🎄 Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

📝 Ingredients

For the crust

2 cups sugar cookie crumbs (about 250 g)

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)

For the cheesecake filling

24 oz (about 680 g) cream cheese, room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup sour cream (or heavy cream)

3 large eggs, room temperature

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional for extra stability)

½ cup white chocolate chips or crushed sugar cookies (optional)

For the topping & decoration

Whipped cream

Festive sprinkles (red, green, white)

Extra sugar cookies, crushed or broken into small pieces (optional)

🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Make the crust

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, mix together cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until it looks like wet sand.

3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

4. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then set aside to cool while you make the filling.

2️⃣ Make the cheesecake filling

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy (about 2–3 minutes).

2. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract; beat until combined.

3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended (do not overmix).

4. Add the flour if using, then fold in white chocolate chips or cookie pieces if desired.

5. Pour the batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.

3️⃣ Bake the cheesecake

1. Wrap the outside of the pan with foil and place it in a larger roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with about 1 inch of hot water (water bath).

2. Bake for 55–65 minutes, until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly.

3. Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.

4. Remove from the oven and water bath, cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

4️⃣ Decorate & serve

1. Before serving, top with whipped cream swirls, sprinkle generously with red, green, and white sprinkles, and add crushed sugar cookies if desired.

2. Slice with a warm sharp knife for clean edges, wiping between cuts.