Description
These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies feature a unique twist by incorporating crushed frosted animal cookies into both the crust and the cheesecake filling, combined with fresh strawberry puree for a rich, creamy, and fruity dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups crushed frosted animal cookies
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Cheesecake Filling
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries blended)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup crushed frosted animal cookies
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1/2 cup crushed frosted animal cookies (for garnish)
- Whole frosted animal cookies (for decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix the 2 cups of crushed frosted animal cookies with the melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the sour cream, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.
- Incorporate Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully mixed into the batter before adding the next. Once all eggs are incorporated, gently fold in 1 cup of crushed frosted animal cookies to add texture and flavor.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared crust in the springform pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes until the cheesecake center is set but still slightly jiggly. After baking, turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Chill the Cheesecake: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set fully.
- Add Toppings: Just before serving, spread one cup of whipped cream evenly over the top of the chilled cheesecake. Garnish with 1/2 cup crushed frosted animal cookies and decorate with whole frosted animal cookies for a festive and appealing finish.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to ensure a smooth cheesecake filling.
- Chilling the cheesecake overnight enhances flavor and texture, so plan ahead.
- You can substitute the frosted animal cookies with any similar crunchy, sweet cookies if unavailable.
- Carefully fold in the crushed cookies to maintain texture without overmixing.
- The strawberry puree can be made fresh from strawberries or use frozen thawed berries blended until smooth.
