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This original Cookie Monster Cheesecake combines a fudgy chocolate chip cookie blondie base with a vibrant blue cookies and cream cheesecake. It's a playful dessert that brings the beloved Sesame Street character to life in edible form. The whimsical blue cheesecake studded with Oreo pieces and topped with mini chocolate chip cookies creates a dessert that's as fun to look at as it is delicious to eat.
I created this for my nephew's birthday party last year, and now it's requested at every family gathering. The look on children's faces when they see this vibrant blue dessert is absolutely priceless.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness to the cookie base avoid salted varieties that would throw off the flavor balance
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and caramel notes to the blondie layer dark brown sugar works best for deepest flavor
- Cream cheese: Use full fat blocks not the spreadable kind for proper cheesecake texture
- Blue gel food coloring: Provides that signature Cookie Monster color gel works better than liquid for vibrant color without thinning the batter
- Oreo cookies: Create the cookies and cream flavor regular Oreos work best but you can use double stuff if preferred
- Mini chocolate chip cookies: Essential for the authentic Cookie Monster look choose small crisp varieties for best visual effect
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Carefully butter an 8inch springform pan, making sure to get into all the corners. Line the bottom with parchment for easy removal later. A light dusting of flour on the sides ensures nothing sticks. This preparation is crucial for a clean release after baking.
- Make the blondie base:
- Melt butter, salt, and brown sugar together until completely smooth, allowing the sugar to partially dissolve. Let this mixture cool slightly before adding the egg to prevent scrambling. Fold in the flour gently to maintain a tender texture. The mini chocolate chips should be evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the blondie layer:
- Spread the thick batter evenly in your prepared pan. It may seem thin, but it will rise slightly while baking. The 15 minute baking time is perfect for achieving a slightly undercooked center that will continue to set as it cools. This creates the perfect fudgy base for your cheesecake.
- Prepare cheesecake batter:
- Beat cream cheese until completely smooth before adding other ingredients. Any lumps now will remain in the finished cheesecake. Add blue coloring gradually until you achieve that perfect Cookie Monster shade. The crushed Oreos should be in various sizes from crumbs to small chunks for texture interest.
- Bake using water bath method:
- Double wrapping the springform pan with foil is essential to prevent water seepage. The water bath ensures gentle, even heating which prevents cracks in your cheesecake. The slow cooling process in the oven is crucial for preventing the dramatic temperature change that causes cheesecakes to sink or crack.
- Chill and decorate:
- Allow the cheesecake to chill completely before applying ganache. The chocolate ganache should be cooled to a spreadable consistency but not so cool that it becomes difficult to work with. Place mini cookies in a random pattern on top to mimic Cookie Monsters messy cookie eating style.
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My favorite part about making this cheesecake is adding the blue food coloring. I find there's something wonderfully childlike about creating such a vibrant, colorful dessert. It reminds me of the joy of watching Sesame Street as a child, and now I get to share that nostalgia through baking.
Make Ahead Tips
This cheesecake actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. You can make it up to three days in advance of your event, keeping it refrigerated until about 30 minutes before serving. The cookie base will soften slightly over time, creating an even more tender texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy cookie pieces on top.
Serving Suggestions
For an extra special presentation, serve this cheesecake with a small glass of cold milk on the side. The classic cookies and milk pairing works perfectly with this dessert. If serving at a birthday party, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The neutral flavor complements the rich cheesecake while the temperature contrast adds another dimension to the dessert experience.
Ingredient Substitutions
If making for adults who prefer less sweetness, you can substitute dark chocolate chips in place of semisweet in both the blondie base and ganache. For a different cookie experience, try using golden Oreos instead of regular for a vanilla flavor profile throughout. The blue coloring works beautifully with either option. If cream cheese is unavailable, mascarpone can work in a pinch, though the texture will be slightly different.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes this cheesecake unique?
This cheesecake combines a chewy chocolate chip cookie blondie base with a vibrant blue cookies and cream cheesecake filling for a playful appearance and indulgent taste.
- → How do I get the vibrant blue color?
Use blue gel food coloring, adding it to the cheesecake batter until you achieve the desired Cookie Monster-inspired shade.
- → Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, this cheesecake is best made a day ahead, as it requires at least 8 hours or overnight chilling in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.
- → Do I have to bake this cheesecake in a water bath?
Yes, the water bath ensures even cooking and prevents cracking on the cheesecake surface.
- → Can I use store-bought mini cookies for decoration?
Absolutely! Store-bought mini cookies work perfectly for a quick and easy decoration option.
- → What kind of chocolate is best for the ganache?
Use high-quality semisweet chocolate chips or chopped semisweet chocolate for a rich and smooth ganache.