Description

Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is a delightful fusion of a classic creamy cheesecake layered over a buttery sugar cookie crust, enhanced with festive elements like Christmas sprinkles and cookie dough balls baked inside. Topped with a smooth white chocolate ganache and extra cookie dough bites, this dessert offers a rich, textural, and visually festive treat perfect for holidays and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Sugar Cookie Crust

2 cups All-purpose flour (Gluten-free option available)
1 teaspoon Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 cup Unsalted butter (At room temperature)
1 cup Regenerative Organic Certified® Cane Sugar from Wholesome (Brown sugar can be used)
1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract (Homemade is recommended)
1 egg
1/4 cup Christmas sprinkles (Optional)

Cookie Dough Balls for Filling

1 cup All-purpose flour (Heat treated)
1 teaspoon Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 cup Unsalted butter (At room temperature)
1/2 cup Regenerative Organic Certified® Cane Sugar from Wholesome
1 egg
1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup Chocolate chips or M&Ms (Optional)

Cheesecake Filling

16 ounces Cream cheese (Softened)
1/2 cup Regenerative Organic Certified® Cane Sugar from Wholesome
1/2 cup Sour cream or Greek yogurt
1/2 cup Heavy cream (Room temperature)
3 large Eggs (At room temperature)
2/3 of the frozen cookie dough balls prepared above

White Chocolate Ganache Topping

1 cup White chocolate chips
1/2 cup Heavy cream

Additional Topping

Remaining cookie dough balls (from preparation for filling)

Instructions

Sugar Cookie Crust Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan, lining the bottom with parchment paper. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy for about 3-4 minutes. Mix in vanilla and one egg. Gradually add the dry ingredients and Christmas sprinkles. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and set.
Cookie Dough Balls Preparation: While the crust bakes, prepare the cookie dough for the filling by combining flour, baking soda, and salt. Cream together ½ cup butter and remaining sugar until smooth, then mix in the remaining egg and vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients until just combined. Roll dough into small balls, place on a parchment-lined tray, and freeze for 30 minutes until firm.
Cheesecake Filling Preparation: Lower oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with sugar until creamy and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes. Add sour cream or Greek yogurt and heavy cream, mixing until smooth. Incorporate eggs one at a time. Gently fold in 2/3 of the frozen cookie dough balls. Pour this filling over the baked sugar cookie crust.
Baking the Cheesecake: Place a larger dish with hot water on the oven rack below the cheesecake to create a water bath. Bake the cheesecake in the oven for 80-90 minutes until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
Cooling and Chilling: Turn off the oven and crack the oven door slightly, letting the cheesecake cool inside for 30 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to set fully.
Making White Chocolate Ganache: Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until steaming but not boiling. Pour over white chocolate chips and let sit for 5-7 minutes to melt. Stir until smooth, glossy, and creamy. Let it cool slightly until it thickens.
Topping and Serving: Pour the ganache evenly over the cooled cheesecake. Top with the remaining frozen cookie dough balls for decoration. Refrigerate for an additional hour before slicing and serving chilled.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother mixing and better texture.
Freezing the cookie dough balls before adding to the cheesecake prevents them from melting fully and helps retain their shape inside the filling.
The water bath helps the cheesecake bake evenly and prevents cracking.
Letting the cheesecake chill overnight improves its firmness and flavor.
For a gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour mixtures for both crust and cookie dough.
Homemade vanilla extract enhances flavor but store-bought vanilla can be used as well.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Sugar Cookie Cheesecake, Cheesecake with Cookie Dough, Festive Dessert, Christmas Cheesecake, White Chocolate Ganache, Holiday Cheesecake