Cookies cheesecake

Here’s a slightly Italianized version of the Cookies Cheesecake recipe, using cookies similar to crunchy amaretti for the base, but keeping the creamy heart typical of this American preparation.

Ingredients for the cookie base:

• 200 g of dry cookies (like crunchy amaretti)
• 80 g of melted butter

Ingredients for the cheesecake cream:

• 500 g of creamy cheese (like Philadelphia)
• 120 g of powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2 whole eggs
• Grated zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Preparation

Cookie base:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
2. Finely grind the cookies in a food processor until a sandy consistency is obtained.
3. Mix the ground cookies with the melted butter until you have a well-blended mixture.
4. Spread the cookie mixture onto the bottom of a cheesecake pan (preferably with a springform) previously lined with parchment paper. Press with your hands or the back of a spoon to create a compact base.
5. Bake the base for about 10 minutes, then let it cool while you prepare the cream.

Cheesecake cream:

1. In a large bowl, beat the creamy cheese with the powdered sugar until you have a smooth, lump-free mixture.
2. Add the vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using), then add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating them after each addition.
3. Pour the cream obtained over the cooled cookie base.
4. Bake the cheesecake at 160 °C and cook for about 40-45 minutes, or until the center appears almost completely settled but still slightly wobbly if you shake the pan.
5. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open to avoid the formation of cracks on the surface.
6. Once cooled, put the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, better if overnight.

Before serving, you can decorate the cheesecake with dollops of whipped cream, cookie crumbs, or chocolate chips, according to your preferences.

Curiosity

Cheesecake has ancient origins and can be considered a dessert midway between a cake and a pastry. Its modern version, especially the one that uses creamy cheese, is typically American, but every country has its variant, like the German cheesecake with quark or the Italian one which might use ricotta.