Introduction

If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly balances buttery sweetness with rich, creamy indulgence, Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is exactly what you need. This delightful treat features a soft, golden sugar cookie crust topped with a luscious cheesecake filling, making it an irresistible combination of textures and flavors.

Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dessert, a festive holiday treat, or a crowd-pleaser for potlucks and special occasions, this cheesecake offers comfort and elegance in every bite. It’s a guaranteed favorite for home cooks who want a show-stopping yet surprisingly approachable dessert.

Table of Contents

Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

George Law

This Sugar Cookie Cheesecake combines the buttery sweetness of a golden sugar cookie crust with a velvety, creamy cheesecake filling. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or an indulgent treat, it’s both elegant and comforting in every bite.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 50

Total Time 4

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8 slices

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

Mixing bowls
hand or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
springform pan (9-inch)
spatula
oven

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
whipped cream, sprinkles, or fresh berries for topping

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt, then combine with wet ingredients to form dough. Press into a 9-inch springform pan and bake 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla; mix well. Add eggs one at a time, blending after each. Stir in sour cream and flour until smooth, avoiding overmixing.
Pour filling over baked crust. Smooth top and tap pan to release air bubbles. Reduce oven to 325°F (163°C) and bake 40-50 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center. Tent edges with foil if browning too quickly.
Cool cheesecake at room temperature for 30 minutes, then chill at least 3-4 hours or overnight to set completely.
Release cheesecake from pan, top with whipped cream, sprinkles, or berries, then slice and serve chilled.

Notes

For a tangier twist, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Add lemon zest or fruit preserves for bright flavor, or mix in mini chocolate chips for fun texture. Top with whipped cream and fresh berries for a festive presentation.

Keyword baked cheesecake, cookie crust, creamy cheesecake, holiday dessert, sugar cookie cheesecake

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and basic dairy products.

Creamy Texture: Velvety cheesecake filling that melts in your mouth.

Buttery Crust: Soft sugar cookie base adds a unique twist to traditional cheesecake.

Versatile: Perfect for holidays, parties, or an indulgent treat anytime.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better after chilling overnight.

Customizable: Easy to add zest, fruit, or sprinkles to suit your tastes.

Vegetarian: Suitable for most dietary needs without meat.

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Filling:
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
¼ cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Toppings (Optional):

Whipped cream

Sugar sprinkles

Fresh berries

Substitutions and Add-Ins:

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier flavor.

Substitute butter with margarine if dairy-free butter is preferred.

Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest or a swirl of fruit preserves to the filling for a citrus or fruity twist.

Mix in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for added texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Sugar Cookie Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy and light. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients to form a soft dough. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow it to cool slightly while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Blend in sour cream and flour until the mixture is smooth and silky, taking care not to overmix.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cream cheese filling over the baked sugar cookie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). Bake the cheesecake for 40–50 minutes. The center should be set but slightly jiggly when done. If the edges brown too fast, cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 4: Cooling and Chilling
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then refrigerate for at least 3 to 4 hours, ideally overnight, to set completely and develop flavors.
Step 5: Serving
Release the cheesecake from the springform pan. Top with whipped cream, sprinkle with decorative sugar or colorful sprinkles, and garnish with fresh berries if desired. Slice and serve chilled.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 4 hours (including chilling)
Yield: 8-10 servings
Diet: Vegetarian
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate leftovers tightly covered for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Thaw frozen cheesecake in the fridge overnight before serving.

Avoid microwaving; serve chilled for best texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Garnishes

Serve Sugar Cookie Cheesecake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or crème fraîche for extra richness. Brighten each slice with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries to add a pop of color and complement the sweetness. You can also dust a little powdered sugar on top or sprinkle festive colored sugar for holiday fun. For a gourmet touch, drizzle warm caramel or chocolate sauce before serving.

Optional Variations to Adjust Flavor and Spice

Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg in the crust mix for autumn warmth.

Mix in chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) for crunch.

For a citrus note, incorporate lemon or orange zest into the filling.

Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a different aroma.

Add a layer of fruit preserves (strawberry or raspberry) between crust and filling for bursts of flavor.

Cultural and Contextual Note

Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is a modern twist that brings together two classic favorites: the deliciously sweet, buttery sugar cookie and the creamy, tangy cheesecake. This fusion dessert captures the nostalgia of sugar cookies often enjoyed during the holidays with the timeless richness of cheesecake, making it a perfect dessert for festive gatherings and celebrations. Its approachable recipe allows home cooks to craft something elegant without fuss, perfect for sharing memories and smiles around the table.