These Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars are the kind of magical holiday dessert everyone talks about long after the Christmas party ends. They’re creamy, festive, buttery, and filled with the nostalgic flavor of classic sugar cookies — all wrapped inside a rich, velvety no-bake cheesecake layer. Every bite melts in your mouth with the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
This recipe is incredibly popular in the USA during the holiday season because it combines two of the most beloved December treats: sugar cookies and cheesecake. Better yet, it’s the easiest version you’ll ever make — no oven, no water bath, no cracking cheesecake tops, no complicated steps. Just mix, chill, slice, and enjoy.
The color bursts from the Christmas sprinkles make these bars feel joyful and vibrant, and the no-bake filling gives them a refreshing creaminess that’s perfect after a heavy Christmas dinner. They’re ideal for gifting, potlucks, cookie exchanges, school holiday events, and dessert boards. You can decorate them simply, or make them look extra luxurious with whipped cream rosettes, glitter sprinkles, or mini cookie pieces.
Another reason these bars are loved is because they’re make-ahead friendly. You can prepare them a day before serving, freeing up time during the hectic holiday rush. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, and the bars slice more cleanly. Whether you’re an experienced baker or someone who loves “easy but impressive” desserts, these no-bake bars deliver consistent results every single time.
If you want a holiday dessert that’s creamy, colorful, delicious, and guaranteed to disappear quickly from the table — look no further. These Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars are a festive masterpiece.
⭐ Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookie Crust
- 2 cups finely crushed sugar cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but perfect for holiday flavor)
- 1 cup Christmas sprinkles
For Decoration
- Extra sprinkles
- Whipped cream swirls
- Mini sugar cookies or cookie crumbs
⭐ How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars (No-Bake!)
Step 1 – Prepare the Crust
Mix crushed sugar cookies with melted butter until every crumb is coated. Firmly press the crust into a lined 8×8 or 9×9 pan. Use the bottom of a glass to compact the crust tightly. Chill for 10–15 minutes so it sets properly.
Step 2 – Beat the Cream Cheese
Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until completely smooth and airy. This step ensures the filling is velvety and lump-free.
Step 3 – Whip the Heavy Cream
Whip the cold heavy cream to stiff peaks. This is what gives the cheesecake its structure without gelatin.
Step 4 – Combine
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Add vanilla and almond extract. Fold slowly until smooth, creamy, and well-blended.
Step 5 – Add Sprinkles
Fold in the Christmas sprinkles at the very end to avoid melting the colors.
Step 6 – Assemble
Add the filling on top of the chilled crust. Smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
Step 7 – Chill
Refrigerate for 4 hours minimum, preferably overnight for the perfect slice.
Step 8 – Slice & Decorate
Lift the slab using parchment paper and slice into clean bars. Add whipped cream swirls and sprinkles for the festive finishing touch.
⭐ Cooking Notes
The success of these Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars depends heavily on technique and ingredient temperature. For best results, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened; cold cream cheese leaves small lumps that ruin the creamy texture. Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form — not soft, not over-whipped — to keep the bars firm without needing gelatin. Always fold the whipped cream gently into the cream cheese to keep the mixture light and airy; aggressive mixing deflates the filling and causes a dense texture. A well-pressed crust prevents crumbling when slicing, so don’t rush this step.
Use parchment paper to lift the bars easily out of the pan. Chill the bars long enough — 4 hours at minimum, 8–12 hours for perfection. Also, choose sprinkles that don’t bleed color; cheaper sprinkles melt into the cream and turn the mixture pink or green. Add decorations right before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
⭐ Variations
Peppermint Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars
Add peppermint extract and crushed candy canes.
Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars
Use gingerbread cookies in the crust and add cinnamon and nutmeg to the filling.
Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars
Use chocolate cookies for the base and fold mini chocolate chips into the filling.
Strawberry Swirl Bars
Swirl strawberry jam into the top layer before chilling.
Marshmallow Bars
Fold mini marshmallows into the filling for extra fluffiness.
⭐ Expert Tips
Use only full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest results. Chill the mixing bowl before whipping cream for faster peaks. Add powdered sugar gradually to prevent lumps. If the filling looks too loose, refrigerate for 5–10 minutes before spreading. To cut clean slices, use a hot knife wiped between cuts. For perfect presentation, decorate bars right before serving.
⭐ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using low-fat cream cheese results in a soft filling. Overmixing the whipped cream causes collapse. Adding sprinkles too early bleeds color. Not chilling long enough makes the bars impossible to slice cleanly. Pressing the crust too lightly causes crumbling. Freezing the bars before they set can change texture.
⭐ Serving Suggestions
Pair these bars with hot cocoa, gingerbread coffee, Christmas punch, holiday chai, or peppermint mocha. Serve them on dessert boards, Christmas parties, office gatherings, children’s events, family dinners, or cookie exchange boxes. Add extra sprinkles on top for that “Instagram-perfect” holiday look.
⭐ Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
These bars are ideal for making ahead: prepare 1–2 days before serving. Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days. Freeze slices individually for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Don’t freeze with whipped cream decorations — add toppings fresh for best texture.
⭐ Nutrition (Approx.)
Calories: ~285
Fat: 20g
Sugar: 21g
Carbs: 25g
Protein: 3g
⭐ FAQs
Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes — use gluten-free sugar cookies.
Why did my filling collapse? The whipped cream wasn’t stiff enough or you overmixed.
Can I use Cool Whip? Yes — it stabilizes the filling well.
Can I freeze these bars? Yes — freeze without decoration.
Why are my sprinkles melting? Use high-quality, coated Christmas sprinkles.
💫 More Festive Recipes on FinyRecipes.com
Christmas Pavlova Trifle
White Christmas Rum Balls
Kissing Santa Claus Mocktail
Jolly Cane Cocktail
Christmas Morning Punch
🔗 External Links
Allrecipes No-Bake Cookies
Taste of Home Holiday Cheesecake Bars
Delish Christmas Desserts
⭐ Conclusion
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars are creamy, festive, colorful, and incredibly easy to make. With a buttery cookie crust and a smooth cheesecake layer full of holiday sprinkles, they’re the perfect no-bake treat for Christmas. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing dessert boxes, or building a Christmas dessert board, these bars add charm, flavor, and holiday cheer to every celebration.
