Festive Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars with a soft cookie crust and creamy filling, topped with sprinkles—perfect dessert bars for parties and sweet celebrations!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make with a sugar cookie mix shortcut
- Two Desserts in One – sugar cookies and cheesecake
- Festive and Colorful with fun sprinkles on top
- Perfect for Parties, potlucks, or bake sales
- Great Make-Ahead Dessert
- Soft, Buttery Crust that complements the creamy filling
- Kid-Approved and Family-Friendly
- Customizable with Seasonal Sprinkles
- Satisfies Any Sweet Tooth
- Sliceable and Shareable – makes 30 bars
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 (17.5-ounce) package sugar cookie mix
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box French vanilla instant pudding mix
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
For the cheesecake filling:
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 3 large egg yolks
Optional garnish:
- Sprinkles
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, pudding mix, brown sugar, melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 large egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 large egg, and 3 egg yolks. Beat until fully incorporated.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
- Add sprinkles on top if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled before slicing and serving.
Servings And Timing
- Servings: 30 bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Calories Per Serving: Approximately 150 kcal
Variations
- Holiday Theme: Use red and green sprinkles for Christmas, or pastels for Easter.
- Chocolate Chip Crust: Add mini chocolate chips to the crust mix.
- Fruit Topping: Garnish with a layer of fruit preserves or fresh berries.
- Citrus Twist: Add lemon or orange zest to the cheesecake filling.
- Oreo Crust: Swap the sugar cookie crust with crushed Oreos for a chocolate version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze bars in a single layer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Reheating: These bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. No reheating needed.
FAQs
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Yes! These bars are perfect for making a day in advance. Chill overnight for best flavor and texture.
Can I Freeze Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars?
Absolutely. Wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Do I Have to Use Sprinkles?
No, they’re optional. You can leave them off or swap in another topping like chocolate shavings or crushed nuts.
Can I Use Homemade Sugar Cookie Dough Instead of a Mix?
Yes, homemade dough works great if you have a favorite recipe.
How Do I Know When the Cheesecake Is Done Baking?
The center should be set but still slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools.
Can I Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Sour Cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a good substitute and adds a similar tang.
What Size Pan Should I Use?
A 9×13-inch baking pan is ideal for this recipe and yields 30 squares.
Can I Add Fruit Inside the Cheesecake Filling?
Yes, you can fold in small diced berries or fruit preserves before baking.
Is It Okay If the Top Cracks?
A few cracks are normal and won’t affect taste. Chilling and topping with sprinkles can help cover them.
Can I Serve Them Warm?
It’s best to let them cool and chill for a few hours to fully set before serving.
Conclusion
Festive sugar cookie cheesecake bars are the ultimate party treat, blending the nostalgic sweetness of sugar cookies with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake. With a soft cookie crust and a luscious filling, these bars are as easy to make as they are to love. Whether you’re prepping for a birthday, holiday, or just a weekend bake, this recipe is sure to bring joy to every bite.
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Festive Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 30 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars with a soft cookie crust, creamy filling, and sprinkles—perfect for parties and sweet celebrations! (
Ingredients
For the crust:
1 (17.5-ounce) package sugar cookie mix
1 (3.4-ounce) box French vanilla instant pudding mix
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
For the cheesecake filling:
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 large egg
3 large egg yolks
Optional garnish:
Sprinkles
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan.
In a large bowl, mix sugar cookie mix, pudding mix, brown sugar, melted butter, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1 egg until fully combined.
Press dough into the prepared pan to form a crust.
In another bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, and sugar until smooth.
Add 1.5 tsp vanilla, 1 egg, and 3 yolks; mix until fully smooth.
Pour cheesecake filling over crust and spread evenly.
Bake for 35–45 minutes or until center is set.
Let cool for 30 minutes, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
Garnish with sprinkles if desired.
Notes
Easily customize with holiday-themed sprinkles.
For cleaner slices, chill at least 4 hours before cutting.
Store refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American