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Sugar Cookie Cheesecake with Festive Sprinkles Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 124 reviews
  • Author: Julian
  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 (9-inch) cheesecake, approximately 12 servings 1x

Description

This festive Sugar Cookie Cheesecake combines the rich, creamy texture of classic cheesecake with a buttery sugar cookie crust and sprinkle-studded cookie dough balls. Topped with a light and fluffy sugar cookie dough frosting speckled with colorful Christmas jimmies, this indulgent dessert is perfect for holiday celebrations. The combination of creamy, crunchy, and sweet elements creates a delightful taste experience and a visually stunning centerpiece.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sugar Cookie Dough:

  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60mL) whole milk, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups (325g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup (40g) Christmas colored jimmies sprinkles

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • (4) 8oz bricks cream cheese (32oz / 900g total), softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (33g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1/2 cup (120g) plain yogurt or sour cream, at room temperature
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/3 cup (45g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

For the Sugar Cookie Dough Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 2 cups (260g) powdered sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons Christmas colored jimmies sprinkles
  • Assorted Christmas sprinkles (optional – for decorating)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Position an oven rack in the center and another one at the bottom. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. Make Sugar Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy using an electric mixer with the paddle attachment or by hand. Add milk and vanilla, mixing until combined. Fold in the flour and salt until a sticky, streak-free dough forms.
  3. Create Cookie Crust: Portion out about two-thirds of the cookie dough and spread it evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Bake on the center oven rack for 20-25 minutes until the surface is no longer shiny and edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool slightly but keep the oven on.
  4. Prepare Sprinkle Cookie Dough Balls: On parchment paper, mix the remaining one-third cookie dough with the Christmas jimmies sprinkles. Form this dough into small bite-sized balls (~1/2 teaspoon each) and set aside.
  5. Make Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and lump-free. Add flour, yogurt (or sour cream), salt, and vanilla extract and mix until combined. On low mixer speed, add eggs one at a time, mixing gently to avoid incorporating air, scraping the bowl after the second egg.
  6. Assemble Cheesecake Layers: Pour one-third of the cheesecake filling over the slightly cooled cookie crust. Evenly distribute half of the cookie dough balls on top. Repeat layering with another one-third of the cheesecake batter, remaining cookie dough balls, and finish with the last third of the cheesecake batter, spreading into an even layer.
  7. Create a Water Bath and Bake: Place a large baking pan with about 2 inches of boiling water on the bottom oven rack. Place the cheesecake on the center rack above the water bath. Bake for 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes until puffed and golden around the edges. The center should still wiggle slightly when shaken.
  8. Cool Cheesecake Gradually: Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and cool the cheesecake inside for 30 minutes. Run a paring knife around the edges to loosen it, then continue cooling in the oven with the door ajar for an additional 30 minutes. Remove and let cool completely on the counter before refrigerating for at least 6 hours until firm.
  9. Prepare Sugar Cookie Dough Frosting: Heat treat the flour by baking or microwaving it to make it safe to consume, then cool and sift it. Whip softened butter until smooth, gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in the cooled flour. Add salt, vanilla, and milk, whipping until light and fluffy. Adjust milk quantity to reach desired consistency. Fold in the Christmas jimmies sprinkles.
  10. Decorate and Serve: Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan onto a serving plate. Spread the frosting evenly on top and decorate with optional assorted Christmas sprinkles. Serve immediately or keep refrigerated until serving.

Notes

  • When mixing eggs into the cheesecake batter, use low speed to avoid incorporating too much air which can cause cracking.
  • The cheesecake will likely crack due to moisture in the cookie dough—this is normal and does not affect taste.
  • Cooling the cheesecake gradually in the oven prevents cracks and helps it set properly.
  • Heat treating the flour in the frosting is important to make it safe to eat since this frosting is uncooked.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
  • If frosting seems too thick, add milk in small increments to achieve desired consistency.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: sugar cookie cheesecake, holiday cheesecake, Christmas dessert, cheesecake with cookie crust, sprinkle cheesecake

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Find it online: https://juliandempsey.com/sugar-cookie-cheesecake-with-festive-sprinkles-recipe/