Creamy Peppermint Cheesecake (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Crust

01 - 24 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
02 - 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Filling

03 - 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
04 - 1 cup granulated sugar
05 - 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - 2 cups heavy whipping cream
08 - Red food coloring (optional)

→ Topping

09 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream
10 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
11 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 - Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

# Instructions:

01 - Place chocolate cookies in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form. Add melted butter and pulse until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the peppermint extract and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
03 - In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. If desired, add a few drops of red food coloring to create a light pink color.
04 - Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
05 - Pour the filling over the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight until set.
06 - When ready to serve, whip 1 cup of heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
07 - Spread or pipe the whipped cream on top of the chilled cheesecake. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes or peppermint candies. Slice and serve cold.

# Notes:

01 - This no-bake cheesecake needs at least 6 hours to set properly in the refrigerator.
02 - For a festive look, you can add a few drops of red food coloring to the filling to create a light pink color.
03 - The cheesecake can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator, or frozen for up to 3 months.