Christmas Cookie Cheesecake Recipe

Magical Christmas Cookie Cheesecake Recipe: A Sweet Holiday Dream

Sweet memories dance through my christmas cookie cheesecake, blending childhood nostalgia with elegant dessert magic.

Seasonal traditions wrap around creamy layers of decadent goodness.

Soft graham cracker crusts create a perfect foundation for rich cream cheese delights.

Grandma’s classic recipes inspire this festive fusion of comfort and indulgence.

Sprinkled holiday charms peek through silky smooth textures, promising delectable moments.

Delightful surprises await you in every single bite of this celebration centerpiece.

Gather your ingredients and let festive baking begin with joyful anticipation.

  • Craft Holiday Magic: Transform classic Christmas cookies into a decadent cheesecake that brings festive cheer to your dessert table with minimal effort.
  • Simplify Celebration Prep: This recipe requires basic baking skills, making it accessible for home bakers of all experience levels who want to impress guests without complex techniques.
  • Customize Your Delight: Swap different holiday cookie varieties to create unique flavor profiles, allowing personal creativity and seasonal ingredient flexibility.
  • Party-Perfect Dessert: Ideal for holiday gatherings, office potlucks, and family celebrations where you want a show-stopping sweet treat that serves multiple people.
Base Ingredients:
  • Christmas Cookies: Festive cookies that provide a delightful crunch and holiday flavor to the cheesecake crust.
  • Butter: Helps bind the cookie crust and adds richness to the base.
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: The main component that creates the creamy and smooth texture of the cheesecake.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tangy cream cheese flavor.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set properly during baking.
  • Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm and sweet aromatic notes.
  • Cookie Crumbs: Adds extra texture and holiday-inspired flavor to the cheesecake filling.
Baking Essentials:
  • Springform Pan: Allows for easy removal of the cheesecake and provides the perfect shape for serving.

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Grab your 9-inch springform pan and preheat the oven to 350°F. Position the oven rack in the center for even baking.

Step 2: Create Festive Cookie Crust

Crush your favorite Christmas cookies into fine crumbs. Mix the cookie crumbs with melted butter until they form a compact mixture. Press this buttery cookie blend firmly into the bottom of the springform pan, creating an even layer that will serve as the cheesecake’s foundation.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes silky smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and continue mixing until everything is perfectly combined. Gently fold in additional cookie crumbs to enhance the festive flavor.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the luxurious cream cheese mixture over the prepared cookie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface. Place the springform pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes. The cheesecake is ready when the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer to the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 3 hours. This resting period allows the cheesecake to set and develop its rich, creamy texture.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

After chilling, carefully release the springform pan’s sides. Slice the cheesecake and serve chilled. Optional: Garnish with extra cookie crumbs, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate for an extra festive touch.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cheesecake

  • Crush cookies finely for a smooth, compact crust that holds together perfectly when sliced.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to prevent lumps and ensure a silky, creamy texture.
  • Add extra crushed Christmas cookies on top for a festive decoration and crunchy texture contrast.
  • Wrap the springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during baking, ensuring an even bake.
  • Let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent cracking and maintain a creamy consistency.

Variations to Celebrate the Holidays

  • Peppermint Punch: Replace Christmas cookies with crushed candy canes in the crust and add peppermint extract to the cheesecake filling for a festive minty flavor.
  • Gingerbread Glory: Use crushed gingerbread cookies for the crust and sprinkle additional gingerbread cookie crumbs on top of the cheesecake for extra warmth and spice.
  • Chocolate Cheer: Mix melted chocolate into the cheesecake batter and use chocolate Christmas cookies for the crust, creating a rich and decadent dessert.
  • Eggnog Enchantment: Incorporate eggnog into the cheesecake filling and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg for a classic holiday taste.

Pairing Suggestions for Holiday Cheesecake

  • Brew Warm Spiced Beverage: Prepare a comforting mulled wine or spiced apple cider that echoes the cookie's warm holiday flavors, creating a delightful complementary taste experience.
  • Pair Rich Dessert Wine: Select a sweet late-harvest Riesling or port wine that balances the creamy cheesecake's richness while enhancing its dessert-like qualities with complementary sweetness.
  • Garnish with Festive Crunch: Top the cheesecake with crushed peppermint candy or sprinkle toasted nuts like pecans to add delightful texture and intensify the holiday cookie essence.

Storage Recommendations for Cheesecake

  • Wrap the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Slice the cheesecake into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum freshness.
  • Transfer frozen cheesecake from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before serving. Allow it to slowly defrost for 6-8 hours, maintaining its creamy texture.
  • What are Christmas cookies for this recipe?

Christmas cookies can be sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, or shortbread cookies decorated with holiday themes, which are crushed and used in both the crust and cheesecake filling.

  • Can I use different types of Christmas cookies?

Yes, you can use any festive holiday cookies you prefer. The key is choosing cookies with flavors that complement the cheesecake’s creamy texture.

  • How do I know when the cheesecake is properly baked?

The cheesecake is done when the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly. It will continue to set while cooling and chilling in the refrigerator.

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Christmas Cookie Cheesecake Recipe

Christmas Cookie Cheesecake Recipe


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4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Festive holiday spirits dance through this Christmas Cookie Cheesecake, blending creamy richness with seasonal cookie crunch. Sweet indulgence meets nostalgic comfort, inviting you to savor every delightful slice of winter’s most delectable dessert.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups crushed Christmas cookies
  • 1 cup Christmas cookie crumbs
  • 2 (8 ounces) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 2 eggs

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1/2 cup sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lining the bottom with crushed Christmas cookies and melted butter, creating a compact, flavorful base.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  3. Gently incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
  4. Delicately fold additional cookie crumbs into the cream cheese blend, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
  5. Transfer the luscious filling onto the prepared cookie crust, ensuring an even distribution.
  6. Position the cheesecake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 40 minutes, watching for a slightly jiggly center that indicates perfect doneness.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, which helps prevent cracking.
  8. Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 hours, allowing the texture to set and flavors to meld together.
  9. Before serving, carefully release the springform pan and slice the cheesecake into elegant portions.

Notes

  • Swap traditional Christmas cookies with gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy this festive dessert.
  • Crumble extra cookies on top of the cheesecake for added texture and a more intense holiday flavor profile.
  • Prevent cracking by baking the cheesecake in a water bath, which helps distribute heat evenly and maintains moisture during cooking.
  • Chill the cheesecake overnight for the most stable and creamy consistency, allowing flavors to meld and set perfectly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 391
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 240 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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