Cookie Monster Cheesecake

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the Oreo crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is fully combined and the crumbs are coated with butter.
3. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the springform pan to form a firm, even crust.
4. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until set. Remove from the oven and let cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy (about 2–3 minutes).
2. Add the vanilla extract and beat until combined.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Mix in the sour cream and heavy cream until smooth.
5. Sift the flour and add it to the mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Add a few drops of blue food coloring to achieve the desired color, stirring until fully incorporated.
7. Gently fold in the crushed cookies, leaving some large pieces for added texture.
8. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.

3. Bake the Cheesecake:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–55 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly. It will continue to firm up as it cools.
2. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour.
3. After an hour, remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to let the cheesecake set fully.

4. Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping:

1. In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
2. Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, spread the whipped cream on top of the cheesecake.

5. Decorate:

1. Garnish the top of the cheesecake with more crushed cookies, and decorate with mini chocolate chip cookies or whole cookies placed around the edges for a fun, cookie monster effect.
2. You can also pipe some whipped cream onto the top for extra flair.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with additional crushed cookies and a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a decadent touch.
• This cheesecake is perfect for kids’ parties, birthday celebrations, or any occasion where you want to impress with something fun and delicious!

Tips for Success:

• Prevent Cracking: To avoid cracks in your cheesecake, bake it in a water bath or be sure to cool it slowly (letting it cool in the oven first helps).
• Cookie Crumbs: If you prefer a lighter crust, you can mix in some graham cracker crumbs with the Oreo crumbs for a balance of flavors.
• Texture: Leave a few larger pieces of crushed cookies in the filling for added texture, but don’t overmix to keep the creamy consistency.

This Cookie Monster Cheesecake is as delicious as it is fun, with a creamy, cookie-filled base, a blue color that’s sure to catch everyone’s eye, and topped with whipped cream and cookies for the ultimate treat! 🍪💙