Name: Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cup (160g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar; 1/2 cup (110g) cold unsalted butter, cubed; 2 tablespoons milk; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature; 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup (130g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 3 tablespoons jimmies sprinkles; 32 ounces (4 blocks) full fat cream cheese, room temperature; 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional); 3/4 cup (185g) sour cream, room temperature; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature; 1/3 cup (80g) sour cream; 1 1/2 cups (165g) powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Sprinkles for topping

Sweet dreams come alive with this irresistible sugar cookie cheesecake that blends creamy decadence with classic dessert comfort.

Layers of rich, velvety filling meld perfectly with a buttery sugar cookie crust that crumbles delightfully on your tongue.

Each slice promises a harmonious dance of textures and flavors that will make taste buds sing with pure joy.

The recipe combines simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that looks impressive yet requires minimal baking skills.

Bakers of all levels can create this show-stopping treat that sparkles with sweet sophistication.

Smooth cream cheese mingles with delicate sugar cookie notes, creating a dessert that feels both familiar and exciting.

Prepare to delight everyone at your next gathering with this ultimate crowd-pleasing confection.

Gluten-Free Cookie Cheesecake: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains rich, creamy texture.
Vegan Cookie Celebration: Swap dairy ingredients with coconut cream, vegan cream cheese, and plant-based butter to create a completely dairy-free dessert.
Low-Sugar Cookie Sensation: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of regular sugar, reducing overall calorie content while preserving delicious flavor profile.
Dairy-Free Cookie Dream: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and use coconut milk for a lighter, allergy-friendly alternative that still delivers incredible taste.

Party Platter Perfection: Slice this cheesecake into elegant triangles and arrange on a decorative serving plate with colorful sprinkle borders.
Dessert Companion Charm: Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Coffee Corner Companion: Serve alongside a hot espresso or cappuccino to complement the sweet cookie cheesecake's rich flavors and enhance the dessert experience.
Festive Garnish Trick: Sprinkle additional colorful candy sprinkles on top or around the plated slice to create a playful, celebratory presentation that delights guests.

– Refrigerate Promptly store cheesecake in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
– Freeze Carefully wrap the entire cheesecake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil to protect from freezer burn and preserve flavor for up to 2 months.
– Thaw Gently remove cheesecake from freezer and let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight, keeping its texture smooth and creamy.
– Serve Best enjoyed within 3-4 days of preparation for optimal taste and quality, keeping it consistently chilled until serving time.

FAQs

What makes the cookie dough special in this recipe?

The recipe uses sprinkles mixed directly into the dough, creating colorful and fun cookie balls that are folded into the cheesecake batter for added texture and sweetness.

Why use a water bath when baking this cheesecake?

The water bath helps create a moist, even baking environment that prevents the cheesecake from cracking and ensures a smooth, creamy texture by providing gentle, consistent heat.

How do the different components work together in this dessert?

The buttery crust provides a crisp base, the creamy cheesecake filling offers a rich center, the cookie dough adds playful texture, and the frosting creates a sweet, decorative topping with sprinkles for extra fun.

Craft Easy Dessert: This recipe transforms a simple cheesecake into a playful, sprinkle-loaded treat that feels like a celebration in every bite.
Customize with Creativity: Swap sprinkle colors or add different extracts to make the dessert uniquely yours, perfect for personalizing special moments.
Master Baking Techniques: Learn professional baking skills like water bath method and precise mixing, boosting your culinary confidence with each step.
Crowd-Pleasing Showstopper: Impress friends and family with a stunning dessert that looks professionally made but is totally achievable at home.

Main Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Salt: Key components that create a stable and flavorful base for the cheesecake.
Cold Butter, Milk: Provide richness and help bind the crust ingredients together.
Butter, Sugar: Essential for creating a sweet and tender cookie texture.
Milk, Vanilla: Add moisture and enhance the overall flavor of the cookie dough.
All-Purpose Flour, Salt: Help structure the cookie dough and balance the sweetness.
Sprinkles: Add a fun and colorful element to the cookie dough.

Filling:

Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its creamy and rich texture.
Sugar, Flour: Help stabilize and sweeten the filling.
Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a smooth consistency.
Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the filling together.
Extracts: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the cheesecake.

Additional Ingredients:

Butter, Sour Cream, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla: Create a smooth and sweet frosting to finish the cheesecake.
Sprinkles: Provide a decorative and playful touch to the final dessert.

Step 1: Create Delicious Crust

Grab a mixing bowl and combine flour, sugar, and salt.

Cut cold butter into tiny pieces and work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.

Pour in milk and mix until the dough comes together.

Press the crust firmly into a baking pan, creating an even layer.

Slide the pan into a preheated oven at 325F and bake for 18-20 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 2: Whip Up Playful Cookie Dough

In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Pour in milk and vanilla, stirring until well blended.

Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Sprinkle in colorful sprinkles and roll the dough into small, bite-sized balls.

Step 3: Set Up Water Bath Technique

Place a large roasting pan in the oven.

Begin heating water to create a gentle water bath for even baking.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Cheesecake Filling

Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth.

Slowly add sugar and flour, mixing thoroughly.

Pour in vanilla and almond extracts, then fold in sour cream.

Crack eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition to create a silky-smooth filling.

Step 5: Combine Cookie Dough and Filling

Gently fold the prepared cookie dough balls into the cheesecake batter.

Carefully pour the mixture over the pre-baked crust, ensuring an even distribution.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Carefully add hot water to the roasting pan in the oven.

Place the cheesecake in the water bath and bake at 325F for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Step 7: Cool and Rest

Once baking is complete, leave the cheesecake in the warm oven for 45 minutes.

Remove and let it cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Refrigerate overnight for the best texture.

Step 8: Whisk Up Dreamy Frosting

Beat butter until creamy.

Mix in sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.

Step 9: Final Decorative Touch

Spread the frosting evenly over the chilled cheesecake.

Sprinkle additional colorful sprinkles on top for a festive finish.

Ensure butter is cold and cut into small cubes for the perfect crust texture, creating a flaky and tender base that melts in your mouth.
Add eggs one at a time and mix gently to prevent overmixing, which can cause cracks in the cheesecake and affect its smooth, creamy consistency.
Fill the roasting pan with hot water carefully to prevent splashing and protect the cheesecake from direct heat, ensuring even baking and preventing surface cracks.
Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the warm oven, then at room temperature to prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause structural damage.

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques.

Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

The Best Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe for Sweet Bliss