A Festive Treat Worth Celebrating
When the air is crisp, the lights are twinkling, and Mariah Carey is playing everywhere you go, it can only mean one thing—Christmas is near! And what better way to celebrate than with a dessert that looks like it’s been sprinkled with a little North Pole magic? Enter these Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars (No-Bake). They’re everything we love about the holidays—sweet, colorful, creamy, and ridiculously easy to make.
Think about it: the buttery crunch of sugar cookie crust, the fluffiness of a whipped cheesecake filling, colorful sprinkles that look like edible ornaments, and absolutely no baking required. That’s right, this festive treat is your oven-free ticket to dessert glory. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want something fun for the family, these bars are your go-to.
Let’s unwrap this recipe together and get into the sweet spirit of the season!
Why You’ll Love These Cheesecake Bars
Festive Flavors & No Oven Required
Who has time to watch a timer and rotate baking pans during the holiday hustle? These bars skip the oven entirely, meaning you can prep them quickly and let the fridge do the magic. The sugar cookie base gives you that classic, buttery taste, and the creamy cheesecake filling adds the decadence you crave during the holidays.
Family-Friendly & Kid-Approved
Colorful, creamy, and packed with cookie chunks? Yep, kids will love these. And the best part? They can help make them too! From crushing cookies to adding sprinkles, this is one of those holiday activities that doubles as dessert prep.
Let’s Talk Ingredients
Everything in this recipe is simple and easy to find, but together? They make magic happen.
What You’ll Need for the Crust
- 2 cups sugar cookie crumbs (about 16 cookies, crushed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
This forms the buttery, slightly crunchy base that holds everything together. Think of it like the wrapping paper to your holiday gift—it sets the stage.
Creamy, Dreamy Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sugar cookie pieces, chopped
This is the heart of the dessert: light, fluffy, and full of holiday flavor. We’re using real cream and cream cheese to keep things rich and luscious.
Toppings that Scream Christmas
- Red and green sprinkles for decoration
Because what’s a holiday treat without some sparkle?
Ingredient Spotlight
Let’s break down what makes each ingredient shine.
Sugar Cookie Crumbs: The Base of Holiday Magic
Using actual sugar cookies (not graham crackers) gives these bars a nostalgic, buttery crunch. Pre-baked cookies from the store work perfectly—just pulse them in a food processor or crush them in a zip-top bag.
Cream Cheese: The Heart of the Cheesecake
Always use full-fat cream cheese for that thick, velvety texture. Soften it well before mixing to avoid lumps. It’s the creamy contrast to the crumbly base.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Light & Airy Goodness
Whipping the cream separately before folding it into the filling is the secret to making these bars light, fluffy, and not overly dense.
Red and Green Sprinkles: Instant Holiday Vibes
Go for soft sprinkles if possible—they melt a bit into the topping and look like they’re part of the snowy holiday magic.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×9 inch baking dish
- Hand or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife for slicing
- Parchment paper (optional for easy lifting)
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Making the Crust
Start by crushing your sugar cookies—aim for a fine crumb, like wet sand. Mix them with melted butter in a medium bowl until evenly moistened. Press firmly into your greased 9×9 dish. You can use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to pack it down tight. Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes.
Preparing the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat again until fully combined and fluffy.
Whipping the Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. This may take 3–5 minutes depending on your mixer.
Folding It All Together
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Don’t over-mix—you want to keep it airy and light.
Folding in Cookie Chunks
Chop a few sugar cookies into small pieces (about 1 cup total). Fold them gently into your creamy cheesecake filling. This gives you bursts of cookie texture throughout.
Assembling the Bars
Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over your chilled crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Now comes the fun part—generously sprinkle the top with red and green sprinkles.
Chilling to Perfection
Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. The bars need time to firm up and slice cleanly.
Slicing & Serving
Once fully set, use a sharp knife to slice into 16 squares. For cleaner cuts, dip the knife in hot water and wipe dry between each slice. Serve chilled and enjoy the oohs and aahs!
Visual Guide: What It Should Look Like
Take one look at these Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into Santa’s workshop. The bars feature a golden sugar cookie crust that’s firm yet buttery, topped with a thick, creamy cheesecake layer dotted with colorful red and green cookie bits. The finishing touch? A blanket of vibrant holiday sprinkles in red, green, and white, making each piece look like a miniature Christmas present.
The image shows bars that are cleanly cut into squares, each standing proudly with clear, defined layers. The cheesecake is thick and fluffy—not runny, not overly dense—and holds its shape beautifully. That’s the magic of proper chilling. If yours look anything like this, you nailed it!
Tips for the Best No-Bake Cheesecake Bars
- Soften Your Cream Cheese
Cold cream cheese will leave lumps and make mixing a nightmare. Let it sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes. - Don’t Skip the Chill Time
These bars need at least 4 hours to set, but overnight is best. This helps firm up the layers and makes slicing easier. - Use Real Whipped Cream
While Cool Whip might be tempting for convenience, freshly whipped cream gives a far superior texture and taste. - Line the Pan for Easy Lifting
Use parchment paper to line your baking dish so you can lift the whole block out before slicing. It keeps the edges neater. - Keep It Cold Until Serving
These bars are meant to be served chilled. If they sit out too long, they may soften too much and lose shape.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Whipped Cream into the Filling
This deflates the air and makes your cheesecake dense instead of light and fluffy. - Not Crushing the Cookies Enough for the Crust
Big chunks won’t bind well and may cause the base to fall apart. - Using Low-Fat Cream Cheese
It won’t set the same way and can make your filling too soft. - Skipping the Cookie Pieces Inside
Those chopped cookie bits inside the filling add a delightful crunch and festive look. Don’t skip them!
Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars (No-Bake)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Category: No-Bake Cheesecake Bars | Holiday Desserts | Christmas Treats
Description
🎄✨ These festive cheesecake bars are creamy, sweet, and full of holiday crunch! With a buttery sugar-cookie crust and a fluffy no-bake cheesecake filling, they’re the perfect easy dessert for Christmas gatherings. 🎅🍰💚❤️
Ingredients
2 cups sugar cookie crumbs (about 16 cookies, crushed)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup sugar cookie pieces, chopped
Red and green sprinkles
Instructions
Combine the cookie crumbs and melted butter, then press firmly into a greased 9×9 dish to form the crust. Chill for 15 minutes. ❄️
Beat softened cream cheese until smooth (2 minutes) 😊.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy (2 minutes) 🍦.
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with granulated sugar to stiff peaks (4 minutes) 🎉.
Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fluffy (1 minute) ☁️.
Gently fold in the chopped sugar cookie pieces (1 minute) 🍪.
Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the chilled crust (2 minutes).
Add red and green sprinkles on top for a festive finish (1 minute) 🎄✨.
Chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best firmness.
Cut into squares and serve cold (2 minutes) ❄️🍰.
Notes
A festive no-bake cheesecake dessert with a buttery sugar-cookie crust and creamy, fluffy filling.
Perfect for Christmas parties, cookie trays, or make-ahead holiday desserts.
Red and green sprinkles add the final festive touch, making every slice look celebration-ready.
Best served well-chilled for clean, sharp squares and the perfect creamy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 bars
- Calories: 350 kcal
How to Store and Keep Fresh
These cheesecake bars are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days—if they last that long! Make sure they are tightly sealed so they don’t absorb any fridge odors.
If you’re stacking them, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking or damage to the sprinkle topping.
Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips
Want to get a jumpstart on holiday prep? These bars freeze beautifully!
- To freeze: Place the cut bars on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- To serve: Let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Do not thaw at room temperature or they may soften too much.
They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just be sure to add the sprinkles after thawing if you’re freezing them ahead of time—freezer condensation can dull the sparkle.
Similar recipes :
Christmas Fluff Recipe: The Ultimate Festive Dessert for the Holidays
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe: The Ultimate Festive Treat You’ll Bake on Repeat
Variations & Fun Twists
Peppermint Version
Add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract to the cheesecake mixture and fold in crushed peppermint candies along with the cookie chunks. Garnish with crushed candy canes on top for a minty holiday vibe.
Chocolate Drizzle
Before serving, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the top. It adds richness and an elegant touch for parties.
Nut-Free Option
This recipe is already nut-free, but always double-check your store-bought cookies and sprinkles to avoid cross-contamination if you’re making these for someone with allergies.
Kid-Friendly Involvement: Fun for the Whole Family
Get the little elves involved! Kids can:
- Crush the cookies in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin
- Mix the crust ingredients
- Help fold in the cookie chunks (gently!)
- Add the sprinkles (a favorite part!)
- Lick the spoon (obviously!)
Baking—or in this case, assembling—together is a wonderful way to create lasting memories during the holidays.
Perfect Occasions to Serve These Bars
- Christmas Morning Brunch – Light, sweet, and easy to grab and go.
- Holiday Potlucks – No oven needed means you don’t have to fight for kitchen space.
- School Parties – These are colorful, fun, and allergen-friendly with the right cookies.
- Gifts for Neighbors – Wrap a few in festive packaging and you’ve got a homemade gift they’ll actually want.
FAQs About No-Bake Cheesecake Bars
Q1: Can I use store-bought cookie dough for the base?
It’s better to use baked sugar cookies so they can be crushed. Dough won’t work the same in a no-bake crust.
Q2: Can I use Cool Whip instead of heavy whipping cream?
You can, but the texture and flavor won’t be quite as rich and fluffy. Fresh whipped cream is worth the extra step.
Q3: Do these need to be kept in the fridge?
Yes! Always keep no-bake cheesecake bars refrigerated until ready to serve. They hold their shape best when chilled.
Q4: How long do they last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these bars last up to 5 days.
Q5: Can I add fruit instead of cookies inside?
Sure! Swap the chopped cookies with strawberries, cherries, or raspberries for a fruity variation.
Conclusion: Sweet Holiday Memories in Every Bite
There’s something truly magical about combining classic sugar cookies with creamy no-bake cheesecake. These Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars are a nostalgic nod to childhood, decked out in holiday colors, and ready to impress without ever turning on the oven.
Whether you’re sharing them at a holiday gathering, giving them as gifts, or sneaking one from the fridge late at night (we won’t judge), they bring a little extra cheer to every moment.
So grab your cookies, mix up some holiday magic, and let the sprinkles fly. Because if joy came in dessert form, it would look a lot like these bars.
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