Imagine the joy of biting into a dessert that combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the nostalgic, buttery crunch of sugar cookies topped off with colorful sprinkles. The Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe is a delightful twist on traditional cheesecake, delivering layers of texture and vibrant flavor that feel like a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe is straightforward enough to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, essential ingredients ensures a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that irresistible festive look. Each one plays a crucial role, from creating the buttery cookie crust to the smooth, luscious cheesecake filling and the fun sprinkle accents.
- Butter (1/2 cup, room temperature): This provides richness and helps achieve the perfect cookie base texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup + 1 cup): Sweetens the crust and the cheesecake filling evenly, ensuring every bite is delicious.
- Eggs (5 total): Bind ingredients and add structure both to the crust and the creamy filling.
- Vanilla extract (3 teaspoons): Adds warmth and depth of flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the sugar cookie crust rise slightly, keeping it tender yet sturdy.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
- Flour (1 1/4 cups): Key to creating the right texture for the cookie crust.
- Rainbow sprinkles (1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons): Adds a pop of fun and festive color throughout the crust and on top.
- PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese (4 bricks, 8 ounces each, room temperature): The star of the cheesecake layer, providing that creamy, tangy base.
- Heavy whipping cream (1/2 cup): Whipped to create a cloud-like topping that perfectly complements the cheesecake.
- Powdered sugar (1 1/2 tablespoons): Sweetens the whipped cream topping smoothly.
- Optional sugar cookie pieces (for garnish): Adds extra texture and a playful look on the finished cheesecake.
How to Make Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F to ensure a perfectly even baking environment. Lightly spray a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray so your beautiful cheesecake releases easily when baked.
Step 2: Make the Sugar Cookie Crust
Start by beating the butter and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar together until fluffy and light, about 1 to 2 minutes. This creates the creamy base of your crust and helps with texture. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Then, incorporate the salt and baking soda, scraping down the bowl so everything combines evenly. Finally, add flour and mix just until combined, then gently stir in 1/4 cup of rainbow sprinkles for that festive pop.
Step 3: Press the Cookie Dough
Press your sugar cookie dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. This forms the sturdy yet tender foundation for your cheesecake. Make sure it’s compact so it holds together as it bakes.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Clean your mixing bowl, then beat the cream cheese and 1 cup granulated sugar until perfectly smooth and creamy. Add in the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition to avoid overbeating. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl occasionally to integrate everything uniformly.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over your sugar cookie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula to create an inviting layer. Bake in your preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes until the center is just about set but still slightly jiggly—this guarantees a silky texture when chilled.
Step 6: Cool and Chill
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool at room temperature. Once cooled, cover it tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait. This chilling step is essential for the cheesecake to firm up and develop its rich flavors.
Step 7: Whip the Topping and Garnish
When ready, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the 2 tablespoons of rainbow sprinkles for a fun twist. Spread or pipe this sweet, fluffy topping over your cheesecake. Add sugar cookie pieces on top if you want that extra crunch and visual charm.
How to Serve Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkles and sugar cookie crumbs scattered on top create a playful look, inviting guests to dive in. Fresh fruit or a drizzle of white chocolate can also add a sophisticated touch for special occasions.
Side Dishes
This cheesecake pairs beautifully with light sides like a crisp mixed berry salad or a dollop of citrus-infused whipped cream. They balance the richness and keep each bite refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual cheesecake slices on pretty plates with a sprinkle of edible flowers or colorful sugar crystals. Alternatively, cut bite-sized cheesecake cubes for a party platter, perfect for sharing the joyous charm of this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and creamy for up to 5 days so you can enjoy it slice by slice.
Freezing
To freeze, cover the cheesecake well with foil or plastic wrap and place it in a sturdy container. Frozen cheesecake will maintain its quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best results.
Reheating
Cheesecake is best served cold, but if you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving as it can change the texture significantly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sprinkles?
Absolutely! While rainbow sprinkles create a festive look, you can use chocolate or themed sprinkles to match the occasion without compromising texture or flavor.
What if I don’t have a springform pan?
A springform pan is ideal to remove the cheesecake cleanly, but you can use a regular cake pan lined with parchment paper for easier removal, just be gentle when slicing.
Can I make this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe dairy-free?
With some ingredient substitutions like dairy-free cream cheese and butter, it’s possible, but keep in mind texture and flavor may vary from the classic version.
Is it okay to overmix the cream cheese filling?
Try to avoid overmixing because incorporating too much air can cause cracks during baking. Mix just until combined for the smoothest results.
How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
Look for a slightly jiggly center with set edges. The cheesecake will firm up as it cools, so avoid overbaking to maintain that creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to reinvent your dessert lineup, the Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe is a fun, festive, and utterly delicious choice that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try it. With its colorful sprinkles, decadent cream cheese filling, and buttery cookie crust, it’s the perfect blend of comfort and celebration. Give it a go—you might just find yourself baking it again and again!
Print
Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delightful Sugar Cookie Cheesecake combines a buttery sugar cookie crust loaded with rainbow sprinkles and a creamy, smooth cheesecake topping. Baked to perfection and finished with whipped cream sweetened with powdered sugar and additional sprinkles, this festive dessert is perfect for celebrations or any time you crave a colorful twist on classic cheesecake.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles
Cheesecake Filling
- 4 (8 ounce) bricks PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 eggs
Topping
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 1/2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons rainbow sprinkles
- Optional garnish: Sugar cookie pieces
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the cheesecake.
- Prepare Pan: Lightly spray a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray and set it aside to ensure the cheesecake doesn’t stick.
- Make the Cookie Crust: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together for 1-2 minutes until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Incorporate the salt and baking soda, scraping the sides as needed. Gradually add the flour and mix just until combined. Finally, fold in the rainbow sprinkles gently.
- Press the Crust: Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared springform pan and press it evenly into the bottom to form the crust.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: Clean your mixing bowl, then beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and then incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix and scrape down the sides and bottom frequently.
- Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour the cream cheese filling over the cookie crust in the springform pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool at room temperature. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream: Using a whisk attachment, beat together the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles.
- Finish and Serve: Spread or pipe the whipped cream topping evenly over the chilled cheesecake. Garnish with additional sugar cookie pieces if desired. Slice and serve chilled for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the cheesecake batter.
- Do not overmix the cheesecake batter to keep it creamy and prevent cracking.
- Press cookie dough evenly for a uniform crust thickness.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours to allow it to fully set before serving.
- Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry for clean slicing.
- Optional garnish adds texture and enhances presentation.
