HOLIDAY SUGAR COOKIE CHEESECAKE

Imagine the magic of holiday baking combined with the creamy decadence of cheesecake. Does the thought of making a complex dessert send shivers down your spine? Fear not, my friend! This Sugar Cookie Cheesecake – Holiday Dreams recipe is easier than you think, and the results are absolutely show-stopping. Prepare to wow your family and friends with this unforgettable treat!

Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this holiday masterpiece. Don’t worry, I’ve broken it down to make it super simple.

For the Sugar Cookie Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 32 ounces cream cheese, softened (that’s four 8-ounce packages!)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds a lovely holiday touch!)

For the Holiday Sprinkles (Because, why not?):

• Assorted holiday sprinkles

Unlocking the Secret to Sugar Cookie Crust Perfection

Let’s talk about that buttery, sweet sugar cookie crust. It’s the foundation of our Sugar Cookie Cheesecake – Holiday Dreams, so we want to get it right! Here are some insider tips:

• Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, but not melted. It should be soft enough that you can easily press a finger into it. This ensures a smooth and even crust.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to a tough crust. Mix until just combined.
• Chill Out: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes (or even longer!) makes it easier to roll out and prevents it from shrinking in the oven.

Step-by-Step to a Slice of Paradise

Let’s get down to the fun part! I’ll walk you through each step, so you can’t go wrong.

Making the Sugar Cookie Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
7. After chilling, lightly flour a clean surface. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch springform pan. Press the dough evenly onto the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
9. Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let cool completely.

Crafting the Dreamy Cheesecake Filling:

1. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. This is where a good electric mixer comes in handy!
3. Beat in the sour cream.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).

Bringing it All Together:

1. Pour the cheesecake filling into the cooled sugar cookie crust.
2. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. A water bath can help prevent cracking, but it’s not essential. Just keep an eye on it!
3. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracking.
4. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This is crucial for the cheesecake to set properly.

Finishing Touches (The Fun Part!):

1. Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.
2. Decorate with holiday sprinkles. Get creative!
3. Slice and serve. Prepare for rave reviews!

Troubleshooting: Your Cheesecake SOS Guide

Even the best bakers encounter bumps in the road sometimes. Here are some common cheesecake problems and how to fix them:

• Cracked Cheesecake: This is the most common cheesecake woe. Slow cooling is your best defense. Letting the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven, as described above, helps prevent cracking. A water bath can also help.
• Lumpy Filling: This usually happens if the cream cheese isn’t softened enough. Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened before you start mixing. If you still have lumps, try using a whisk to smooth them out.
• Soggy Crust: Baking the crust separately before adding the filling helps prevent a soggy crust.

Elevating Your Sugar Cookie Cheesecake: Flavor Variations and Fun Twists

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for a bright and citrusy flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Fold chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling for a decadent treat.
• Peppermint Extract: Add peppermint extract to the cheesecake filling and top with crushed peppermint candies for a festive holiday flavor.
• Caramel Swirl: Swirl caramel sauce into the cheesecake filling before baking.

Beyond the Sugar Cookie: Exploring Holiday Baking Adventures

If you’re looking for more holiday baking inspiration, why not give APPLE CIDER CHEESECAKE COOKIES a try? The autumn flavors are amazing! Or perhaps you’d prefer some PUMPKIN CREAM CHEESE COOKIES? These are sure to please a crowd. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, check out the FALL CHEESECAKE COOKIE BOMBS. They are always a hit!

Cheesecake Cousins: Branching Out from Sugar Cookie

If you’re a cheesecake fanatic like me, you’ll also adore these other cheesecake variations. Have you ever tried a CHURRO CHEESECAKE? It’s a fantastic and unexpected twist. And of course, there’s the original SUGAR COOKIE CHEESECAKE, which is always a safe bet when you’re looking for something nostalgic and comforting. Or how about a BANANA PUDDING CHEESECAKE? It’s a southern classic with a creamy twist!

The Sweetest Ending: Enjoy Your Holiday Creation!

You did it! You’ve created a stunning Sugar Cookie Cheesecake – Holiday Dreams that’s sure to be the star of your holiday celebration. Take a moment to admire your masterpiece, and then dig in! Happy baking, and happy holidays!

Holiday Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Holiday Sugar Cookie Cheesecake combines the festive flavors of sugar cookies with the creamy decadence of cheesecake, creating a show-stopping dessert perfect for any holiday gathering. The buttery sugar cookie crust and smooth cheesecake filling, topped with holiday sprinkles, make it an unforgettable treat that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Medium bowl
• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Electric mixer
• Plastic Wrap
• Rolling Pin
• 9-inch springform pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven
• Spatula
• cooling rack
• Knife

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 32 ounces cream cheese, softened four 8-ounce packages
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract optional
• Assorted holiday sprinkles

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
• After chilling, lightly flour a clean surface. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
• Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch springform pan. Press the dough evenly onto the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
• Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let cool completely.
• Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
• In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
• Beat in the sour cream.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).
• Pour the cheesecake filling into the cooled sugar cookie crust.
• Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. A water bath can help prevent cracking, but it’s not essential.
• Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour.
• Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
• Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.
• Decorate with holiday sprinkles.
• Slice and serve.

Notes

For best results, ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. To prevent cracking, cool the cheesecake slowly in the oven after baking. If a water bath is used, wrap the springform pan tightly in foil to prevent water from seeping in. Store leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For a richer flavor, use brown sugar in the sugar cookie crust. To add a festive touch, consider using different colored sprinkles or even adding a layer of melted white chocolate before applying the sprinkles.