Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
Prepare the Brownie Bottom
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan, or line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in the sugar and cocoa powder until smooth.
- Whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Fold in the flour and salt until just combined. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let it cool completely.
Make & Bake The Cheesecake
- Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in the sour cream and vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined after each addition.
- Pour the cheesecake filling gently over the cooled brownie base.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes. The center should still have a slight wobble.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door cracked open for 1 hour.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
Prepare and Add the Cookie Dough Topping
- To heat-treat the flour, spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Let it cool completely.
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the milk and vanilla extract. Stir in the heat-treated flour until just combined, then fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Once the cheesecake is thoroughly chilled, crumble the cookie dough over the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 more minutes to allow the cookie dough to firm up before serving.
Notes
Room Temperature Ingredients: For the smoothest cheesecake filling, ensure your cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs are at room temperature.
Don't Overmix: Overmixing the cheesecake filling, especially after adding the eggs, incorporates too much air and is the #1 cause of cracks.
Cool Slowly: The slow cooling process is crucial for a crack-free surface. Don't skip it!
Chill Completely: Don't rush the chilling time! A minimum of 6 hours in the fridge is essential for the cheesecake to set properly for clean, beautiful slices.
Don't Overmix: Overmixing the cheesecake filling, especially after adding the eggs, incorporates too much air and is the #1 cause of cracks.
Cool Slowly: The slow cooling process is crucial for a crack-free surface. Don't skip it!
Chill Completely: Don't rush the chilling time! A minimum of 6 hours in the fridge is essential for the cheesecake to set properly for clean, beautiful slices.
