Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe

Dreamy Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe for Sweet-Tooth Bliss

Creamy cheesecake meets classic sugar cookie in a delightful dessert that promises pure indulgence.

Sweet memories flood back with each decadent bite.

Smooth cream cheese blends perfectly with buttery cookie crumbles, creating a heavenly texture.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this crowd-pleasing treat.

Layers of rich filling nestle atop a crisp, golden crust that melts in you mouth.

Simple ingredients come together to craft an irresistible dessert that looks impressive but feels effortless.

Dive into this recipe and watch magic happen in your kitchen.

  • Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: This sugar cookie cheesecake transforms simple ingredients into a stunning treat that will impress family and friends at any gathering.
  • Simplify Baking Magic: No complicated techniques required – just mix, press, beat, and bake, making this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Customize with Creativity: Top with crumbled sugar cookies, chocolate drizzle, or fresh berries to personalize this versatile cheesecake and make it uniquely yours.
  • Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare this dessert in advance, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator, which makes it ideal for parties, potlucks, and stress-free entertaining.
Base Ingredients:
  • Sugar Cookies: A sweet, crumbly foundation that adds delightful texture and flavor to the cheesecake crust.
  • Butter: Helps bind the cookie crumbs and creates a rich, crisp base for the cheesecake.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary creamy component that gives the cheesecake its signature smooth and tangy character.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cheesecake.
  • Sour Cream: Contributes to the creamy texture and adds a subtle tangy note to the filling.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Salt: Helps to enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the cheesecake.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 325°F (160°C). Grab your 9-inch springform pan and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Cookie Base

Crush sugar cookies into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter. Press this delightful mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, creating a solid and delicious foundation for your cheesecake.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until it becomes incredibly smooth and free of lumps. Gradually add:
  • White sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Sour cream

Continue mixing until the mixture looks silky and luxurious, with a velvety texture that promises pure indulgence.

Step 4: Pour and Spread the Filling

Gently pour the cream cheese mixture over the cookie crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring a perfect, smooth surface across the entire pan.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The cheesecake is ready when the edges look set but the center still has a slight jiggle.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake rest inside for one hour. This helps prevent cracking.

After the initial cooling, transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture and flavor.

  • Let the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven with the door slightly open to minimize surface cracks and ensure a smooth texture.
  • Use a food processor or place cookies in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin for uniform, fine crumbs that create a sturdy crust.
  • Bring cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream to room temperature before mixing to achieve a silky, lump-free filling.
  • Gently shake the pan; the center should have a slight wobble while edges look set, indicating a perfectly baked cheesecake.
  • Dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts to create clean, precise slices without sticking.
  • Gluten-Free Cookie Base: Replace traditional sugar cookies with gluten-free sugar cookies or almond flour cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Chocolate Lover's Variation: Swap sugar cookie crust with chocolate cookie crumbs and add chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling for intense chocolate flavor.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar and incorporate reduced-fat cream cheese to create a lighter, diabetic-friendly dessert.
  • Fruity Cheesecake Spin: Top the cheesecake with fresh berry compote or lemon curd to add brightness and complementary flavor profile.

Rich espresso softens the sweetness of the cheesecake, creating a balanced flavor profile that complements the dessert’s creamy texture.

Tart raspberry or strawberry sauce cuts through the cheesecake’s richness, adding a bright, fruity contrast that elevates the overall taste experience.

Light, bubbly sparkling wine with a hint of citrus provides a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of the dense, sweet cheesecake.

Smooth, golden caramel sauce intensifies the sugar cookie base’s sweetness, adding depth and a luxurious touch to the dessert.

  • Store cheesecake in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual slices or whole cheesecake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Bring refrigerated cheesecake to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid direct microwave heating to prevent texture changes.
  • Use a clean, sharp knife dipped in hot water between cuts to maintain clean edges and prevent crumbling when storing or serving individual pieces.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients needed for Sugar Cookie Cheesecake?

Sugar cookies, cream cheese, butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream are the main ingredients that create the rich, creamy texture and sweet flavor of this dessert.

  • Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Yes, graham crackers or shortbread cookies work well as alternatives to sugar cookies if you want to experiment with the base of your cheesecake.

  • How can I tell if my cheesecake is fully baked?

The edges should look set and slightly firm while the center remains slightly jiggly. A slight wobble in the center is normal and indicates the cheesecake is perfectly baked.

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Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe

Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe


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4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sweet dreams come true with sugar cookie cheesecake, blending creamy indulgence and classic cookie charm. Silky layers melt together, promising pure bliss that lingers on palates and warms hearts.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients (Cookie Base and Filling):

  • 2 cups sugar cookies (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese (full-fat)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Garnish and Optional Ingredients:

(No additional ingredients in this category)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 325°F (160°C) and coat a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick spray.
  2. Crush sugar cookies into fine crumbs and combine with melted butter, creating a cohesive mixture.
  3. Press the cookie crumb mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a compact base.
  4. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese until completely smooth and free of lumps.
  5. Gradually incorporate sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream into the cream cheese, blending until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
  6. Gently transfer the creamy filling over the cookie crust, using a spatula to distribute evenly and eliminate air pockets.
  7. Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, watching for a set perimeter with a slight jiggle in the center.
  8. After baking, turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool inside for one hour, preventing potential cracking.
  9. Remove from the oven and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing the cheesecake to fully set and develop its rich, creamy texture.

Notes

  • Check cookie texture by gently pressing the crumbs; they should hold together when squeezed for a perfect crust base.
  • Room temperature cream cheese ensures smooth, lump-free filling with silky consistency.
  • Allow cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven to prevent surface cracking and maintain creamy texture.
  • Use gluten-free sugar cookies for a celiac-friendly version without compromising the classic sweet flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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