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Cookie Dough Cheesecake

Featured in Sweet Endings and Treats.

This show-stopping sugar cookie cheesecake combines two beloved desserts into one incredible creation! The buttery shortbread base provides the perfect foundation for creamy vanilla cheesecake that's studded throughout with chunks of homemade cookie dough. Each slice delivers delightful surprises of cookie dough while maintaining that perfect cheesecake texture. The crowning touch of tangy sour cream frosting adds beautiful balance to the sweetness while creating a stunning presentation. It's the kind of dessert that makes any occasion feel extra special!
A smiling woman in a chef's jacket stands in a commercial kitchen, looking at the camera with various food containers and utensils in the background.
Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 23:18:06 GMT
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A round cake with a creamy icing and colorful sprinkles sits in a pan, with a slice cut out and a small amount of sprinkles scattered around. Pin it
A round cake with a creamy icing and colorful sprinkles sits in a pan, with a slice cut out and a small amount of sprinkles scattered around. | tasteofcook.com

Every holiday season my kitchen turns into a cheesecake wonderland and this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is always the star. I discovered this recipe while trying to combine my two favorite desserts and it's become my signature holiday treat. The creamy vanilla filling studded with bits of sugar cookie dough nestled on a buttery shortbread crust creates pure magic. Once you add that tangy sour cream frosting and festive sprinkles it's absolutely irresistible!

Why You'll Love This Cheesecake

There's something nostalgic about biting into this cheesecake that takes me right back to childhood cookie baking. The combination of that rich creamy filling with surprise pockets of sugar cookie dough creates such joy. I love watching guests' faces light up when they discover those buttery cookie pieces throughout. It's become my most requested dessert for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients for Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

  • Shortbread Crust: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup powdered sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature), 1 tablespoon milk.
  • Cheesecake Filling: 16 oz Philadelphia full-fat cream cheese (room temperature), 1 cup granulated sugar, 3 large eggs (room temperature), ½ teaspoon almond extract, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ cup sour cream.
  • Sugar Cookie Dough: 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature), ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, festive sprinkles.
  • Sour Cream Frosting: 1 cup sour cream, ¼ cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, additional sprinkles for garnish.

How to Prepare Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

Prepare the Crust
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a bowl. Mash in butter until crumbly, then add milk to form a cohesive dough. Press dough into a springform pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden.
Make the Sugar Cookie Dough
In the same bowl, cream butter and sugar. Mix in flour, salt, and vanilla extract. Fold in sprinkles. Roll into small balls and refrigerate.
Mix the Cheesecake Filling
Beat cream cheese and sugar on low speed until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in extracts and sour cream. Fold in sugar cookie dough balls.
Assemble and Bake
Pour filling over the cooled crust. Use a water bath for baking: Place a roasting pan with boiling water on the bottom oven rack. Bake cheesecake at 325°F (165°C) for 60–70 minutes. Allow to cool in the oven with the door cracked open.
Add the Frosting
Whisk sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over the cooled cheesecake and top with sprinkles. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

Tips for Perfect Cheesecake

After countless cheesecakes I've learned that patience is key. Let those ingredients come to room temperature it makes such a difference in getting that silky smooth batter. My secret weapon is always using parchment paper no more stuck crusts! And don't skip the water bath it keeps everything moist and prevents those dreaded cracks.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

In my house this cheesecake never lasts long but when there are leftovers they keep beautifully in the fridge for up to a week. I love dressing up each slice with a swirl of whipped cream and extra sprinkles for special occasions. My favorite pairing? A steaming cup of coffee or during the holidays a festive glass of eggnog.

Variations to Try

I love getting creative with this recipe! Sometimes I'll swap in chocolate chip cookie dough for a different twist. During Christmas I use red and green sprinkles Easter calls for pastel colors. My family goes crazy when I add a layer of homemade cherry compote between the crust and filling it adds such a lovely surprise.

Troubleshooting Tips

Cracks in the Cheesecake:
Don't worry if you see some cracks those cookie dough pieces can release steam while baking. The frosting covers everything beautifully and it'll taste amazing.

Soft Crust:
If your crust seems too soft give it an extra 5 minutes in the oven before adding the filling. It should have a lovely golden color.

Cheesecake Sticking to the Pan:
Parchment paper is your best friend here! Line that bottom and grease those sides well.

Final Thoughts

This cheesecake holds such special memories for me. From holiday gatherings to winter celebrations it never fails to bring smiles to the table. The way those layers of buttery crust creamy filling and sweet frosting come together creates pure dessert magic. Every time I make it I fall in love with baking all over again.

A round cake with white frosting and colorful sprinkles, partially sliced, surrounded by a plate of snacks and a dollop of whipped cream. Pin it
A round cake with white frosting and colorful sprinkles, partially sliced, surrounded by a plate of snacks and a dollop of whipped cream. | tasteofcook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do I need a water bath for this cheesecake?

The water bath creates moisture in the oven and helps the cheesecake bake evenly, preventing cracks and ensuring a creamy texture throughout.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this cheesecake needs to chill overnight. You can make it up to 2-3 days ahead, adding the frosting and sprinkles before serving.

→ Why do all ingredients need to be room temperature?

Room temperature ingredients blend together smoothly and evenly, preventing lumps in your batter and ensuring a perfectly creamy cheesecake.

→ What if my cheesecake cracks?

Don't worry about cracks as they'll be covered by the frosting. You can also smooth them with a palette knife before adding the topping.

→ Can I freeze this cheesecake?

Yes, you can freeze it without the frosting for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add frosting before serving.

Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

A rich vanilla cheesecake studded with sugar cookie dough bites, baked on a shortbread crust and topped with sour cream frosting and sprinkles.

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cook Time
90 Minutes
Total Time
135 Minutes


Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American Dessert

Yield: 12 Servings (1 9-inch cheesecake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (for crust).
02 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for crust).
03 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (for crust).
04 2 tablespoons milk (for crust).
05 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temp (for dough).
06 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for dough).
07 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dough).
08 3 tablespoons sprinkles.
09 4 blocks (8oz each) cream cheese, room temp.
10 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling).
11 2 tablespoons flour (for filling).
12 3/4 cup sour cream, room temp.
13 4 large eggs, room temp.
14 6 tablespoons butter (for frosting).
15 1/3 cup sour cream (for frosting).
16 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting).

Instructions

Step 01

Mix flour, sugar, salt. Work in cold butter, add milk. Press into pan and bake at 325°F for 18-20 minutes.

Step 02

Mix butter and sugar, add milk and vanilla. Mix in flour, salt, and sprinkles. Form into small balls.

Step 03

Beat cream cheese, sugar, flour until smooth. Add extracts, sour cream, then eggs one at a time. Fold in cookie dough balls.

Step 04

Place water bath in oven. Pour batter in pan, bake at 325°F for 1 hour 15 minutes. Cool in oven 45 minutes, then room temp 30 minutes.

Step 05

Beat butter until smooth, add sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla.

Step 06

After overnight chill, spread frosting on top and decorate with sprinkles.

Notes

  1. Needs overnight chilling.
  2. Surface may crack due to cookie dough pieces.
  3. Use room temperature ingredients for best results.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9-inch springform pan.
  • Stand mixer or hand mixer.
  • Roasting pan for water bath.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream cheese, butter, sour cream).
  • Eggs.
  • Gluten (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 650
  • Total Fat: 38 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 65 g
  • Protein: 9 g