Christmas in Northville, Michigan, is a magical time. From the twinkling lights on Main Street to the aroma of fresh-baked goodies wafting from local bakeries, it’s a season that brings everyone together. And what better way to celebrate than with a dessert that combines two holiday favorites: cookies and cheesecake? Say hello to Christmas Cookie Cheesecake, the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your festive gatherings. (Psst! This recipe is featured in our Christmas Guide 2024!)
Why Christmas Cookie Cheesecake?
Let’s face it—cookies and cheesecake are already stars of the dessert table. But when you combine them? It’s like Santa himself decided to whip up something extra special. This dessert features a buttery sugar cookie crust, creamy vanilla cheesecake filling, and festive decorations that scream holiday cheer. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a baking pro.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a quick rundown of ingredients to gather before you preheat that oven:
- For the Crust:
- One 16.5-ounce tube of store-bought sugar cookie dough
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Four 8-ounce packages of cream cheese (room temperature)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- For Decorating:
- Red and green sprinkles
- One 1-pound box of confectioners’ sugar (about 4 cups)
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- Red and green gel food coloring
Special equipment? Just a springform pan and some piping bags with small round tips. Oh, and maybe a little patience—it’s worth it.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prep the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Press the sugar cookie dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan, using the bottom of a measuring cup for an even layer. Bake for about 12–15 minutes until golden brown, then let it cool completely (about 30 minutes). Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for about a minute. Add sour cream and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Incorporate eggs one at a time by hand—don’t overmix! Pour this luscious batter over your cooled cookie crust.
3. Bake It Right
Place your springform pan in a larger roasting pan. Add hot water to the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of your cheesecake pan—this water bath helps prevent cracks. Bake for about an hour and 20 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake rest inside for another hour before transferring it to a cooling rack. Cover it up once cooled to room temperature and refrigerate for at least eight hours (overnight is best).
4. Decorate Like a Pro
After chilling, remove your cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving platter. Smooth out any rough edges with a knife. Mix confectioners’ sugar, meringue powder, and water for the royal icing until soft peaks form. Divide into bowls and add red or green gel food coloring as desired. Pipe festive designs onto your cheesecake using pastry bags—think scalloped borders or snowflake patterns! Don’t forget those sprinkles for extra holiday flair.
Pro Tips for Success
- Room-Temp Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature; this prevents lumps in your batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Stirring too much can cause air bubbles, leading to cracks.
- Water Bath Woes? Wrap your springform pan tightly with foil to keep water from seeping in.
- Crack Fix: If cracks appear (hey, it happens!), cover them with icing or sprinkles—no one will notice!
Why Northville Loves This Dessert
Northville folks know how to do Christmas right, from cozy gatherings at Maybury Farm’s holiday events to strolling through Mill Race Village’s festive displays. This cheesecake fits perfectly into our town’s warm holiday traditions—it’s rich enough for adults but playful enough for kids who can’t resist those colorful sprinkles.
So whether you’re hosting a family dinner or bringing dessert to your neighbor’s potluck, this Christmas Cookie Cheesecake is guaranteed to be a hit. Ready to bake up some holiday magic? Share your creations with us on social media using #NorthvilleChristmasGuide2024—you might just inspire someone else to try this sweet masterpiece!
Source: foodnetwork.com
Header Image Source: foodnetwork.com
