Christmas sugar cookie cheesecake: An Easy & Delicious

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Introduction

In my years spent in kitchens around the globe, I have learned that the most powerful magic often lies in simplicity. The holidays, with their whirlwind of activity, call for something spectacular yet achievable. What if I told you that you could combine two of the season’s most beloved treats into one unforgettable creation? Imagine a buttery, chewy sugar cookie crust forming the base for a rich, tangy, and impossibly creamy cheesecake. This is not just a dream-it is the reality of this Christmas sugar cookie cheesecake. It is a recipe born from festive nostalgia and refined for the modern home cook, a dessert that silences the room with its first bite. Let us delve into how you can create this show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Two Desserts in One: This recipe brilliantly merges the comforting sweetness of sugar cookies with the decadent, creamy texture of classic cheesecake, creating the ultimate holiday hybrid.
• Stunningly Beautiful: With a golden crust and a pristine white filling, it’s a blank canvas for your favorite festive decorations like sprinkles, whipped cream, or sugared cranberries.
• Surprisingly Simple: Despite its elegant appearance, the steps are straightforward. Using prepared sugar cookie dough makes this impressive Christmas sugar cookie cheesecake accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfectly Make-Ahead: Cheesecake is one of the best desserts to prepare in advance, freeing up your time on a busy holiday. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen beautifully.

Preparation Time and Servings

⏱️ Preparation Time: 25 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 65 minutes
⏰ Total Time: 90 minutes (plus 4-6 hours for chilling)
💡 Difficulty: Easy
👥 Servings: 12 people

This recipe is a quick and efficient way to create a truly memorable festive dessert without spending all day in the kitchen.

Ingredients List

• For the Sugar Cookie Crust:
• 1 (16.5 oz) package of refrigerated sugar cookie dough
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, for dusting

• For the Cheesecake Filling:
• 32 oz (four 8-oz packages) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240g) full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but enhances the cookie flavor)
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature

• For the Topping (Optional):
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• Christmas-themed sprinkles or nonpareils

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Cut a circle of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan for easy removal.
2. Form the Crust: Press the entire package of sugar cookie dough evenly onto the bottom and about 1-inch up the sides of the prepared springform pan. Use the bottom of a glass dusted with flour to get an even layer. Pierce the bottom a few times with a fork.
3. Par-Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly on a wire rack. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
4. Make the Filling: In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until completely smooth and free of lumps, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. Add the granulated sugar and beat until smooth.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the cream cheese mixture. Beat on low speed until just combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until the yolk disappears. Do not overmix.
6. Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the slightly cooled sugar cookie crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 60-70 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will still have a slight wobble.
7. Cool Gradually: Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door cracked open for 1 hour. This is a critical step to prevent cracking.
8. Chill Completely: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and run a thin knife around the edge to loosen it from the pan. Let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cool, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight.
9. Decorate and Serve: Just before serving, carefully remove the springform pan ring. If desired, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar to stiff peaks and pipe onto the cheesecake. Garnish generously with Christmas sprinkles.

Expert Tips for Success

• Room Temperature is Non-Negotiable: For a truly lump-free, silky cheesecake filling, your cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs absolutely must be at room temperature. This allows them to blend together seamlessly.
• Do Not Overmix: Once you add the eggs, mix on the lowest speed and only until they are just incorporated. Overmixing whips too much air into the batter, which causes the cheesecake to rise rapidly and then crack as it cools.
• Embrace the Water Bath (Optional): For an extra layer of insurance against cracks, you can bake your Christmas sugar cookie cheesecake in a water bath. Wrap the outside of your springform pan in a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Place it in a larger roasting pan and fill the roasting pan with about one inch of hot water before baking.
• Patience is a Virtue: The long chilling time is essential. It allows the cheesecake to set properly, making it firm enough to slice cleanly and giving the flavors time to fully develop. Do not rush this step.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Prevent common issues with these simple tips:

• Overmixing the batter: This incorporates excess air, leading to cracks and a dense, heavy texture instead of a light and creamy one. Mix on low speed, especially after adding eggs.
• Incorrect oven temperature: Always use an oven thermometer for accuracy. An oven that runs too hot is the primary culprit for a cracked or rubbery cheesecake.
• Skipping the resting time: The gradual cooling in the oven and the long chill in the refrigerator are crucial. This allows the cheesecake to set without shocking the structure, ensuring a perfect texture.
• Using the wrong pan size: A 9-inch springform pan is ideal. Using a different size will alter the thickness and require an adjustment in baking time.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Help readers maximize freshness.

• Short-term storage: Cheesecake must be stored in the refrigerator.
• Refrigeration: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: This cheesecake freezes wonderfully. Let it cool and chill completely, then freeze on a baking sheet until solid. Wrap the whole cheesecake (or individual slices) in a double layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of foil. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Make-ahead option: The entire Christmas sugar cookie cheesecake can be prepared and baked 1-2 days in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and wait to add any whipped cream or fresh garnishes until just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough for this Christmas sugar cookie cheesecake?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite recipe for sugar cookies, feel free to use it for the crust. You will need enough dough to press into a 9-inch springform pan. Homemade dough will add an even more personal touch to this delightful dessert.

How can I be certain my cheesecake is done baking?

The visual cue is key. The outer 2-3 inches of the cheesecake should look set and matte, while the very center should still have a slight jiggle to it, like Jell-O. It will continue to set up as it cools and chills. An instant-read thermometer should register 150°F (65°C) in the center.

Conclusion

Creating this masterpiece is more than just baking; it is about crafting a memory. Every slice of this rich, creamy Christmas sugar cookie cheesecake, with its buttery, nostalgic crust, is a celebration of the season. It is guaranteed to become the most requested recipe at your holiday gathering. Do not hesitate to bring this spectacular creation to your table. Try it, share it, and let this incredible festive dessert become a new tradition for you and yours.

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