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Every December my kitchen turns into a flurry of baking and holiday tunes, and these Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars have become a festive tradition that everyone counts on year after year. Soft sugar cookie crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, and cheerful sprinkles make each bite a sweet bite of the season.
The first time I brought these bars to a holiday party they disappeared before I could set down my baking dish. The creamy filling and crunchy cookie crust are a universal hit.
Ingredients
- Crushed sugar cookies or graham crackers: Give the base sweetness and crunch. Choose freshly baked or crisp store-bought cookies to amp up flavor
- Melted butter: Brings the crust together with rich holiday flavor. Use good quality unsalted butter for best taste
- Cream cheese, softened: The cheesecake layer’s star. Choose full-fat blocks not whipped tubs for ultimate creamy texture
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the filling. Sift if lumpy to avoid bits in your cheesecake
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth. Opt for pure vanilla rather than imitation for best flavor
- Heavy whipping cream, whipped: Makes the filling light and fluffy. Use fresh cold cream for maximum volume
- Christmas sprinkles (red, green, white): Lends confetti magic. Use nonpareils or jimmies that hold their color in the creamy filling
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Mix cookie crumbs with melted butter using a fork or your fingertips until the mixture resembles damp sand. Every crumb should be coated. Press it evenly and firmly into a lined baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to smooth the crust so there are no gaps or crumbles. Chill the pan for fifteen minutes in the fridge to set the base
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Keep beating until the mixture is velvet smooth. It should be lump free. Next fold in the freshly whipped cream with gentle strokes using a spatula. This keeps the filling airy and light
- Incorporate the Sprinkles:
- Very delicately fold in the Christmas sprinkles. If you stir too much colors may bleed so gently turn the mixture just until sprinkles are evenly distributed
- Assemble the Bars:
- Spoon the cheesecake mixture onto the chilled crust. Spread to the edges and smooth the top with an offset spatula or back of a spoon. Tap the pan gently to remove any large air bubbles
- Chill to Set:
- Place the assembled bars in the refrigerator for at least four hours. This allows the crust and filling to firm up and the flavors to meld. Overnight chilling is even better for clean slices
- Serve and Garnish:
- Once set lift the bars from the pan using the lining and cut into even squares. Top each piece with swirls of extra whipped cream and more sprinkles for an extra festive finish
I always look forward to adding the final layer of whipped cream and sprinkles with my kids. We laugh, compare sprinkle patterns, and sometimes sneak tastes before the bars hit the table.
Storage Tips
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For best texture separate layers with parchment paper. If you plan on serving later add the whipped cream only just before serving so it stays fluffy.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have sugar cookies use crisp graham crackers or shortbread for the crust. For a dairy free version swap cream cheese for a plant based alternative and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream.
Serving Suggestions
These cheesecake bars shine on a holiday dessert tray next to gingerbread or peppermint bark. Cut them into small festive squares and nestle them in mini cupcake liners for a pretty presentation.
Cultural and Historical Context
Sugar cookies are a classic Christmas tradition. Cheesecake brings a modern creamy twist to nostalgic flavors. Merging these two favorites into a bar format means every bite is both familiar and fresh.
Seasonal Adaptations
Use pastel sprinkles for springtime celebrations. Swap red and green for gold and blue for Hanukkah treats. Try heart sprinkles for a sweet Valentine’s Day version.
Success Stories
Readers have told me these bars are always the first gone at holiday potlucks. Some even make double batches to freeze ahead and bring out at the last minute.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Freeze uncut bars tightly wrapped in plastic and then foil for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing and serving. Add fresh whipped cream on the day you serve for best results.
With these cheesecake bars, it is easy to bring a festive touch to your holiday table. Enjoy every sweet, creamy bite!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use graham crackers instead of sugar cookies for the crust?
Yes, graham crackers work well for the crust, lending a classic, slightly less sweet base for the bars.
- → How long do the bars need to chill before serving?
Chill the bars for at least 4 hours or until fully set for clean slices and a firm texture.
- → Can I add different sprinkles or toppings?
Absolutely! Customize with your favorite sprinkles or add extra whipped cream to suit the occasion.
- → Is it possible to make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, prepare them a day in advance and store covered in the fridge to keep them fresh and festive.
- → Can I freeze the cheesecake bars?
These bars can be frozen; wrap tightly and thaw in the refrigerator before serving for best texture.