Indulge in the perfect fusion of sugar cookies and creamy cheesecake with this irresistible dessert. Ideal for the holiday season or any celebratory occasion, this festive treat combines the buttery sweetness of sugar cookie dough, velvety cheesecake layers, and a luscious white chocolate ganache. Packed with holiday cheer, it’s a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Sugar Cookie Crust
- 1 ¾ cups All-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon Baking soda
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¾ cup Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup Cane sugar (organic preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 Large egg, at room temperature
- 1 Egg yolk, at room temperature
- ⅓ cup Holiday sprinkles
Cookie Dough Balls
- 1 ½ cups All-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ cup Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup Cane sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 5 tablespoons Milk
- ⅓ cup Holiday sprinkles
Cheesecake Filling
- 32 oz Cream cheese, softened
- ⅔ cup Cane sugar
- ¾ cup Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ½ cup Heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 4 Large eggs, at room temperature
- ⅔ of prepared cookie dough balls
White Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup White chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup Heavy cream
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sugar Cookie Crust
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat. Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt, whisking them together to ensure they are well blended.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until combined. Fold in the sprinkles.
- Press the dough into the prepared pan to form an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough Balls
- In a bowl, mix the flour and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract and milk.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until combined. Fold in sprinkles.
- Roll the dough into small balls (about ½ inch in diameter). Reserve ⅓ of the balls for garnish and chill the rest.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). Beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy and smooth.
- Add sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, mixing well. Beat in eggs one at a time until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chilled cookie dough balls (⅔ of the batch).
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust.
4. Bake the Cheesecake
- Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
- Bake for 70–80 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center jiggles slightly.
- Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour before transferring it to the fridge to chill for at least 6 hours or overnight.
5. Make the White Chocolate Ganache
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the heavy cream until hot but not boiling. Pour over white chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes.
- Stir until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool slightly.
6. Assemble and Garnish
- Pour the white chocolate ganache over the chilled cheesecake, spreading it evenly.
- Decorate with the reserved cookie dough balls and additional sprinkles for a festive touch.
Conclusion
This Festive Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Delight is the epitome of holiday indulgence, blending the nostalgic flavors of sugar cookies with the creamy luxury of cheesecake. With its vibrant sprinkles and luscious white chocolate topping, it’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Perfect for making memories around the dessert table, this recipe will become a holiday favorite for years to come!