If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the buttery charm of sugar cookies with the creamy decadence of cheesecake, your dreams have come true. The Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Deluxe Recipe is a showstopper that melds a tender sugar cookie crust with a luxuriously rich cheesecake filling studded with cookie dough bits and white chocolate chips. Each bite bursts with nostalgic sweetness and velvety texture, topped off with vibrant sprinkles and a luscious ganache to make it truly deluxe. This recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves dessert classics with an irresistible twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a critical role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture, from the flaky sugar cookie crust to the smooth cheesecake center. These simple, quality components come together to craft a dessert that feels both familiar and wonderfully indulgent.
- All-purpose flour (3½ cups for crust, 3 cups for dough balls): Provides the structure and crumbly texture essential for the sugar cookie foundation and dough bits inside the cheesecake.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the dough balls to rise slightly, allowing for a tender crumb.
- Salt (1 tsp each for crust and dough balls): Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- Unsalted butter (1½ cups for crust, 1 cup for dough balls, room temperature): Delivers richness and moisture, ensuring a soft, buttery bite.
- Organic cane sugar (2 cups for crust, 2 cups for dough balls, 1â…“ cups for cheesecake): Adds sweetness and a touch of caramel undertones.
- Pure vanilla extract (2 tsp for crust, 2 tsp for dough balls, 2 tsp for cheesecake): Infuses every layer with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Large eggs and egg yolks (2 eggs + 2 yolks for crust; 8 eggs for cheesecake): Give stability to the dough and the rich, creamy texture to the cheesecake filling.
- Christmas sprinkles (jimmies, â…” cup for crust and â…” cup for dough balls): Add festive color and a playful crunch.
- Milk (10 tbsp for dough balls): Keeps the dough balls moist and rollable.
- Cream cheese (64 oz, room temperature): The star of the cheesecake, providing that luscious, creamy body.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (1½ cups): Adds tanginess and contributes to a silky smooth texture.
- Heavy cream (1 cup for cheesecake, â…” cup for ganache): Enhances the richness and helps create a smooth ganache topping.
- Cookie dough balls (1â…“ cups folded into filling): Surprise bits of soft cookie dough within each slice.
- White chocolate chips (2 cups): Melted or folded in for a creamy, sweet bite.
- Almond extract (a dash): Adds a subtle depth of flavor in the cheesecake.
- Freeze-dried strawberries or peppermint bark (for ganache): Folded into the ganache for texture and festive flair.
- Sparkling sugar: Sprinkled on top for shimmer and festive sparkle.
How to Make Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Deluxe Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Sugar Cookie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Combine the crust ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt, butter, sugar, vanilla, eggs, and sprinkles) and mix until a soft dough forms. Press this dough evenly into a 9-inch springform pan, making sure to cover the bottom and go halfway up the sides. This crust will provide that buttery, crisp-sweet base that supports all the cheesecake magic. Bake it for about 10 to 12 minutes and then allow it to cool completely. Cooling is key here to hold the cheesecake filling perfectly without slipping.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough Balls
While the crust cools, it’s time to whip up the cookie dough balls. Mix the second batch of dough ingredients—flour, salt, butter, sugar, vanilla, milk, and sprinkles—until smooth and pliable. Roll the dough into small bite-sized balls and freeze them. These frozen nuggets will be folded into the cheesecake, adding chewy surprises in every forkful. Freezing ensures they hold their shape while baking inside the cheesecake.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Beat the cream cheese and cane sugar until perfectly smooth and fluffy. Next, blend in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), heavy cream, vanilla, and eggs, incorporating each carefully to maintain that silky texture. Stir in the almond extract for a subtle nutty depth that really elevates the whole dessert. Gently fold in the cookie dough balls and white chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed without deflating the batter.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake to Perfection
Pour the luscious mixture into the cooled sugar cookie crust. To achieve a flawlessly smooth cheesecake, bake it in a water bath at 325°F for 1 hour and 20 minutes. The water bath keeps the temperature even and prevents cracks, ensuring that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave. Once done, allow the cheesecake to cool slowly to room temperature before chilling, so it solidifies with that gorgeous, dense yet tender consistency you want.
Step 5: Finish with the Deluxe Ganache and Decoration
Prepare a rich ganache by melting white chocolate chips with heavy cream, then fold in crushed freeze-dried strawberries or peppermint bark for festive flair. Pour this ganache over the chilled cheesecake, smoothing it out with a spatula. Before it sets completely, sprinkle sparkling sugar on top for a dazzling shimmer that makes the dessert ready for any special occasion or holiday table.
How to Serve Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Deluxe Recipe
Garnishes
This cheesecake speaks volumes on its own but adding extra garnishes makes it truly unforgettable. Try topping slices with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a few extra jimmies to mirror those joyful sprinkles within. You can even drizzle a little caramel or white chocolate sauce for a luscious drip effect.
Side Dishes
Balance the rich indulgence of the Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Deluxe Recipe with light, fresh accompaniments like a crisp green salad dressed in a citrus vinaigrette or perhaps a simple glass of sparkling wine. These contrast elements help cleanse your palate and elevate the whole dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this cheesecake in elegant individual mini springform pans to wow your guests or slice it neat and arrange pieces on a rustic wooden board with edible flowers and festive sprinkles. For a party, consider tiny cheesecake shooters layered with crushed cookies and topped with ganache—everyone will love the playful presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Deluxe Recipe, wrap leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to five days, maintaining its fresh texture and rich flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, the cheesecake freezes like a dream. Freeze whole or slice into portions, wrap well in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, preserving that smooth, creamy texture.
Reheating
This cheesecake is best served chilled, but if you prefer, let slices sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes to soften slightly before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can affect the texture negatively.
FAQs
Can I make the cookie dough balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, freezing the cookie dough balls ahead helps maintain their shape during baking and saves time when assembling the cheesecake.
What can I use instead of sour cream in the cheesecake?
Greek yogurt is a perfect substitute that adds the same tang and creaminess without compromising the texture.
Is it necessary to bake the crust before adding the filling?
Yes, prebaking the crust ensures it sets up firmly, preventing it from becoming soggy once the cheesecake filling bakes.
Can I use other sprinkles if I don’t have Christmas ones?
Definitely! Any colorful or white sprinkles will work—the key is to add a festive and playful crunch to complement the rich cheesecake.
How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?
Baking it in a water bath at a low temperature and cooling it slowly helps prevent cracks while delivering that luxurious, flawless appearance.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a dessert that dazzles with a perfect harmony of cookie sweetness and velvety cheesecake, the Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Deluxe Recipe is your next baking adventure. It’s festive, fun, and utterly delicious—guaranteed to become a new favorite you’ll want to make again and again. Don’t wait to bring this irresistible treat into your kitchen and create memories around every delicious slice!
Print
Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Deluxe Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours (including cooling and chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Deluxe is a festive and indulgent dessert combining the buttery richness of sugar cookies with the creamy texture of cheesecake. Featuring a sugar cookie crust, pockets of cookie dough balls baked into a luscious cream cheese filling, white chocolate chips, and a decadent ganache with festive toppings, this recipe is perfect for holiday celebrations or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups organic cane sugar
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 egg yolks, room temperature
- â…” cup Christmas sprinkles (jimmies)
Cookie Dough Balls
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups organic cane sugar
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 10 tbsp milk
- â…” cup Christmas sprinkles (jimmies)
Cheesecake Filling
- 64 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1â…“ cups organic cane sugar
- 1½ cups sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 8 large eggs, room temperature
- 1â…“ cups cookie dough balls (folded in)
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- â…” cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- A dash of almond extract
- Crushed freeze-dried strawberries or peppermint bark (for ganache)
- Sparkling sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Prep Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Combine the crust ingredients—flour, baking soda, salt, butter, sugar, vanilla, eggs, egg yolks, and sprinkles—until a dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom and partway up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until set, then let it cool completely.
- Make Dough Balls: Prepare the cookie dough balls by mixing their ingredients—flour, salt, butter, sugar, vanilla, milk, and sprinkles—until smooth. Roll the dough into small balls and place them in the freezer while you prepare the cheesecake filling. This will keep them firm and allow for a nice texture when baked inside the cheesecake.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sour cream or Greek yogurt, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Gently fold in the chilled cookie dough balls and white chocolate chips to incorporate them evenly throughout the filling.
- Bake Cheesecake: Pour the filling over the baked and cooled crust in the springform pan. Set the pan in a water bath to maintain moisture during baking. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. The cheesecake should be set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for about an hour to cool gradually and prevent cracking.
- Prepare Ganache and Finish: Warm â…” cup heavy cream and pour it over white chocolate to create a smooth ganache. Fold in crushed freeze-dried strawberries or peppermint bark for a festive flavor twist. Pour the ganache over the cooled cheesecake. Sprinkle sparkling sugar on top to add shimmer and festive decoration. Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight before serving to allow the layers and flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients help create a smooth cheesecake batter and prevent lumps.
- Freezing the cookie dough balls before folding them into the cheesecake ensures they retain their shape and add texture.
- Baking in a water bath helps prevent cracking and creates a creamy texture.
- Using sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a subtle tang and creaminess to the filling.
- Let the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven after baking to avoid surface cracks.
- You can substitute peppermint bark with other festive toppings according to your preference.
