Introduction

This sugar cookie base with crumble topping is a delightful treat perfect for cheesecake crusts or as a stand-alone dessert. With a tender, buttery base and sweet, crumbly topping sprinkled with festive jimmies, it’s sure to brighten any celebration.

Sugar Cookie Base and Crumble for Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

3.25 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
½ tsp baking soda
1.25 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups Regenerative Organic Certified® Cane Sugar
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 large egg, room temperature
1 egg yolk, room temperature
5 tbsp milk
⅓ cup Christmas sprinkles (jimmies)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by spraying it and lining the bottom with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt.
Step 2: In a mixer, cream ¾ cup softened butter with ½ cup cane sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for 1–2 minutes.
Step 3: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing. Press this dough evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 4: For the crumble topping, combine the remaining 1.25 cups flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1.5 cups cane sugar in a separate bowl. Stir in the remaining ½ cup melted butter, 1 egg yolk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 5 tablespoons milk. Mix with a fork until moist clumps form.
Step 5: Spread the crumble mixture evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the same 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool completely, then break into smaller, irregular pieces.
Step 6: Once the sugar cookie base is fully cooled, sprinkle the crumble generously over it. Garnish with ⅓ cup of Christmas sprinkles (jimmies). For more details, see this step.
Step 7: Serve as is for a sweet standalone dessert, or use as a base for a sugar cookie cheesecake by adding your favorite cheesecake filling (not included here).

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough or crumble to brighten the taste.
Use colored sprinkles seasonally to match holidays or celebrations.
Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for smooth mixing and better texture.

Storage

Store the assembled cookie base with crumble in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat gently in a low oven or serve at room temperature to maintain the texture of the crumble. The crumble alone can be stored separately in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the sugar cookie base and crumble ahead of time?

Yes, both components can be baked a day or two in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers to keep the base from getting soggy before assembling and serving.

Can I substitute the milk in the crumble topping?

Yes, you can substitute milk with any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk if you prefer a dairy-free option. This won’t significantly affect the texture or flavor.

Sugar Cookie Base and Crumble for Cheesecake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 56 reviews

This recipe creates a delightful sugar cookie base and crumble topping, perfect for cheesecake crusts or enjoyed on their own as a festive dessert. With a tender, buttery sugar cookie crust and a crunchy, sweet crumble sprinkled with colorful Christmas jimmies, it’s a versatile and delicious treat for any occasion.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 27 minutes
Total Time: 47 minutes
Yield: One 9-inch crust with crumble topping, serves approximately 8-10 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sugar Cookie Base (Crust)

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup Regenerative Organic Certified® Cane Sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Sugar Cookie Crumble (Topping)

1.25 cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
1.5 cups Regenerative Organic Certified® Cane Sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 egg yolk, room temperature
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
5 tbsp milk

For Garnish

⅓ cup Christmas sprinkles (jimmies)

Instructions

Prepare Sugar Cookie Base (Crust): Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by spraying it with non-stick spray and lining the bottom with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, ½ tsp baking soda, and ½ tsp salt. In a stand mixer, cream ¾ cup softened butter and ½ cup cane sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in 1 large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract until well incorporated, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the dry ingredients on low speed until a soft dough forms; be careful not to overmix. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare Sugar Cookie Crumble (Topping): While the base cools, combine 1.25 cups flour, ½ tsp salt, and 1.5 cups cane sugar in a bowl. Add ½ cup melted butter, 1 egg yolk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 5 tbsp milk. Mix ingredients with a fork until moist clumps form. Spread the crumble mixture evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool completely before breaking into smaller, irregular pieces.
Assemble and Garnish: Once the sugar cookie base is fully cooled, sprinkle the prepared sugar cookie crumble generously over it. Finish by sprinkling ⅓ cup Christmas sprinkles (jimmies) on top for a festive touch.
Serve: Serve the sugar cookie base with crumble and sprinkles as a delicious standalone dessert, or use it as the foundational sugar cookie element in a larger ‘Sugar Cookie Cheesecake’ by adding cheesecake filling separately (not included in this recipe).

Notes

Ensure all eggs and butter are at room temperature to help with proper mixing and texture.
Do not overmix the dough when combining dry ingredients to avoid tough cookies.
The sugar cookie crumble can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.
This sugar cookie base and crumble are perfect for using as a crust or topping for cheesecakes or other layered desserts.
You can customize the sprinkles or omit them according to dietary preferences or celebrations.

Keywords: sugar cookie base, sugar cookie crumble, cheesecake crust, holiday dessert, Christmas sprinkles, sugar cookie topping, sugar cookie crust