheesecake batter)
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (cheesecake batter)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (cheesecake batter)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (cheesecake batter)
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional) (cheesecake batter)
  • 3/4 cup (185g) sour cream, room temperature (cheesecake batter)
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature (cheesecake batter)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (sour cream frosting)
  • 1/3 cup (80g) sour cream (sour cream frosting)
  • 1 1/2 cups (165g) powdered sugar (sour cream frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (sour cream frosting)
  • Additional sprinkles for topping (sour cream frosting)
  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the shortbread crust by whisking together flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture is crumbly. Mix in milk until dough is moist but crumbly. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan and bake for 18-20 minutes. Keep oven temperature at 325°F.
  3. For the sugar cookie dough, beat butter and sugar until smooth. Add milk and vanilla extract, then incorporate flour, salt, and sprinkles. Mix until dough forms and roll into small bite-sized balls. Set aside.
  4. To prepare the cheesecake batter, place a roasting pan on the oven’s lowest rack. Bring water to boil on stovetop for a water bath.
  5. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and flour on low speed until smooth. Add vanilla and almond extracts (if using), then sour cream. Mix gently on low speed.
  6. Add eggs one at a time, mixing slowly after each addition. Fold in cookie dough balls gently to retain their shape.
  7. Butter the sides of the springform pan, pour in the batter, and place the cheesecake on the middle oven rack above the boiling water bath. Pour boiling water into the roasting pan to create steam.
  8. Bake for approximately 1 hour 15 minutes until edges are golden and the center slightly jiggles when shaken. Do not overbake.
  9. Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and leave cheesecake inside for 45 minutes to cool gradually, preventing cracks.
  10. Remove cheesecake from oven, cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate overnight to set.
  11. After chilling, prepare sour cream frosting by beating butter until smooth, then adding sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Spread frosting evenly over the cheesecake and decorate with additional sprinkles.
Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe With A Buttery Crust And Creamy Filling 9

  • Replace cream cheese with tofu-based or cashew-based cream for a vegan option.
  • Use coconut yogurt or vegan sour cream as alternatives.
  • Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg for additional flavor variations.
  • Substitute vanilla extract with almond or lemon extract for a different taste.
  • For gluten-free needs, use certified gluten-free sugar cookies or crust alternatives.
  • Use a water bath during baking to prevent cracks and ensure even cooking.
  • Add fresh fruit toppings or swirl in caramel or chocolate for creative twists.
  • Serve in individual ramekins for elegant plating and garnish with edible flowers or mint leaves.
  • Prepare the cheesecake a day ahead to allow flavors to meld and reduce preparation stress on serving day.
  • Store the sugar cookie cheesecake in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
  • Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator; avoid microwaving to preserve texture and flavor.
  • Portion the cheesecake into individual servings before storing for easy grab-and-go treats.
Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe With A Buttery Crust And Creamy Filling 10

Can I make sugar cookie cheesecake gluten free?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free sugar cookie cheesecake by substituting the regular flour in both the crust and cookie dough with a gluten-free all-purpose baking flour. For the cheesecake batter, replace the flour with cornstarch to maintain texture. Keep in mind that baking times might slightly vary depending on the flour blend used, so monitor it closely. This adjustment allows those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy this dessert without compromising flavor.

How long does sugar cookie cheesecake stay fresh in the refrigerator?

After baking and frosting your sugar cookie cheesecake, store it covered in an airtight container or wrap the pan securely with plastic wrap. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week. For best texture and taste, consume it within this period. Always keep the cheesecake chilled until serving to prevent spoilage.

Is it necessary to bake sugar cookie cheesecake in a water bath to avoid cracks?

Baking sugar cookie cheesecake in a water bath is not required for this recipe. To reduce cracking, mix the batter gently after adding eggs and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually at room temperature before refrigerating. If cracks do appear, they won’t affect the taste and can be easily concealed with frosting, whipped cream, or cookie decorations.

Can I prepare sugar cookie cheesecake in advance, and how should I store it?

Sugar cookie cheesecake can be made a day or even several days before serving. Bake the cheesecake, allow it to cool completely, then apply frosting and chill it in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the cheesecake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving for best results.

What is the best way to soften cream cheese quickly for making sugar cookie cheesecake?

To soften cream cheese rapidly, pour boiling water into a glass or ceramic bowl and let it sit for about five minutes. Empty the bowl, then place it upside down over the cream cheese. This traps residual heat and softens the cream cheese in about 10 minutes. Alternatively, cut cream cheese into smaller cubes and leave at room temperature for 30 minutes. Soft cream cheese mixes smoothly into the batter, preventing lumps and ensuring a creamy cheesecake texture.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Sugar Cookie Cheesecake 2.Png

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

Print Recipe

🍪 Satisfy your sweet cravings with this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake, combining buttery crust and creamy filling.
🎉 Perfect for parties or special occasions with its playful sprinkle topping and rich texture.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes plus overnight chilling
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

– 1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour (shortbread crust)

– 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar (shortbread crust)

– Pinch of kosher salt (shortbread crust)

– 1/2 cup (110g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed (shortbread crust)

– 2 tablespoons milk (shortbread crust)

– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (sugar cookie dough)

– 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar (sugar cookie dough)

– 2 tablespoons milk (sugar cookie dough)

– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (sugar cookie dough)

– 1 cup (130g) all-purpose flour (sugar cookie dough)

– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (sugar cookie dough)

– 3 tablespoons jimmies sprinkles (rainbow sprinkles can be used) (sugar cookie dough)

– 4 (8 oz) blocks full-fat cream cheese, room temperature (cheesecake batter)

– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (cheesecake batter)

– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (cheesecake batter)

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (cheesecake batter)

– 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional) (cheesecake batter)

– 3/4 cup (185g) sour cream, room temperature (cheesecake batter)

– 4 large eggs, room temperature (cheesecake batter)

– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (sour cream frosting)

– 1/3 cup (80g) sour cream (sour cream frosting)

– 1 1/2 cups (165g) powdered sugar (sour cream frosting)

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (sour cream frosting)

– Additional sprinkles for topping (sour cream frosting)

Instructions

1-Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.

2-Prepare the shortbread crust by whisking together flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture is crumbly. Mix in milk until dough is moist but crumbly. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan and bake for 18-20 minutes. Keep oven temperature at 325°F.

3-For the sugar cookie dough, beat butter and sugar until smooth. Add milk and vanilla extract, then incorporate flour, salt, and sprinkles. Mix until dough forms and roll into small bite-sized balls. Set aside.

4-To prepare the cheesecake batter, place a roasting pan on the oven’s lowest rack. Bring water to boil on stovetop for a water bath.

5-Beat cream cheese, sugar, and flour on low speed until smooth. Add vanilla and almond extracts (if using), then sour cream. Mix gently on low speed.

6-Add eggs one at a time, mixing slowly after each addition. Fold in cookie dough balls gently to retain their shape.

7-Butter the sides of the springform pan, pour in the batter, and place the cheesecake on the middle oven rack above the boiling water bath. Pour boiling water into the roasting pan to create steam.

8-Bake for approximately 1 hour 15 minutes until edges are golden and the center slightly jiggles when shaken. Do not overbake.

9-Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and leave cheesecake inside for 45 minutes to cool gradually, preventing cracks.

10-Remove cheesecake from oven, cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate overnight to set.

11-After chilling, prepare sour cream frosting by beating butter until smooth, then adding sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Spread frosting evenly over the cheesecake and decorate with additional sprinkles.

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

Notes

🧈 Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
💧 Use a water bath to prevent dryness and cracking.
🍰 Check for a slight jiggle in the center to know when it’s done.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cooling and Chilling Time: Overnight
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 440
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Next Recipe

1 thought on “Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe with a Buttery Crust and Creamy Filling”

  1. Oh my goodness, this was a hit at our family gathering! 🎉 The sugar cookie crust added such a delightful twist. I did sprinkle a bit of cinnamon onto the crust before baking, just to give it a slight kick. Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe!

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star