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Cookie Dough Filled Cake

Featured in Decadent Desserts.

This festive cheesecake combines classic cheesecake with sugar cookie dough pieces throughout. Features a shortbread crust and sour cream frosting, perfect for holidays.
Sarah
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:34:27 GMT
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A slice of cheesecake topped with colorful sprinkles and crushed cookies, displayed on a plate with a fork beside it. Pin it
A slice of cheesecake topped with colorful sprinkles and crushed cookies, displayed on a plate with a fork beside it. | kitchenscroll.com

I created this sugar cookie cheesecake one December afternoon when I couldn't decide between cookies and cheesecake. The moment that creamy vanilla filling studded with bits of sugar cookie dough came out of the oven I knew I'd found something special. That buttery shortbread crust and tangy sour cream topping make it feel like Christmas in every slice. Now my family begs for it as soon as the holiday season starts.

A Holiday Dream Come True

Every time I serve this cheesecake people can't believe how the flavors work together. The way that buttery crust supports the creamy filling while little bites of sugar cookie dough surprise you throughout it's pure magic. That sour cream frosting adds just the right touch of tang to balance all the sweetness. It's become the dessert everyone talks about long after the holidays are over.

Everything You'll Need

The magic starts with that shortbread crust cold butter and flour create the perfect foundation. For the cookie dough I always let my butter come to room temperature it makes such a difference in the texture. The cheesecake itself needs plenty of cream cheese make sure it's completely soft before starting. My secret weapon is a touch of almond extract along with vanilla it adds this subtle special something. The sour cream frosting brings it all together with just the right balance of sweet and tangy.

Let's Make Magic

Start with that gorgeous shortbread crust pressing it carefully into your pan. While it bakes roll those cookie dough pieces they're like little treasures waiting to be found. When you're mixing the cheesecake batter go slow and steady no rushing here it keeps everything smooth. The water bath might seem fussy but trust me it's worth it for that perfect texture. Watching the frosting spread over the top is my favorite part especially when those festive sprinkles catch the light.

A slice of decorated cheesecake with red and green sprinkles is served on a plate alongside a fork. Pin it
A slice of decorated cheesecake with red and green sprinkles is served on a plate alongside a fork. | kitchenscroll.com

My Best Baking Tips

After many holiday seasons making this cheesecake I've learned a few tricks. Room temperature ingredients are non negotiable they blend so much better. That parchment paper liner is your best friend for easy removal. Don't worry if you see tiny cracks around the cookie dough pieces it's totally normal and adds to the charm.

Common Questions Answered

My gluten sensitive friends love this with gluten free flour and a bit of cornstarch in the filling. You can definitely make it ahead it actually gets better after a day in the fridge. Sometimes I switch things up and make it with chocolate chip cookie dough the possibilities are endless once you get the technique down.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why does the cheesecake need to chill overnight?
Overnight chilling allows the cheesecake to fully set and develop its texture. This ensures clean slices and the best flavor development.
→ Why use a water bath for baking?
The water bath creates a moist environment that helps prevent cracking and ensures even baking of the cheesecake filling.
→ Why might the surface crack?
The cookie dough pieces in the batter can cause some surface cracking, but this is normal and will be covered by the frosting.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this cheesecake needs to chill overnight and can be made 2-3 days ahead. Add the frosting and sprinkles just before serving.
→ Why must ingredients be room temperature?
Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and create a more uniform cheesecake batter without lumps.

Sugar Cookie Cheesecake

Creamy vanilla cheesecake studded with sugar cookie dough pieces, baked on shortbread crust and topped with sour cream frosting and sprinkles.

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cook Time
90 Minutes
Total Time
135 Minutes

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 slices)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (160g) for crust.
02 1/2 cup powdered sugar (60g) for crust.
03 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold (110g) for crust.
04 2 tbsp milk for crust.
05 6 tbsp unsalted butter, room temp for dough.
06 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g) for dough.
07 2 tbsp milk for dough.
08 1/2 tsp vanilla extract for dough.
09 1 cup all-purpose flour (130g) for dough.
10 3 tbsp jimmies sprinkles.
11 4 (8oz) blocks cream cheese, room temp.
12 1 cup granulated sugar (200g).
13 2 tbsp all-purpose flour.
14 1 tsp vanilla extract.
15 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional).
16 3/4 cup sour cream (185g), room temp.
17 4 large eggs, room temp.
18 6 tbsp unsalted butter, room temp for frosting.
19 1/3 cup sour cream (80g) for frosting.
20 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (165g) for frosting.
21 1 tsp vanilla extract for frosting.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix flour, sugar, salt. Work in cold butter and milk. Press into pan and bake at 325F for 18-20 minutes.

Step 02

Mix butter and sugar, add milk and vanilla, then flour and salt. Roll into small balls with sprinkles.

Step 03

Beat cream cheese, sugar, flour until smooth. Add extracts, sour cream, then eggs one at a time. Fold in cookie dough.

Step 04

Pour into pan, bake in water bath at 325F for 1 hour 15 minutes. Cool in oven 45 minutes, then room temp 30 minutes.

Step 05

Refrigerate overnight.

Step 06

Mix butter, sour cream, powdered sugar, vanilla. Spread over chilled cake and add sprinkles.

Notes

  1. Needs overnight chilling.
  2. Surface may crack due to cookie dough pieces.
  3. Use room temperature ingredients for filling.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9-inch springform pan.
  • Roasting pan for water bath.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 650
  • Total Fat: 38 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 65 g
  • Protein: 9 g