Description
This Snickerdoodle Cheesecake combines the nostalgic flavors of classic snickerdoodle cookies with a rich, creamy cheesecake. Featuring a cinnamon-sugar cookie crust layered with cinnamon sugar cheesecake filling and topped with cinnamon sugar and homemade whipped cream, this dessert is perfect for festive occasions or any time you crave a comforting sweet treat. A delicate water bath baking technique ensures a smooth, crack-free finish.
Ingredients
Cookie Bottom
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (146g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (112g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup, plus 2 tablespoons (181g) sugar (divided)
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 ounces (678g) cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup (207g) sugar
- 3 tablespoons (24g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (230g) sour cream
- 1 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- ¼ cup (52g) sugar
- 1 ¼ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons (24g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons (26g) sugar
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream (cold)
- ½ cup (58g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Garnish
- Snickerdoodle cookies (cut in half to place between whipped cream swirls)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Bottom: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan with parchment paper on the bottom and grease the sides. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter with ¾ cup of sugar. Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract; whisk until combined. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Set aside.
- Create Cinnamon Sugar Layer: Combine remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar with cinnamon. Sprinkle half evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Layer Cookie Dough Over Cinnamon Sugar: Drop bits of cookie dough evenly over the cinnamon sugar, spreading into an even layer. Sprinkle remaining cinnamon sugar on top of the dough.
- Bake Cookie Bottom: Bake 18-20 minutes until edges are lightly golden and top is slightly puffy. Remove and cool.
- Prepare Pan for Water Bath: Wrap the outside of the springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water ingress, then set aside.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: Lower oven temperature to 300°F (148°C). Beat cream cheese, sugar, and flour on low speed until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla extract; combine. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition until incorporated.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar Filling: In a medium bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Stir in melted butter until combined.
- Assemble Cheesecake Layers: Pour one-third of cheesecake filling over cookie crust. Sprinkle half of cinnamon sugar filling over it. Add another one-third cheesecake filling, then remaining cinnamon sugar filling, and finally last third cheesecake filling, creating alternating layers. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping evenly over the top.
- Bake Cheesecake in Water Bath: Place springform pan inside a larger pan. Pour warm water halfway up springform pan sides, avoiding water above foil edge. Bake 1 hour 15-20 minutes until center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Cool Slowly: Turn off oven and leave door closed for 30 minutes. Then crack oven door and cool for another 30 minutes. This prevents cracks.
- Refrigerate: Remove cheesecake from oven and water bath. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 4-5 hours or overnight until firm.
- Make Whipped Cream: Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Decorate Cheesecake: Remove cheesecake from pan onto serving plate. Pipe whipped cream around the edge using a piping tip. Optionally, place halved snickerdoodle cookies between whipped cream swirls.
- Store: Cover and refrigerate cheesecake until serving. Best eaten within 4-5 days.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother cheesecake batter and even baking.
- Wrapping the pan in foil prevents water from seeping into the cheesecake during the water bath.
- Water bath baking helps prevent cracks and creates a creamy texture.
- Slow cooling inside the oven helps avoid cheesecake cracks.
- For best results, chill cheesecake overnight to set completely.
- Snickerdoodle cookies garnish is optional but adds extra texture and flavor.
- Allow cheesecake to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American