Sugar Cookie Cheesecake – Stephanie’s Sweet Treats
Imagine taking a nostalgic sugar cookie, warm and sugary, and transforming it into a luscious cheesecake. This Sugar Cookie Cheesecake recipe is an indulgent twist that brings back childhood memories while embracing the richness of a creamy dessert. Soft, decadent, and oh-so-delicious, this cheesecake is the perfect treat for family gatherings, birthday celebrations, or just a cozy night in. With minimal effort and a heartwarming flavor, it’s hard to resist baking up this delightful sweet!
What’s Your Sweet Tooth Craving Right Now?
Have you ever bitten into a warm sugar cookie and felt a wave of comfort wash over you? Or maybe you’re dreaming of that perfect cheesecake that melts on your tongue, leaving you longing for more. How about combining the two? If you’re nodding in agreement, then you’re in for a delightful surprise with this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake! This recipe effortlessly marries the buttery flavors of sugar cookies with the creaminess of cheesecake, making it an absolute must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for novice bakers and busy moms alike. It offers the wow-factor that can impress your friends while containing only a handful of simple ingredients. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it also allows the flavors to shine through, making each bite a nostalgic experience. Plus, with the ability to prepare it ahead of time, you can enjoy a stress-free gathering without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
For this delightful Sugar Cookie Cheesecake, you will need:
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1 cup all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your crust, giving it that classic cookie texture.
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1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is essential, and this sugar not only sweetens but also enhances the cookie flavor.
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds a rich and creamy element that brings everything together beautifully.
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1 large egg: This helps bind the crust while lending moisture and richness.
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16 oz cream cheese, softened: The star of the cheesecake, creating a creamy, dreamy filling that’s impossible to resist.
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1/4 cup sour cream: Adds a delightful tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
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2 tsp vanilla extract: The warm, aromatic notes of vanilla elevate every bite to pure bliss.
Timing
This recipe strikes a wonderful balance between being fast and indulgent. With just about 15-20 minutes of active prep time and 45-50 minutes in the oven, you can have a luxurious dessert ready ahead of time. The real magic happens while it chills in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify into a rich delight that’s truly unforgettable. It’s fast enough for a weeknight treat yet special enough for any occasion.
Step-by-Step
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The anticipation of that warm, comforting cheesecake baking in the oven is already making my mouth water.
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For the crust: In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. This combines to create a luscious base that’s the perfect balance of sweetness and richness.
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Gradually add flour and mix until combined. Feel the dough come together, inviting and soft, ready to be pressed into your pan.
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Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased springform pan. This creates a perfect, golden crust that cradles the cheesecake filling.
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For the filling: In another bowl, beat together cream cheese and sugar until smooth. The consistency will be luscious and velvety, promising an indulgent experience.
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps create that rich, creamy texture we all crave.
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Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract until creamy. The filling should be luscious and rich, inviting you to take that first bite.
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Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. As you do so, watch the filling settle like a soft, dreamy cloud.
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Bake for 45-50 minutes or until set but slightly jiggly in the center. The sweet aroma of baking cheesecake will fill your kitchen, enticing everyone around.
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Let it cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least four hours or overnight. Once chilled, the flavors deepen, and it becomes the dessert of your dreams!
Nutritional Information
Each slice of this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is a delightful indulgence, boasting around 350 calories per serving. While it’s certainly a treat meant for special occasions, indulging in a slice or two isn’t just okay—it’s a celebration of flavors. Enjoying this sweet wonder occasionally can add joy to your dessert repertoire without the guilt!
Healthier Alternatives
Looking to make this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake a bit healthier? Consider using a low-sugar granulated sweetener instead of sugar, or swap out the granulated sugar for coconut sugar for a more natural touch. For a dairy-free option, try substituting cream cheese and sour cream with cashew cream or blended silken tofu; the result will still be creamy and tantalizing, although differing slightly in flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Sugar Cookie Cheesecake topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an ultimate dessert experience. Drizzle a caramel or chocolate sauce over the top for an extra indulgent treat, or garnish with fresh berries to add a pop of color and flavor. It’s an excellent dessert for holidays, birthdays, or simply as a sweet way to end a long day.
Common Mistakes
Avoid common pitfalls such as overbaking, which can lead to a dry cheesecake. Instead, check for a slight jiggle in the center to ensure it stays creamy. Texture issues might arise from under-beating the cream cheese, so make sure to whip it thoroughly until it’s smooth. Creating a mess can be avoided by easily greasing your pan and taking your time with the layering process.
Storing Tips
This Sugar Cookie Cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To maintain its delightful taste and texture, it can also be frozen in individual slices for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let the slices thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience, you may wish to reheat it gently in the microwave.
Tempted to Bake It?
Now that you’ve got this delicious recipe in hand, why not treat yourself and your loved ones? The lingering scent of freshly baked cheesecake and the anticipation of the first bite are simply irresistible. Let the memories of comforting sweets fill your kitchen and heart. Bake this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake today, and you’ll find it difficult to resist a second slice.
FAQs
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Can I make this cheesecake in advance?
Absolutely! It’s perfect to make ahead as it tastes even better after chilling overnight. -
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Try using cashew cream or blended silken tofu for a dairy-free version. -
How do I know when my cheesecake is done?
It should be set with a slight jiggle in the center when done baking. -
Can I add toppings?
Yes! Fresh fruits, sauces, or whipped cream make delightful toppings. -
How should I slice the cheesecake?
Use a sharp knife, and for clean slices, dip it in hot water before each cut.
Indulge yourself with this wonderful recipe and take your taste buds on a delightful journey with each creamy, sweet bite!
PrintSugar Cookie Cheesecake
A nostalgic sugar cookie transformed into a creamy cheesecake, perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 50
- Total Time: 70
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Gradually add flour and mix until combined.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased springform pan.
- In another bowl, beat together cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract until creamy.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Let it cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least four hours or overnight.
Notes
For healthier alternatives, consider using a low-sugar sweetener or a dairy-free substitute for cream cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg