Name: Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 packages (8 ounces/226 grams each) cream cheese, softened; 3 large eggs; 2 cups sugar cookie crumbs (store-bought sugar cookies, crushed); ¾ cup (150 grams) sugar; ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream; ¼ cup (57 grams) melted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra sugar cookie flavor); Whipped cream; Sprinkles

Sweet memories dance with nostalgia when this sugar cookie cheesecake emerges from the kitchen.

Creamy textures mingle with classic cookie comfort in unexpected ways.

Rich cream cheese blends seamlessly with crumbled sugar cookie bits.

The dessert whispers childhood warmth through each delectable slice.

Delicate layers tell a story of indulgence and simplicity.

Subtle hints of vanilla weave magic across your plate.

Each bite promises a journey through familiar yet exciting flavors.

You’ll find this recipe impossible to resist.

Step 1: Craft the Cookie Foundation

Preheat the oven to 325F (163C). In a medium bowl, combine:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt

In a separate large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Blend in egg and vanilla extract until fully mixed. Gradually fold in dry ingredients to create a smooth dough. Press the dough evenly into a greased 9-inch springform pan, using a spoon to create a uniform base. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden. Remove and let cool completely.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Gently incorporate vanilla extract and flour until just combined. Fold in sour cream, creating a luxurious, velvety mixture.

Step 3: Build the Cheesecake Masterpiece

Pour the creamy filling over the cooled cookie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula for a perfectly even surface. Return to the oven and bake at 325F (163C) for 55-60 minutes. Look for a set center with a slight jiggle and golden-brown edges.

Step 4: Chill and Embellish

Let the cheesecake cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely. Before serving, add optional toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar to elevate the dessert.

Tips for Baking a Smooth Cheesecake Center

Perfectly Press Crust: Use the back of a measuring cup or flat-bottomed glass to create an even, compact sugar cookie crust for a professional-looking base.
Prevent Cracking Technique: Avoid overbaking by removing the cheesecake when the center is slightly jiggly, as it will continue setting during cooling and refrigeration.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for smoother mixing and a silky-textured cheesecake filling.
Water Bath Option: Consider using a water bath (placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water) to create more even baking and prevent surface cracks.
Make-Ahead Magic: This cheesecake can be prepared up to 3 days in advance, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining and advance party planning.

Store the cheesecake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Wrap the entire cheesecake or individual slices in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 2-3 months.
Transfer frozen cheesecake to the refrigerator overnight to slowly defrost, maintaining its creamy texture and preventing moisture loss.
Warm individual slices briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to soften and enhance flavor.

Indulge in a chilled glass of Moscato d'Asti, its light, sweet bubbles perfectly complementing the creamy cheesecake and sugar cookie base, creating a delightful dessert experience.
Serve alongside a freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino, whose robust coffee notes will beautifully cut through the richness of the cheesecake, balancing its sweetness.
Top the cheesecake with fresh raspberries or strawberries, their tart and bright flavors providing a refreshing counterpoint to the dense, creamy dessert and adding a vibrant color pop.
Drizzle a small amount of vanilla liqueur over each slice, intensifying the vanilla notes in the cheesecake and adding a subtle, sophisticated warmth to each bite.

Blend the classic sugar cookie sweetness with rich, creamy cheesecake for a dessert that delights both kids and adults at gatherings.
Dress up the cheesecake with simple garnishes like fresh berries, whipped cream, or powdered sugar to match any celebration or mood.
Prepare this dessert in advance and refrigerate overnight, making it ideal for stress-free entertaining and meal planning.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: The base for the sugar cookie crust and cheesecake, providing structure and texture.
Baking Powder: Helps the sugar cookie crust rise and become light.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the baked goods.

Wet Ingredients:

Softened Butter: Creates a rich, tender base for the sugar cookie crust with a smooth consistency.
Eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to both crust and filling.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet flavor to both the crust and cheesecake filling.
Sour Cream: Provides moisture and tanginess to the cheesecake filling.

Dairy and Sweet Ingredients:

Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient for the creamy, smooth cheesecake filling.
Sugar: Sweetens both the sugar cookie crust and cheesecake filling.

Optional Garnish:

Fresh Fruit: Adds color and freshness to the finished cheesecake.
Whipped Cream: Provides a light, airy topping.
Powdered Sugar: Creates a delicate, sweet dusting on top of the cheesecake.

Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Cheesecake: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free sugar cookies for the crust to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
Vegan Coconut Cheesecake: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut milk instead of eggs, and create a nutty almond flour crust for a plant-based alternative.
Low-Sugar Cookie Cheesecake: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, use a reduced-sugar sugar cookie recipe for the crust, and incorporate Greek yogurt to maintain creamy texture.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake: Mix chocolate chips into the sugar cookie crust, sprinkle additional chips on top of the cheesecake, and drizzle melted chocolate for an indulgent chocolate lover's version.

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.
Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals.

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.