Description

This Sugar Cookie Cheesecake combines the rich, creamy texture of classic cheesecake with the sweet, nostalgic flavor of sugar cookies. Featuring a buttery sugar cookie crust, a luscious cream cheese filling studded with frozen cookie dough balls, and a silky white chocolate ganache topping, this dessert is a festive treat perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you want a delightful indulgence.

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 (room temperature)
1 cup Regenerative Organic Certified® Cane Sugar from Wholesome (Brown sugar can be used)
1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract (homemade recommended)
1 large Egg (room temperature)
1/4 cup Christmas sprinkles (optional)

Cookie Dough Balls

1 cup All-purpose flour (heat treated)
1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1/2 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature)
1/2 cup Regenerative Organic Certified® Cane Sugar from Wholesome
1 large Egg (room temperature)
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 (room temperature)
About 2/3 of the frozen cookie dough balls prepared earlier

White Chocolate Ganache

1 cup White chocolate chips
1/2 cup Heavy cream

Instructions

Sugar Cookie Crust Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan, lining the bottom with parchment paper. Whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Mix in vanilla and one egg. Gradually add the dry ingredients and sprinkles, combining well. Press this 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. In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Cream butter and sugar until smooth, then mix in the remaining egg and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients and chocolate chips or M&Ms if using. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze for about 30 minutes until firm.
Cheesecake Filling Preparation: Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with sugar until creamy and fluffy (4-5 minutes). Add sour cream or Greek yogurt and heavy cream, mixing until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, blending gently after each. Fold in two-thirds of the frozen cookie dough balls carefully. Pour this filling over the baked sugar cookie crust.
Baking the Cheesecake: Place a larger baking dish filled 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, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
Cooling and Chilling: After baking, turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool slowly inside for 30 minutes. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, then cover and refrigerate overnight for best results.
Making White Chocolate Ganache: Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until steaming but not boiling. Remove from heat and pour over white chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for 5-7 minutes to melt, then stir until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool slightly before use.
Topping and Serving: Once the ganache is set enough to spread, pour it evenly over the chilled cheesecake. Decorate the top with the remaining frozen cookie dough balls for a festive look. Refrigerate for an additional hour before slicing and serving chilled.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and a creamy texture.
Freezing the cookie dough balls before adding to the cheesecake prevents them from fully melting into the filling during baking.
The water bath helps keep the cheesecake moist and prevents cracking.
To make this dessert gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Slight jiggle in the center after baking indicates perfect doneness; it will firm up while cooling.
Christmas sprinkles and colorful toppings add a fun, festive touch but are optional.
Make sure to chill the cheesecake overnight for optimal taste and texture.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Sugar Cookie Cheesecake, Christmas cheesecake, Holiday cheesecake, White chocolate ganache, Cookie dough cheesecake