Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake – Festive Snackable Dessert Recipe

⬇️ Jump to Recipe

Move over sugar cookies—there’s a new Christmas dessert in town, and it's about to steal the holiday spotlight. Introducing the Sugar Cookie Cheesecake: a creamy, dreamy dessert that combines two of the season’s most beloved treats—sugar cookies and cheesecake—into one irresistible slice of joy.

And yes, it’s as indulgent and festive as it sounds.

Imagine this: a sugar cookie crust loaded with edible sugar cookie dough balls, all wrapped up in a luxuriously smooth, home made cheesecake recipe, then topped with a silky white chocolate ganache and—you guessed it—more cookie dough balls. It’s not just dessert. It’s a holiday experience.

Whether you’re planning an epic Xmas dinner dessert idea or just want a “wow” factor for your next party, this cheesecake has your back. It’s easy to make, fun to share (or not, we won’t judge), and so delicious it might just start a new holiday tradition.

Why You’ll Be Hooked:

It’s everything you love about Christmas sugar cookies… but better.

This Christmas dessert cheesecake takes that nostalgic sugar cookie flavor and amps it up with rich, creamy cheesecake vibes. It’s the best of both worlds.

Snackable dessert vibes? Check.

Those adorable sugar cookie dough balls scattered inside and on top? Totally edible. Totally snackable. Totally awesome. You might catch your family sneaking bites before the cheesecake even hits the table.

No boring textures here.

The cheesecake filling is insanely smooth. Like, “I-want-to-bathe-in-this” smooth. It has the perfect balance of density and creaminess that true cheesecake lovers crave. One bite and you’ll understand.

Water Bath Woes? We’ve Got You.

Baking cheesecake shouldn’t be stressful—but let’s be real, nobody wants a cracked cheesecake or (worse) a soggy crust.

Pro tip #1: Use a water bath. It’s not optional.

Moist heat is key to preventing cracks and keeping that texture silky. My fave method? Place your springform pan inside a 10-inch cake pan, then nest that cake pan in a roasting pan filled halfway with hot water. Boom—no water leaks, no soggy disasters.

Pro tip #2: Skip the foil drama.

Sure, wrapping your springform pan in foil can work, but there's always a risk of water sneaking in and ruining your crust. If you’re the gambling type, go for it. If not, stick to the cake pan trick.

Keep It Smooth, No Cracks Allowed:

Cracks in cheesecake? Not on our watch.

Here’s what to do:

• Beat all wet ingredients except the eggs on high until everything’s super creamy. Lumps = cracks. No thanks.

• Add eggs last, and mix on low. Air is the enemy here. Too much air = puff, rise, crack. Keep it chill.

• Let it cool slooowly. Once it’s done baking, don’t yank it out of the oven. Let it sit in the oven (turned off!) for 30 minutes. It needs time to settle—just like you after Christmas dinner.

The Showstopper on Every Table

If you’re browsing Pinterest for cheesecake recipes for Christmas or scrambling for gathering dessert ideas that aren’t just another plate of cookies—stop right here.

This Sugar Cookie Cheesecake delivers. It’s festive, it’s fun, and it feels just fancy enough to say, “Yes, I do know how to throw a killer holiday party.”

Need more inspo? This would pair beautifully with some hot cocoa cheesecake bites on the side. Just sayin’.

Or make it mini! Turn this recipe into Christmas cheesecake cupcakes for a totally cute, portioned-out version. Perfect for potlucks, cookie swaps, or those picky eaters who “just want a little taste.”

Final Thoughts: Skip the Store-Bought, Go All-In

With so many Christmas cheesecake recipes no bake floating around, it’s easy to go the lazy route. But trust us—this home made cheesecake recipe is 100% worth turning the oven on.

It’s nostalgic. It’s decadent. And it’s basically a sugar cookie party in cheesecake form.

So this year, surprise your guests. Skip the usual desserts and serve up something unforgettable.

You bring the cheesecake—we’ll bring the compliments.

🎄 Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake – Festive Snackable Dessert Recipe

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 90 minutes
Total Time: Approx. 2 hrs 30 mins (plus chill)
Author: Aleda

This festive cheesecake is like Christmas in dessert form! It features a soft sugar cookie crust, a rich and creamy cheesecake packed with edible cookie dough bites, and a luxurious white chocolate ganache topping. And yep—there are more sugar cookie dough balls on top for that final magical touch!

✨ Ingredients

Sugar Cookie Base:

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup organic cane sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk (room temp)
• ⅓ cup Christmas sprinkles

Edible Cookie Dough Balls:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup organic cane sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 5 tbsp milk
• ⅓ cup Christmas sprinkles

Cheesecake Filling:

• 32 oz cream cheese, room temp
• ⅔ cup cane sugar
• ¾ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs (room temp)
• ⅔ of the cookie dough balls

Ganache Topping:

• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• ⅓ cup heavy cream

🧁 Instructions

1. Make the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a springform pan. Cream butter and sugar, then mix in egg, yolk, and vanilla. Add dry ingredients and sprinkles. Press into pan and bake for 25–30 min.
2. Prep Cookie Dough Balls: Mix flour/salt in one bowl. Cream butter and sugar in another. Add vanilla and milk. Mix and stir in flour and sprinkles. Roll into small balls and freeze.
3. Make Cheesecake Layer: Reduce oven to 325°F. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time. Fold in frozen cookie dough balls.
4. Water Bath & Bake: Use either foil-wrap or pan-in-pan water bath. Bake for 80–90 min. Cool inside the oven with door cracked for 30 min.
5. Chill & Ganache: Cool completely, then chill at least 6 hours. For ganache, heat cream, pour over white chocolate chips, and stir until smooth. Spread on top. Freeze 10 min to set.
6. Decorate: Top with remaining cookie dough balls and festive sprinkles.

🎁 Tips & Tricks

• Let all dairy ingredients sit out for 2 hours before baking.
• Make it snackable! Turn this into cheesecake bars or cupcakes for easy sharing.
• Chill overnight for the best flavor and texture.

This is the ultimate holiday dessert for your Christmas table. Beautiful, decadent, and packed with holiday cheer!

Share :