CHRISTMAS CHEESECAKE SUGAR COOKIE BARS

Christmas Cheesecake Sugar Cookie Bars made with sugar cookie dough, a simple cheesecake filling & topped with festive holiday sprinkles!

I love that these festive bars are so EASY to make! Just 5 ingredients & 30 minutes in the oven and you’re on your way to the perfect addition to your cookie trays!

Ingredients for Cheesecake Sugar Cookie Bars

Cookie dough: One 16.5-ounce refrigerated tube of sugar cookie dough serves as both the crust and the top layer.

Egg: 1 egg helps bind the cheesecake filling together, giving it stability and a smooth, creamy texture once baked.

Extract: Using 1 TBSP vanilla extract adds warmth and enhances both the cookie and cheesecake flavors

Cream cheese: The main component of the cheesecake layer is 8-oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature.

Sugar: ¼ cup powdered sugar sweetens the cheesecake filling while keeping it smooth (since it dissolves easily compared to granulated sugar).

Sprinkles: Provide color, texture, and a festive touch—holiday sprinkles are mixed into the top cookie dough layer and added on top after baking for decoration.

Tips for making Sugar Cookie Cookie Bars

• Soften ingredients: Let the cream cheese and cookie dough sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before mixing—this makes blending and spreading much easier.
• Line your pan with parchment paper: For effortless removal and clean slicing once the bars are cooled, lining your pan is a great way to simplify your baking effort!
• Cool completely before cutting: The cheesecake layer needs time to set; cooling (or even chilling) helps the bars hold their shape for neat, clean squares.

How long are these sugar cookie bars good for?

Store cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and soft.

If you’d like to save them longer, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Bars can be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.

What can be used as a substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?

You can substitute mascarpone or ricotta cheese for cream cheese, but expect a slightly different texture and flavor. Greek yogurt may work, though it will make the filling less firm. Avoid low-fat substitutes as they can alter the consistency significantly.

Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough for these cookie bars?

Yes, homemade sugar cookie dough can replace the refrigerated tube dough if you use a recipe that yields a similar texture. Ensure your dough is pliable and not too sticky to press evenly in the pan.

How long should the cheesecake cookie bars cool before serving?

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, typically 1-2 hours. For best results, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours after cooling to help the cheesecake layer set properly.

What do I use if I don’t have an electric mixer?

You can mix the cheesecake filling by hand with a whisk or sturdy spoon, but this will require more effort to achieve a smooth consistency. Be patient and mix thoroughly to avoid lumps.

Try more of our festive, fun holiday cookie recipes here:

• These Mini Christmas Sandwich Cookies are bite-sized shortbread delights filled with creamy buttercream frosting—perfect for holiday parties or gift boxes!
• Marbled Christmas Cookies are soft, buttery sugar cookies decorated with beautifully swirled royal icing for a festive, eye-catching treat. Great for holiday gifting or cookie trays!
• Melt-in-your-mouth Christmas Snowball Cookies are coated in powdered sugar for a snowy, festive finish—they make lovely additions to any holiday dessert table!
• Christmas Chocolate Waffle Cookies are rich, fudgy chocolate cookies made right in a waffle maker—no oven required! Quick, fun, and perfect for adding a festive touch with colorful sprinkles.
• Our recipe for Mint Christmas Cookies create cheerful green cookies with a refreshing mint flavor! Buttery shortbread cookies dipped in rich chocolate and topped with festive sprinkles make them the perfect holiday treat!

Christmas Cheesecake Sugar Cookie Bars feature a buttery sugar cookie base, a creamy cheesecake layer, and festive sprinkles on top—perfect for holiday gatherings and gift trays!