Yes, you can add solid items like crumbled cookies or other similar ingredients to a cheesecake batter, but it may affect the baking process and texture of the final cheesecake.
When adding solid items to a cheesecake batter, such as cookies, it's important to consider a few factors:
Moisture content: Solid ingredients like cookies can contain moisture, which can affect the overall moisture level of the batter. This may result in a cheesecake that is slightly denser or moister than a traditional cheesecake. Adjusting the other ingredients, such as reducing the amount of added liquid or increasing the baking time slightly, may help compensate for the additional moisture.
Texture: Solid mix-ins like crumbled cookies will add texture to the cheesecake. They may create pockets or chunks within the cheesecake, which some people enjoy. However, the texture can vary depending on the size and distribution of the mix-ins.
Baking time: Adding solid items to the batter can affect the baking time. The extra ingredients may require additional time to cook through properly. Keep an eye on the cheesecake while it's baking and use a toothpick or cake tester to check for doneness. Adjust the baking time as needed.
It's worth noting that some ingredients, like cookies, may soften or become slightly mushy when baked within the cheesecake batter. If you prefer a crisper texture, you can consider reserving some of the crumbled cookies and sprinkling them on top of the batter before baking.
Overall, experimenting with mix-ins in cheesecake can be fun and create unique flavor combinations. Just be mindful of how the added ingredients may affect the texture, moisture, and baking time of the cheesecake.