Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
For the Cookie Dough Topping:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated for safety)
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
Instructions with Tips
- Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
- Divide the mixture evenly among a muffin tin lined with paper cups. Press down firmly with the back of a spoon.
- Tip: Use a shot glass or similar tool to press the crust evenly.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips gently to prevent overmixing.
- Spoon the filling over the prepared crusts, filling each cup about ¾ full.
- Tip: Tap the pan lightly to release air bubbles for a smoother top.
- Bake and Cool
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers have a slight jiggle.
- Allow cheesecakes to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
- Add the Cookie Dough Topping
- Cream together softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in heat-treated flour and mini chocolate chips.
- Roll small balls of cookie dough and flatten them gently onto the chilled cheesecakes.
- Tip: If the dough feels too sticky, chill it for 10 minutes before shaping.
Notes
Dietary Adjustments
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers and substitute the all-purpose flour in the cookie dough with a gluten-free baking mix.
- Vegan Option: Swap cream cheese with vegan cream cheese, butter with plant-based margarine, and eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).
Ingredient Substitutions
- Replace mini chocolate chips with white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile.
- For a nutty twist, add ½ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough topping.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 15 min