Hello, I’m Sam. Since retiring, I’ve learned that the best desserts are the ones that make people smile before they even take a bite. This Christmas Cookie Cheesecake is one of those recipes that instantly brightens the table. It’s creamy, full of crushed holiday cookies, and decorated with sprinkles, whipped cream, and a cheerful mix of Christmas colors. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just want a festive treat to enjoy by the tree, this cheesecake feels like pure holiday joy in every slice.
Why You’ll Love It
This Christmas Cookie Cheesecake combines everything you love about two favorite desserts, cookies and cheesecake, into one festive showstopper. The crust is buttery and crisp, made from crushed shortbread or sugar cookies. The filling is smooth, rich, and dotted with bits of holiday cookies that melt into the creamy base as it bakes. It’s the kind of dessert that feels decadent yet light enough to enjoy after a big Christmas dinner.
I like to serve it after a comforting meal like Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole or with coffee after Homemade Sandwich Bread toast breakfasts during the holidays.
The best part? You can make it a day ahead, so while everyone’s unwrapping gifts or sipping cocoa, your dessert is already chilling and ready to impress.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 2 cups crushed shortbread or Christmas sugar cookies
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
- ½ cup crushed Christmas cookies (plus more for topping)
For Decoration
- Whipped cream
- Crushed candy canes or sprinkles
- Mini Christmas cookies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
- Make the crust: Combine crushed cookies, melted butter, and sugar. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let it cool.
- Prepare the filling: Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated.
- Stir in sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth.
- Gently fold in crushed Christmas cookies to keep the texture light.
- Pour the mixture over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 55–60 minutes, until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for an hour.
- Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, top with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, sprinkles, or mini cookies.
Tips from Sam
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best creamy consistency.
- Let ingredients come to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Don’t overbake, slightly wobbly in the center means it’ll be perfectly soft after chilling.
- For extra crunch, press a few cookie pieces into the top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
I like to serve this cheesecake chilled with coffee or hot cocoa. It’s also beautiful as part of a holiday dessert platter with treats like Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies or Easy Halloween Party Treats, repurposed for Christmas with red and green accents.
It’s the kind of dessert that turns heads, not just because it’s gorgeous, but because it tastes even better than it looks. Each bite gives you the creamy richness of cheesecake with bits of soft, buttery cookies that taste like pure nostalgia.
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Christmas Cookie Cheesecake (Festive, Creamy & Full of Holiday Cheer)
- Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Cookie Cheesecake is a festive, creamy, and cookie-filled holiday dessert. With a buttery cookie crust, smooth vanilla cheesecake, and chunks of holiday cookies baked right in, it’s the perfect mix of fun and indulgence.
Ingredients
For the crust:
2 cups crushed shortbread or Christmas sugar cookies
5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp granulated sugar
For the cheesecake filling:
24 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
1/2 cup crushed Christmas cookies (plus more for topping)
For decoration:
Whipped cream for topping
Crushed candy canes or holiday sprinkles
Mini Christmas cookies for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
2. Combine crushed cookies, melted butter, and sugar. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside to cool.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating slowly after each addition.
5. Mix in sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla, and almond extract until well combined.
6. Gently fold in crushed Christmas cookies using a spatula.
7. Pour the batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top evenly.
8. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles.
9. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
10. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
11. Before serving, pipe or spread whipped cream on top, then decorate with cookie crumbs, sprinkles, and candy canes.
Notes
Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture.
You can substitute the crust with graham crackers or Oreos if preferred.
This cheesecake freezes beautifully, wrap slices individually for easy serving later.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 60 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
FAQs About Christmas Cookie Cheesecake and Holiday Baking
Should cheesecake cookies be refrigerated?
Yes, absolutely. Anything with a cheesecake layer or cream cheese should be refrigerated once cooled. Store your Christmas Cookie Cheesecake or cheesecake cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
If you’re serving them for a party, you can safely leave them out at room temperature for about 2 hours. After that, pop them back into the refrigerator to keep that creamy texture fresh and safe to eat.
Tip from Sam: I like to slice my cheesecake ahead of time, store individual slices in small containers, and chill them overnight, they’re ready to serve straight from the fridge.
How to make a cheesecake look Christmassy?
Making your cheesecake festive is easier than you might think. The key is in the toppings and color accents. For a Christmas Cookie Cheesecake, you can decorate with:
Whipped cream swirls around the edges
Crushed candy canes or red-and-green sprinkles
Mini holiday cookies or gingerbread men
A drizzle of white chocolate or melted red candy melts
If you want to take it up a notch, try a simple garnish of sugared cranberries and fresh mint leaves. It gives that cheerful red-and-green contrast without being overly sweet, perfect for a Christmas table centerpiece.
Sam’s note: “You don’t need to overdo it. A few festive touches go a long way toward making your cheesecake feel special.”
How long do Christmas cookies stay fresh after baking?
Most Christmas cookies stay fresh for about 5 to 7 days if stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature.
Chewier cookies (like chocolate chip or sugar cookies) last around 5 days, while crisp ones (like shortbread or biscotti) can hold up for a week or more.
If you’re baking ahead for a holiday party:
You can freeze most cookies for up to 2 months.
Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Let them come to room temperature before serving to restore their texture.
Sam’s tip: I bake my cookies a week before Christmas and freeze them. On Christmas Eve, I let them thaw overnight, they taste freshly baked every time.
What are the facts about Christmas cookies?
Christmas cookies have a long and cozy history. The tradition started centuries ago in Europe when people baked spiced biscuits to celebrate the season. Ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger were considered special treats, perfect for winter festivities.
When settlers came to America, they brought those recipes along, and over time, local variations appeared, sugar cookies, gingerbread, and shortbread became household favorites.
Here are a few fun facts about Christmas cookies:
The first American cookie cutters were imported from Germany in the 1800s.
Leaving cookies and milk for Santa became popular in the 1930s during the Great Depression, it was a small act of generosity.
The most baked cookie during Christmas is the classic sugar cookie, followed closely by gingerbread.
In some cultures, baking cookies together is seen as a family bonding tradition that marks the start of the holidays.
Sam’s reflection: “For me, Christmas cookies are more than a treat, they’re a reminder of togetherness, patience, and those quiet, joyful moments in the kitchen.”
Conclusion: A Sweet Slice of Christmas Joy
There’s something special about a dessert that brings both comfort and celebration to the table, and this Christmas Cookie Cheesecake does exactly that. Each bite is a reminder of what makes holiday baking so meaningful: the warmth of shared moments, the smell of sugar and vanilla filling the kitchen, and the joy of creating something beautiful with simple ingredients.
It’s rich without being heavy, festive without being fussy, and versatile enough to make ahead for busy holiday schedules. Whether you’re serving it as the centerpiece of your Christmas dinner or sneaking a quiet slice with coffee the next morning, this cheesecake captures the heart of the season, sweet, cozy, and full of cheer.
From the buttery cookie crust to the creamy filling studded with bits of holiday cookies, it’s the kind of dessert that gets people talking, smiling, and asking for seconds. So go ahead, tie on that apron, turn up your favorite carols, and let this cheesecake become part of your Christmas tradition. After all, the best holiday recipes aren’t just baked, they’re remembered.