Christmas Tree Cookie Cheesecake Bars

Part cookie slab, part cheesecake bar, and fully festive from top to bottom.

These Christmas Tree Cookie Cheesecake Bars bring together everything fun about the holidays in one layered dessert. A soft candy cane sugar cookie crust forms the base, topped with a fluffy cream cheese cheesecake layer and finished with baked Christmas tree sugar cookies and colorful confetti sprinkles. They’re cheerful, easy to share, and perfect for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or a festive family baking night.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Chewy candy cane sugar cookie crust.
• Light, fluffy cheesecake-style cream cheese filling.
• Festive Christmas tree cookie toppers that need zero decorating.
• Perfect make-ahead holiday dessert for parties and cookie swaps.
• Semi-homemade bars that look bakery-level but stay simple to make.
• Easy slicing after chilling for clean, picture-perfect squares.
• Kid-friendly flavors that everyone loves.
• Bright confetti sprinkles for instant holiday color without extra effort.

Ingredient Notes

• Candy Cane sugar cookie dough: Pillsbury works best for consistent thickness and a soft, chewy crust. Let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes so it presses easily into the pan.
• Fancy Holiday Baking Confetti: These sprinkles add color and a light crunch between layers. 
• Whipped cream cheese: Creates the fluffiest cheesecake-style filling and blends smoothly without lumps. Regular cream cheese works too. Just make sure it’s fully softened for the best texture.
• Whipped topping or whipped cream: Lightens the filling so it’s more mousse-like than dense cheesecake. If using homemade whipped cream, whip to soft peaks for the fluffiest consistency.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the cream layer. Sift first if it looks clumpy.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the cream cheese flavor without overpowering the holiday cookie notes.
• Christmas tree sugar cookies: Bake and fully cool before placing on the bars so they don’t melt into the cream layer or create condensation.

Before You Bake

Do I need to bake the Christmas tree sugar cookies first?
Yes. Bake and completely cool the cookies before topping the bars. Warm or soft cookies will melt into the cream layer and lose their shape.

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of whipped cream cheese?
Absolutely. Just make sure it’s fully softened so the filling blends smooth and fluffy without lumps.

Does the cookie crust need to cool before adding the cream layer?
Yes. The crust must be completely cool or the cream cheese layer will soften, melt, and lose its structure.

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FAQ

Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time?
Yes. They’re perfect for making a day ahead. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to slice and serve.

How long do these keep in the fridge?
They stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze Christmas Tree Cookie Cheesecake Bars?
Yes. Freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Can I swap the candy cane sugar cookie dough for another flavor?
Definitely. Plain sugar cookie dough, holiday sprinkle dough, or vanilla cookie dough all work well as substitutes.

What’s the best way to slice clean bars?
Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts, and slice while the bars are fully chilled for the neatest edges.

Sprinkle of Fun

Turn these bars into a tree-decorating tradition. Bake the cookie base and whip up the cream layer while the ornaments come out, then top each bar with the Christmas tree cookies as your real tree goes up in the background. Set a holiday playlist, sneak tastes of extra sprinkles, and let the bars chill while you finish hanging lights. By the time the last ornament is placed, dessert is ready to slice.