Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

Every December, my kitchen becomes a little workshop of flavors and colors. The counters fill with sprinkles, cookie cutters, and bowls of frosting in red and green. One year, I wanted a showstopper dessert that combined the comfort of holiday cookies with the richness of cheesecake.

The process itself felt like holiday decorating. Crushing sugar cookies for the crust gave off a sweet aroma that immediately reminded me of Christmas mornings. The cheesecake filling came together silky smooth, with just the right balance of tang from the sour cream and richness from the heavy cream.

When chilled and topped with candy coated chocolate pieces in red and green, the cheesecake transformed into a centerpiece that didn’t just taste amazing, but also looked perfectly festive.

Each slice felt like a celebration on a plate smooth, velvety cheesecake layered over a nostalgic sugar cookie crust, with little pops of crunch and color from the candy topping.

Short Description

A rich, creamy cheesecake layered on a buttery sugar cookie crust, decorated with festive red and green candy pieces perfect for holiday gatherings.

Key Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar cookie crumbs (about 20 sugar cookies, crushed)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup mini red and green candy-coated chocolate pieces (for decoration)
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Tools Needed

• 9 inch springform pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Crust
In a bowl, combine 2 cups crushed sugar cookie crumbs with ¼ cup melted butter. .

Step 3: Beat the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, beat 24 oz softened cream cheese with 1 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add the Eggs
Add 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to create a silky batter.

Step 5: Blend in Flavorings
Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ cup sour cream, and ¼ cup heavy cream until fully combined and smooth.

Step 6: Assemble the Cheesecake
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cookie crust, spreading evenly with a spatula.

Step 7: Bake the Cheesecake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden and the center is just set.

Step 8: Cool Gradually
Turn off the oven, crack the oven door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.

Step 9: Chill the Cheesecake
Remove from the oven and place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to firm up.

Step 10: Decorate and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle ½ cup of mini red and green candy coated chocolates over the top.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A festive twist on classic cheesecake

Colorful topping makes it a holiday centerpiece

Easy crust using sugar cookies for nostalgic flavor

Creamy texture with a light tangy balance

Make ahead dessert that saves time during busy holidays

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Mistake 1: Using cold cream cheese
Solution: Always let cream cheese soften to room temperature for a smooth batter.

Mistake 2: Overmixing the eggs
Solution: Mix just until incorporated. Overmixing adds air, which can cause cracks.

Mistake 3: Rushing the cooling process
Solution: Leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door open to cool gradually before chilling.

Mistake 4: Loose crust
Solution: Press crumbs firmly into the pan using the bottom of a glass to form a compact base.

Mistake 5: Skipping chill time
Solution: Allow at least 4 hours of refrigeration, ideally overnight, for the best texture.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Slice into small wedges and serve on a dessert platter

Pair with hot cocoa, mulled wine, or peppermint lattes

Serve family style at the holiday table with festive drinks

Garnish with extra sugar cookie crumbles for a decorative touch

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days

Do not freeze with candy toppings; add them fresh when serving

Freeze plain cheesecake tightly wrapped for up to 2 months

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving

FAQs

1. Can I use store bought sugar cookies for the crust?
Yes, store bought cookies work perfectly and save time.

2. How do I prevent cracks on top of the cheesecake?
Avoid overmixing, use room temperature ingredients, and cool gradually in the oven.

3. Can I make this cheesecake without a springform pan?
A deep pie dish can work, but a springform pan makes slicing and serving much easier.

4. What if I don’t like candy coated chocolates?
Swap with crushed peppermint candies, sprinkles, or white chocolate curls.

5. How far in advance can I prepare this cheesecake?
It can be made 2–3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Tips & Tricks

Place a shallow pan of water on the oven rack below the cheesecake to add moisture and prevent cracking.

For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe between cuts.

Add a pinch of cinnamon to the crust for extra holiday flavor.

Use mini springform pans for individual servings.

Recipe Variations

Peppermint Cheesecake: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the filling and top with crushed candy canes.

Gingerbread Crust: Replace sugar cookies with gingerbread cookies for a spiced twist.

Chocolate Drizzle: Melt white or dark chocolate and drizzle over the cheesecake before adding candy toppings.

Eggnog Cheesecake: Replace heavy cream with eggnog and add a sprinkle of nutmeg for holiday flair.

Berry Christmas Cheesecake: Top with fresh raspberries and sugared cranberries for a fruity version.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is more than just a dessert it’s a holiday tradition waiting to be made. With its nostalgic sugar cookie crust and creamy filling, it captures both comfort and indulgence in every slice. The colorful candy topping adds a playful touch that makes it stand out on any dessert table.

That brings cheer to the kitchen without adding stress to the season, thanks to its straightforward steps and make ahead convenience. Each forkful delivers the perfect mix of buttery cookie base, velvety cheesecake, and sweet candy crunch.