Sugar Cookie Cheesecake: A Festive No-Bake Holiday Delight

If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly blends creamy cheesecake with the nostalgic sweetness of holiday cookies, the Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is your dream come true. It’s smooth, rich, and beautifully festive — a dessert that’s as stunning on the table as it is on your taste buds. Whether you’re planning a cozy Christmas dinner or looking for a make-ahead party treat, this cheesecake brings joy in every bite.

Discover more merry desserts like our Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars.

Table of Contents

A Sweet Christmas Tradition

This cheesecake combines two holiday favorites — buttery sugar cookies and creamy cheesecake. The result is a dessert that feels both nostalgic and luxurious, with a soft cookie crust and a fluffy filling.

Why It’s a Holiday Favorite

Unlike dense, baked cheesecakes, this version is no-bake, making it quick, easy, and stress-free — perfect for busy Christmas schedules.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

The Cookie Crust

  • Crushed sugar cookies or Pillsbury sugar cookie dough
  • Melted unsalted butter
  • A pinch of salt

Press into a springform pan and chill for 15 minutes.

The Cheesecake Filling

  • Cream cheese (use Philadelphia for the best texture)
  • Whipped topping or homemade whipped cream
  • Sugar, vanilla, and a dash of almond extract

Learn more about rich flavors in our White Chocolate Raspberry Dream Cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

Combine cookie crumbs with melted butter, press into the pan, and refrigerate.

2. Make the Filling

Beat softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in whipped topping to keep the filling light and airy.

3. Assemble and Chill

Spread the filling over the crust and chill for at least 4 hours — overnight is best.

Festive Toppings

Top your cheesecake with crushed holiday sugar cookies, red-green sprinkles, and whipped cream swirls for that seasonal sparkle. Add mini candy canes or edible glitter for an extra-festive look.

Holiday Presentation

Serve on a white or red platter for a Christmas-ready display. For a touch of elegance, drizzle white chocolate over the top before chilling.

Don’t miss our Cherry Blossom Dream Cake for more decorating ideas.

Variations and Flavor Twists

No-Bake Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

Use store-bought Pillsbury cookie dough for an even faster crust. Bake the base for 10 minutes if you prefer a firmer texture before filling.

Festive Flavor Variations

Add crushed peppermint candies for a minty twist or swirl raspberry puree through the filling for a festive red accent.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Chocolate Raspberry Drip Cake for more holiday layering ideas.

Tips for a Perfect No-Bake Cheesecake

1. Use Room-Temperature Ingredients

Cold cream cheese can cause lumps — let it soften before mixing.

2. Chill Thoroughly

A full 4-hour chill time allows the filling to firm up and develop its creamy texture.

3. Use a Springform Pan

It gives you clean edges and makes slicing effortless.

Make-Ahead and Storage Guide

Make-Ahead Option

You can prepare this cheesecake up to 2 days in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge until ready to serve.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Avoid freezing — the texture may become grainy after thawing.

Check out our Apple Butter Apple Pie for another make-ahead holiday dessert.

1. Festive Serving Ideas

Serve your cheesecake cold and topped with crushed sugar cookies, whipped cream, and colorful red-and-green sprinkles. For an elegant look, use piped whipped cream rosettes around the edges and place a mini sugar cookie on each one. A drizzle of melted white chocolate adds a touch of snowy magic that’s perfect for winter gatherings.

If you’re hosting a large holiday party, slice the cheesecake into mini squares or bars — they make adorable bite-sized treats for dessert platters. Arrange them on a white serving tray lined with festive parchment paper for that Christmas bakery feel.

2. Pairing Suggestions

Pair each slice of Sugar Cookie Cheesecake with a mug of peppermint hot cocoa or a frothy eggnog latte for the ultimate holiday indulgence. For lighter options, a cup of black coffee or spiced chai balances the sweetness perfectly.

Slice of Sugar Cookie Cheesecake served on a holiday plate
Slice of Sugar Cookie Cheesecake served with hot cocoa and festive decor

FAQs

Christmas sugar cookie cheesecake no bake

Yes! This recipe is 100% no-bake, which makes it ideal for the holidays when your oven is already full. The crust is made from crushed sugar cookies and butter, while the cheesecake filling sets beautifully in the refrigerator. It’s creamy, firm, and ready to serve without a single minute in the oven.

Christmas sugar cookie cheesecake recipe no bake

Our Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake recipe uses a simple no-bake method with cream cheese, sugar, and whipped topping. Once chilled, the cheesecake holds its shape perfectly. It’s the best make-ahead dessert for holiday parties, potlucks, or Christmas Eve dinners — no stress, just delicious results.

Christmas sugar cookie cheesecake Philadelphia

For the creamiest texture, use Philadelphia cream cheese. It blends smoothly and gives your cheesecake that classic rich flavor. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps. Philadelphia’s consistency ensures that your no-bake filling is light, fluffy, and silky every time.

Pillsbury sugar cookie cheesecake

If you love shortcuts, Pillsbury sugar cookie dough is perfect for this recipe. Simply press the dough into your pan for an instant crust. You can bake it for 8–10 minutes if you prefer a firmer base or use it unbaked for a true no-bake cheesecake. It adds buttery flavor and that nostalgic sugar cookie sweetness everyone loves.

Conclusion

The Sugar Cookie Cheesecake isn’t just a dessert — it’s a celebration of Christmas sweetness in every bite. With its buttery sugar cookie crust, silky smooth cheesecake filling, and colorful festive toppings, it captures everything we love about the holidays. Best of all, it’s a no-bake recipe, so you can save oven space for other dishes while still serving a showstopping dessert.

Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or need a make-ahead treat for a Christmas party, this cheesecake checks every box — easy, beautiful, and absolutely irresistible. The combination of creamy cheesecake and crumbly cookie crust feels nostalgic yet luxurious, a dessert that turns any meal into a celebration.

Follow us for more delicious recipes:
👉 @freshrecips on Instagram
👉 FreshRecips on Facebook

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
0 2 4 Sugar Cookie Cheesecake: A Festive No-Bake Holiday Delight

Sugar Cookie Cheesecake: A Festive No-Bake Holiday Delight


  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

This Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is the ultimate Christmas dessert — rich, creamy, and completely no-bake. With a buttery sugar cookie crust and a smooth, fluffy cheesecake filling, it’s an easy make-ahead holiday treat that looks beautiful and tastes irresistible. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this festive cheesecake delivers pure Christmas magic in every bite.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

  • 2 cups crushed sugar cookies (store-bought or homemade)

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • Pinch of salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 16 oz cream cheese (preferably Philadelphia), softened

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • ½ tsp almond extract (optional, for holiday flavor)

  • 2 cups whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream)

For the Toppings:

  • Whipped cream for decorating

  • Crushed sugar cookies

  • Holiday sprinkles or candy canes for garnish


Instructions

  • Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix crushed sugar cookies with melted butter and a pinch of salt. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Chill for at least 15 minutes.

  • Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth and creamy.

  • Add Whipped Topping: Gently fold in whipped topping until the mixture is light and fluffy.

  • Assemble the Cheesecake: Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.

  • Chill and Set: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm.

  • Decorate: Before serving, top with whipped cream, crushed cookies, and festive sprinkles. Slice and serve chilled.

Notes

For a firmer crust, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes before adding the filling, then let it cool completely.

You can use Pillsbury sugar cookie dough for a quick and flavorful crust.

Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Avoid freezing; thawing can change the texture.

Add crushed peppermint candies or drizzle melted white chocolate for extra Christmas flavor.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cheesecake)
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 35 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: Sugar Cookie Cheesecake, no bake cheesecake, Christmas dessert, holiday cheesecake, festive cheesecake

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating