I’ll never forget the first time I made this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake. It was during a hectic holiday weekend, and I wanted something festive yet nourishing for my family’s dessert table. I spotted the recipe in a Facebook group Recipe for 10-inch Sugar Cookie Crust Cheesecake with Vanilla … and thought, “Why not try it? If it’s simple and wholesome, it could be a game-changer for our family’s sweet treats.”
From the moment I sliced into that creamy dessert, my kids and spouse were hooked. The sugar cookie base gave just the right touch of sweetness without being overpowering, and the baked cheesecake felt like a nourishing indulgence—not heavy or overly sugary. I noticed I didn’t have to worry about overloading them with empty calories, and that was a total win in my nutrition journey.
What surprised me most was how easily this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake fit into our family’s wellness goals. It balanced natural sweetness with protein-rich cream cheese and wholesome ingredients that I feel good serving after a long day. For busy moms like us juggling school lunches, errands, and bedtime chaos, having a dessert that supports nutrition without stress feels like a gift.
If you’re craving a dessert that blends simplicity with nourishment, this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is definitely a must-try. It’s a solution for busy families chasing dinnertime nutrition wins without the overwhelm. Let me share how this baked cheesecake became a fixture in our kitchen and why it might just be yours too!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Here’s the simple ingredient list for your Sugar Cookie Cheesecake—a blend of wholesome staples and a few swaps that keep nutrition at the forefront. Trust me, this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity!

- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (No worries if you don’t have this on hand—I sometimes swap half the flour for whole wheat for extra nutrients.)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (For a sweeter sugar cookie base, but keep it moderate for a balanced, sweet cheesecake.)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (Butter adds richness, but using grass-fed or organic boosts healthy fats.)
- 1 large egg (Eggs add protein; if you’re out, Greek yogurt can work as a partial binder.)
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened (Try full-fat cream cheese for extra creaminess and to support satiety.)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (For the sweet cheesecake filling.)
- 2 large eggs (More protein to balance the sweet cheesecake.)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Adds warmth and flavor without added sugar.)
- ½ cup sour cream (Gives that creamy dessert texture while adding probiotics and tang.)
You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store. This Sugar Cookie Cheesecake proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive. For a busy family’s budget, these staples stretch across multiple meals and treats. Also, prepping ahead by softening cream cheese and butter while you gather the rest saves time!
My family gets extra nutrition when I add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling. It’s a small kitchen hack that adds antioxidants without messing with flavor. If your kids love it, they might enjoy soft sugar cookie variations too—check out this Soft Sugar Cookie recipe for more easy sweets that support nutrition.
Let’s Make it Happen!
I’ll walk you through making this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake step by step. We’ll tackle it together, keeping things simple and encouraging every step of the way.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F. This is the perfect temperature for baking a creamy dessert without cracking your cheesecake.
- Make your sugar cookie base: In a bowl, mix 1 ½ cups flour, ¼ cup sugar, and ½ teaspoon baking powder. Add the cold cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until crumbly. Beat 1 egg and mix it in until a soft dough forms—easy to press but not sticky.
- Press the dough into a greased 9-inch springform pan. Go for an even layer on the bottom—that sugar cookie base is the sturdy, sweet foundation for all that creamy cheesecake goodness.
- Bake the cookie base for 12-15 minutes or until just golden. While your base bakes, crack a window or start prepping lunches for tomorrow—busy kitchens need multitasking!
- Meanwhile, prepare the cheesecake filling: Beat softened cream cheese and ¾ cup sugar until smooth. Add 2 eggs one at a time, then mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla and sour cream. Your filling should be velvety and inviting—if it isn’t, keep mixing!
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the warm sugar cookie base. This step brings together the baked cheesecake’s sweet cheesecake element and the crisp sugar cookie base.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until the edges are set but the center still slightly jiggles. Don’t worry if it looks a little wobbly; the cooling finishes the creamy dessert texture.
- Let your Sugar Cookie Cheesecake cool to room temp, then chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. This helps everything set perfectly while giving you some time to breathe.
- Slice and enjoy! Your kitchen should smell nourishing now—the aroma of baked cheesecake combined with that fun sugar cookie base is unbeatable.
If snacks or family preps pile up, this baked cheesecake holds well. Leftovers make awesome next-day treats or quick grab-and-go snacks for school lunches—a total nutrition win! For more festive dessert ideas, you might like this White Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake with Sugar Cookie Crust, which swaps in holiday flavors but keeps that nourishing, creamy dessert vibe.
Here’s where I used to struggle with my Sugar Cookie Cheesecake—getting the base just right. My kitchen hack? Press the dough firmly but gently, and don’t overbake. It stays chewy yet holds the sweet cheesecake.
How We Love to Eat This!

This Sugar Cookie Cheesecake is a superstar in our house. The kids devour this nutritious treat when I serve it with fresh berries—antioxidant-packed and kid-friendly. My husband loves it warmed slightly with a dollop of Greek yogurt on top for extra protein and creaminess.
It’s a perfect holiday cheesecake that fits on our festive table but is easy enough for weekday celebrations or weekend treats. Mix it with a simple fruit salad or a handful of nuts to balance the natural sugars and protein, making it a well-rounded sweet snack.
For presentation, I dust a little powdered sugar or sprinkle chopped nuts on top to make it look extra special without losing wholesome nutrition vibes. Guests often ask if it’s homemade, amazed it feels like indulgence but fuels their energy.
If you find yourself with leftovers, slice your Sugar Cookie Cheesecake into bars for easy grab-and-go snacks. So much better than processed options, and the family keeps coming back for more.
Seasonal variations are fun too: switch up the vanilla with almond extract or add lemon zest for a fresh twist. On chilly nights, serve with warm berry compote.
For a fun twist, try sugar cookie cups filled with no-bake cheesecake like these from Instagram These little sugar cookie cups filled with no-bake cheesecake and …—perfect for bite-sized nutrition wins!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Is this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake really nutritious enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! While it’s a sweet cheesecake, I balance sugars and fats with protein-rich cream cheese and eggs. The sugar cookie base adds a touch of carbs for energy but not overload. My kids find it satisfying, and it pairs well with fruit or a side of nuts for added nutrition.
What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Sugar Cookie Cheesecake?
Try involving your kids in making it! Kids love eating something they helped create. You can also adjust sweetness levels according to their taste buds or cut smaller slices with fun toppings like fresh strawberries or a drizzle of honey.
Can I meal prep this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake for busy weeks ahead?
Yes! This baked cheesecake keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days. I often slice it after chilling and portion it for easy snacks or dessert options during the week. It saves time and keeps dinnertime nutrition wins on track.
Can I substitute the sugar cookie base for something else?
I love the sugar cookie base because it pairs beautifully with the creamy dessert filling, but you can experiment with a graham cracker crust or even oatmeal crust for more fiber. Here’s a handy Sugar Cookies recipe if you want to bake extra cookies on the side too!
Does the cheesecake crack during baking?
It can happen if the oven’s too hot or you bake too long. I’ve learned to keep the temperature steady at 325°F and not overbake. Cooling completely before chilling helps the baked cheesecake set smooth.
Is the sugar cookie base gluten-free?
This classic recipe isn’t, but you can try gluten-free flour blends available at most stores. My family hasn’t had any issues swapping this for gluten-free versions without losing the base’s sweet texture.
Can I add seasonal flavors or spices?
For sure! Adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or even citrus zest to the filling can add cozy holiday cheesecake vibes. It’s a fun way to mix up the base recipe to fit your family’s health and flavor preferences.
Final Thoughts:
This Sugar Cookie Cheesecake fits so well into our simple nutrition journey. It balances sweet cheesecake and a sugar cookie base, offering a creamy dessert that feels special yet supports wellness. Everyone in the family, from my picky eaters to my enthusiastic husband, finds something to love in it.
My Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Nutrition Hacks:
- I swap half the flour in the sugar cookie base with whole wheat for extra fiber.
- I add a splash of vanilla and sprinkle cinnamon in the cheesecake filling for added antioxidants.
- I serve with fresh fruit or nuts to round out the natural sugars with protein and healthy fats.
I’ve tried several family-tested variations: a lemon zest cheesecake for a light summer dessert, an almond extract twist that my husband adores, and a holiday cheesecake version with peppermint from this White Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake with Sugar Cookie Crust.
My kids love it classic, and I love adding subtle natural flavors to pack in more nutrition without the fuss. I encourage you to make this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake your own nourishing favorite.
Feeding families well doesn’t need to be stressful or complicated. This Sugar Cookie Cheesecake reassures me that simple, wholesome ingredients can shine in sweet treats that keep my family happy and healthy.
Ready to go from overwhelmed to confident with sweet, nourishing desserts? Try this recipe, share your tweaks, and enjoy those quiet moments of satisfaction when everyone asks for seconds. For more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out these Christmas Sugar Cookies recipes—your family will love the variety and the sanity-saving nutrition.
You’re not alone on this nourishing chaos journey. Every Sugar Cookie Cheesecake slice is a small win for your family’s health and happiness!
Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
This Sugar Cookie Cheesecake combines the buttery sweetness of classic sugar cookies with a creamy, rich cheesecake filling for a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Optional: sugar cookie dough pieces for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Combine sugar cookie crumbs and melted butter in a bowl; press firmly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla extract, sour cream, flour, and salt until just combined.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the center is mostly set but still slightly jiggly.
- Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Optional: garnish with pieces of sugar cookie dough or cookie crumbs before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, sprinkle the top with cinnamon sugar or serve with fresh berries and whipped cream.

