Ingredients
Scale
For the Spiced Cookie Crust
- 2 cups (about 220 g) finely crushed spiced caramelized cookies
- 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz (680 g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (180 g) full-fat sour cream, room temperature
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons (16 g) cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
For the Cookie Butter Topping
- 1 cup (about 240 g) smooth cookie butter spread
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) heavy cream
For the Cookie Sides
- 18–22 small rectangular spiced caramelized cookies
- 1–2 tablespoons cookie butter, optional, for attaching the cookies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Position a rack in the center of the oven.
- Line the bottom of an 8- or 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the inside edge.
- Combine the finely crushed cookies, melted butter, brown sugar, salt, and optional cinnamon. Stir until the crumbs resemble damp sand and hold together when pressed.
- Transfer the mixture to the pan. Use the flat bottom of a measuring cup to compact it firmly and evenly.
- Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes. Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Wrap the outside and bottom of the springform pan tightly with two layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil to help prevent water from entering during the water bath.
- Beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar on low to medium-low speed until smooth. Scrape the bowl.
- Add the sour cream, vanilla, cornstarch, and salt. Mix on low speed just until combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time. Mix on low speed only until each egg disappears into the batter. Do not whip the mixture.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the prebaked crust. Smooth the surface gently.
- Place the wrapped springform pan inside a larger roasting pan.
- Place the roasting pan in the oven. Carefully pour hot water into the outer roasting pan until it reaches approximately halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for approximately 55–70 minutes. The edges should look set while the center should still have a gentle wobble. Do not wait until the entire cheesecake becomes firm.
- Turn off the oven. Crack the oven door open and leave the cheesecake inside for approximately 45 minutes.
- Remove the cheesecake from the water bath. Remove the foil and place the pan on a cooling rack.
- Allow it to cool toward room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
- Once thoroughly chilled, gently warm the cookie butter and heavy cream together. Stir until smooth and pourable. Do not overheat.
- Spread a thin, even layer over the chilled cheesecake.
- Return the cheesecake briefly to the refrigerator if necessary to set the topping.
- Shortly before serving, arrange 18–22 rectangular spiced cookies vertically around the outside. If needed, place a small dab of cookie butter behind each cookie to help it stick.
- For clean slices, warm a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it completely dry. Cut one slice, clean the knife, and repeat.
Notes
- Use full-fat block cream cheese, rather than whipped cream cheese.
- Room-temperature cream cheese reduces the risk of lumps.
- Once the eggs are added, keep the mixer on low.
- Finely ground cookie crumbs produce a stronger crust than coarse pieces.
- Compact the crust firmly before prebaking.
- Do not skip the 8–10 minute crust prebake if you want the defined crunchy layer shown in the finished dessert.
- The cheesecake is ready when the outer portion is set but the center still gently wobbles.
- Chill for at least 6 hours. Overnight chilling gives cleaner slices.
- Add the decorative cookies shortly before serving so they remain crisp.
- Keep the cheesecake refrigerated at 40°F/4.4°C or below. USDA recommends this temperature or colder for perishable foods.
- Do not leave the finished cheesecake at room temperature for more than 2 hours; USDA identifies 40°F–140°F as the food-safety “Danger Zone.”
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Additional/Chill Time: 7 hours minimum
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-inspired
