Festive M&M Cookie Dough Cheesecake Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate holiday dessert with this delectable M&M Christmas Cookie Dough Cheesecake recipe! Combining the best of both worlds – irresistible cookie dough and velvety cheesecake – this showstopping treat is a festive masterpiece that will steal the spotlight at your Christmas gathering. Picture layers of creamy goodness studded with vibrant red and green M&M candies, creating a visual and flavorful delight in every bite.

The secret to the rich, nutty depth of flavor in this cheesecake lies in the use of browned butter, elevating the cookie dough to a whole new level of decadence. As the flavors meld together over time, this dessert only gets better, making it the perfect make-ahead centerpiece for your holiday table. And if you’re worried about cracks, a simple water bath or a touch of humidity in the oven will ensure a flawless finish every time.

Whether you’re serving it up for Christmas, Easter, or any special occasion in between, this versatile recipe allows for endless customization. From different M&M color combinations to unique mix-ins, the possibilities are as endless as the smiles it will bring to your loved ones’ faces. So, get ready to impress with this M&M Christmas Cookie Dough Cheesecake that’s bound to become a cherished tradition in your home!

Quick Benefits

• Versatile: Easily adaptable for year-round celebrations with different M&M colors and mix-ins.
• Enhanced Flavor: Browned butter adds a rich, nutty depth to the cookie dough base, making it extra special.
• Make-Ahead: Improves with time, can be made 1-2 days in advance, and freezes well for longer storage.
• Visual Appeal: The colorful M&M’s, white chocolate drizzle, and optional rosemary create a vibrant, holiday-themed dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Festive M&M Cookie Dough Cheesecake Recipe Recipe

• Festive Holiday Treat: The combination of Christmas M&M’s, red and green colors, and festive decorations make this cheesecake a showstopper for holiday gatherings.
• Unique Flavor Profile: The use of browned butter adds a rich, nutty depth to the cookie dough base, creating a unique and delicious twist on traditional cheesecake.
• Family Favorite: This recipe has the potential to become a beloved tradition, as shown by the author’s family who now requests it year-round after trying it for the first time.
• Versatile Year-Round: While perfect for Christmas, you can easily adapt this recipe for other occasions by using different colored M&M’s or mix-ins, making it a versatile dessert option.
• Make-ahead Convenience: The cheesecake actually improves with time, making it ideal for preparing in advance. You can even freeze it for up to a month, perfect for planning ahead for events.
• No Cracking Concerns: The cookie dough base provides insulation, eliminating the need for a water bath. However, tips are provided to prevent cracking if needed, ensuring a smooth finish.
• Safe and Flavorful: Toasting the flour not only ensures safety by removing bacteria but also enhances the flavor by adding a nutty richness to the dough.
• Customizable: You can easily substitute M&M’s with other small candies or chocolate chips to customize the flavor and appearance to suit your preferences.
• Visual Appeal: The colorful M&M’s, white chocolate drizzle, and optional fresh rosemary create a vibrant, holiday-themed look that adds to the overall appeal of the dessert.
• Enhanced Flavors: Chilling the cheesecake overnight enhances the texture and flavor, making it even better the next day. Serve chilled for a creamy and decadent experience.

Ingredients for Festive M&M Cookie Dough Cheesecake Recipe

Cookie Dough Base

• 50g red & green M&M’s
• 150g all-purpose flour, toasted
• 60g milk
• 40g granulated sugar
• 50g brown sugar
• 120g butter, browned
• ½ tbsp milk powder (optional)

Cheesecake Filling

• 150g granulated sugar
• 40g cornstarch
• 50g heavy whipping cream
• 3 eggs
• 450g cream cheese
• 150g Greek yogurt

Topping

• 25g M&M’s
• 100g white chocolate
• Fresh rosemary (optional)

How to Make Festive M&M Cookie Dough Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Cook butter until it turns golden and develops a nutty aroma. Let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Toast the Flour

Toast flour and milk powder, then sift to eliminate any clumps.

Step 3: Make the Dough

Combine cooled butter, sugars, milk, flour, and M&M’s. Spread ¾ of the dough in a pan and refrigerate.

Step 4: Prepare Cheesecake Filling

Blend cream cheese until smooth, then mix in sugar, cream, and eggs.

Step 5: Create Cornstarch Mix

Combine cornstarch and yogurt, then gently mix into the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cheesecake

Pour cheesecake batter over cookie dough base. Drop spoonfuls of remaining dough on top. Bake at 175°C for 1 hour. Allow to cool in the oven, then refrigerate overnight.

Step 7: Decorate

Melt white chocolate and drizzle over the chilled cheesecake, then top with M&M’s and rosemary for garnish.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Slice the dessert and serve.

Storage Tips

Once you’ve made the M&M Christmas Cookie Dough Cheesecake, store it by covering it and placing it in the refrigerator. The flavors of this dessert actually improve with time as they meld together, so making it 1-2 days before your event is ideal. For longer storage up to a month, freeze the undecorated cheesecake. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and add the white chocolate drizzle and decorations before serving for a fresh presentation.

While a water bath isn’t necessary for this cheesecake due to the insulating cookie dough, if you notice cracking issues with your cheesecakes, you can place a pan of water on the rack below during baking to create humidity. Remember that the gradual cooling process is key to preventing cracks, so allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the turned-off oven. When serving, slice the cheesecake with a warm knife for clean cuts and enjoy it chilled to savor its creamy texture and rich flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have Christmas M&M’s on hand, feel free to substitute them with other small candies or chocolate chips to customize the flavor and look of your cheesecake. You can experiment with different colors and flavors to suit various occasions like Easter, Valentine’s Day, or game day celebrations by choosing M&M’s or candies accordingly.

If you prefer not to use fresh rosemary for decoration or want to try a different herb, you can explore options like mint leaves, edible flowers, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch. Remember, the visual appeal of your cheesecake can be personalized to suit your taste and occasion, so feel free to get creative with the decorations.

Toasting the flour is essential for both safety and flavor enhancement in the cookie dough. If you’re looking to streamline the process or prefer not to toast the flour, you can consider using store-bought edible cookie dough as a convenient alternative. Just make sure to adjust the recipe accordingly to maintain the right consistency and flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

For a stunning presentation, serve slices of the M&M Christmas Cookie Dough Cheesecake on festive dessert plates garnished with a sprig of fresh rosemary. The vibrant colors of the M&M’s and white chocolate drizzle will pop against the greenery, creating a visually appealing holiday-themed dessert that is sure to impress your guests.

To elevate the flavors even further, consider serving each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet cookie dough, and fluffy whipped cream will create a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures, making each bite a true indulgence.

FAQs for Festive M&M Cookie Dough Cheesecake Recipe

Can I substitute M&M’s with other candies or chocolate chips?

Yes, you can substitute M&M’s with other small candies or chocolate chips to customize the flavor and look of the cheesecake.

Do I need to bake the cheesecake in a water bath?

A water bath isn’t necessary for this cheesecake since the cookie dough provides insulation. However, if you notice your cheesecakes tend to crack, you can place a pan of water on the rack below your cheesecake during baking to create humidity.

Why is toasting the flour necessary in this recipe?

Toasting the flour ensures safety by removing any bacteria present and adds a nutty, rich flavor to the cookie dough base.

Does the cheesecake need to be gradually cooled in the oven?

Yes, gradually cooling the cheesecake in the oven is crucial to avoid cracks. Rushing this step may cause the cheesecake to contract too quickly and develop cracks.

Conclusion

As you prepare to embark on creating your own delightful M&M Christmas Cookie Dough Cheesecake, remember that each step is an opportunity to infuse love and joy into your creation. The festive colors and decadent flavors are sure to bring smiles to your loved ones’ faces, making every moment spent in the kitchen truly worth it.

Whether you’re baking this cheesecake for a special holiday gathering or simply to indulge in a sweet treat, the magic of the M&M Christmas Cookie Dough Cheesecake lies in the memories and connections it fosters. So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of browned butter and toasted flour fill your kitchen as you embark on this delicious culinary adventure. Share the joy of this delightful dessert with your friends and family, and create new traditions that will be cherished for years to come. Happy baking, and may your M&M Christmas Cookie Dough Cheesecake bring warmth and happiness to all who taste it!