This indulgent Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake combines two beloved desserts into one magnificent treat. Creamy cheesecake studded with chunks of cookie dough creates a dessert that’s impressive enough for special occasions yet comforting enough to satisfy any sweet craving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines the best of both worlds: creamy cheesecake and chocolate chip cookie dough
Makes an impressive dessert for gatherings and celebrations
Can be prepared ahead of time, perfect for busy schedules
Features a delicious contrast of textures between the smooth cheesecake and chunks of cookie dough
Uses simple pantry ingredients that are easy to find
Delivers restaurant-quality results from your home kitchen
Provides generous servings that will satisfy even the most demanding sweet tooth
Creates a stunning presentation with minimal decorating skills required

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour forms the base of the cookie dough chunks, providing structure while ensuring they maintain their distinct texture within the cheesecake. It’s important not to overmix it once added to keep the dough tender.

Cream cheese is the star of the cheesecake filling, providing that rich, tangy flavor and silky-smooth texture. For best results, make sure it’s fully softened to room temperature to prevent lumps in your batter.

Granulated sugar sweetens both the cheesecake filling and cookie dough while helping to create the perfect texture. It dissolves easily into the cream cheese, ensuring a smooth consistency.

Brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness and moisture to both components. The molasses content in brown sugar contributes a richer flavor profile than using granulated sugar alone.

Eggs provide structure to the cheesecake, helping it set properly while maintaining a creamy texture. They also act as a binding agent, bringing all the ingredients together.

Vanilla extract enhances all the flavors in this dessert with its warm, aromatic qualities. A pure extract rather than imitation will provide the best flavor.

Chocolate wafer crumbs create a dark, chocolatey base that complements both the cheesecake filling and cookie dough pieces. You can easily make your own by pulsing chocolate cookies in a food processor.

Butter enriches both the crust and cookie dough with richness and flavor. In the crust, it binds the crumbs together, while in the cookie dough, it creates that characteristic tender texture.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips add pockets of intense chocolate flavor throughout the cookie dough chunks. They maintain their shape during baking, providing delightful chocolate moments in each bite.

Baking soda helps give the cookie dough the right texture and slight lift, even though it’s being baked within the cheesecake.

Salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the flavors in both the cheesecake and cookie dough components.

Directions

Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine chocolate wafer crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is well-combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and salt until fully combined.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
Prepare the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Chunks:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until creamy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until combined, then fold in the chocolate chips.
- Take small portions of the cookie dough and drop them over the cheesecake filling, pressing them lightly into the batter.
Bake the Cheesecake:
- Carefully place the cheesecake in the oven and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour.
- After the cheesecake has cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
Serve:
- Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, remove it from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving plate.
- Slice and serve this delicious chocolate chip cookie dough cheesecake, enjoying its creamy texture with chunks of cookie dough in every bite!

Servings and Timing

This Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake serves 12 people generously. It’s perfect for special occasions or family gatherings.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Cooling/Chilling Time: Approximately 5 hours (1 hour in the oven plus 4 hours in the refrigerator)
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving

Variations

Mini Cheesecakes: Transform this recipe into individual servings by using a muffin tin lined with paper liners. Reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes.
Oreo Crust Variation: Replace the chocolate wafer crumbs with crushed Oreo cookies (filling included) for an even more decadent base.
White Chocolate Chip Version: Substitute white chocolate chips for the semi-sweet chocolate chips in the cookie dough for a sweeter, creamier variation.
Peanut Butter Cookie Dough: Add 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter to the cookie dough mixture for a delicious peanut butter chocolate chip cookie dough cheesecake.
Caramel Drizzle: Before serving, drizzle caramel sauce over the top for an extra layer of indulgence.
Triple Chocolate: Use chocolate graham crackers for the crust, add cocoa powder to the cheesecake batter, and keep the chocolate chip cookie dough for a triple chocolate experience.
Nutty Variation: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough for added crunch and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator Storage:
This cheesecake will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Store it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other flavors from the refrigerator.

Freezer Storage:
For longer storage, this cheesecake freezes beautifully. You can freeze the entire cheesecake or individual slices:

Allow the cheesecake to cool completely.
Place the cheesecake or slices on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 1-2 hours.
Wrap each piece or the whole cheesecake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.
Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thawing Instructions:
To thaw a frozen cheesecake, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. For individual slices, 2-4 hours in the refrigerator should be sufficient.

Serving After Storage:
For the best texture and flavor, allow the cheesecake to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

How do I know when my cheesecake is done baking?

The cheesecake is done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle when gently shaken. It should not be completely firm in the center, as it will continue to set as it cools. Overbaking can cause cracks and a dry texture.

Why did my cheesecake crack?

Cheesecakes can crack for several reasons: overmixing (which incorporates too much air), baking at too high a temperature, or cooling too quickly. To prevent cracks, mix ingredients just until combined, use a water bath if your cheesecake is prone to cracking, and cool gradually as directed in the recipe.

Is the cookie dough in this recipe safe to eat?

Yes, since the entire cheesecake is baked, the cookie dough is safe to eat. The baking process ensures that the flour and eggs reach a safe temperature to consume.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?

While you can use low-fat cream cheese, the texture and flavor will be different. Full-fat cream cheese creates a richer, creamier cheesecake. If you do use low-fat, the cheesecake may have a slightly different consistency.

Do I need a springform pan for this recipe?

A springform pan is strongly recommended as it makes removing the cheesecake much easier. If you don’t have one, you could line a regular cake pan with parchment paper with overhanging edges to help lift out the cheesecake, but this is more challenging.

How can I prevent my crust from getting soggy?

Pre-baking the crust as directed in the recipe helps prevent sogginess. Make sure the crust is firmly packed and baked until set before adding the filling.

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time for an event?

Absolutely! This cheesecake is perfect for making ahead. It actually improves with time as the flavors meld. You can make it 1-2 days before your event and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

What if I don’t have time to chill the cheesecake for 4 hours?

The chilling time is essential for proper setting. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the cheesecake in the freezer for about 2 hours instead of 4 hours in the refrigerator, but the texture may not be quite as perfect.

Can I add more chocolate chips to the recipe?

Yes, you can increase the chocolate chips in the cookie dough portions if you prefer more chocolate. You could also sprinkle additional chips on top of the cheesecake before baking for a more decorative appearance.

How should I slice this cheesecake neatly?

For clean slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it dry between each cut. The heat helps the knife glide through the dense cheesecake more smoothly, giving you picture-perfect slices.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake represents the perfect marriage of two beloved desserts. The contrast between the smooth, creamy cheesecake and the chunks of chocolate chip cookie dough creates a textural masterpiece that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary, this decadent dessert delivers on all fronts. The recipe might seem involved, but the process is straightforward and the results are undeniably worth the effort.

As with any cheesecake, patience is key. Allow proper time for cooling and chilling to achieve that perfect texture and flavor development. Your reward will be a showstopping dessert that combines the nostalgic comfort of chocolate chip cookies with the luxurious indulgence of creamy cheesecake.

Make this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake once, and it’s bound to become a requested favorite for gatherings and celebrations for years to come!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake