Step 1

*First, heat treat the flour for the cookie dough by heating it in the microwave for about 90 seconds. This kills any potential bacteria, as some of the dough will be consumed raw. This is done first as the flour needs time to cool before use.

Step 2

Now for the crust, position one oven rack in the middle of the oven and one rack at the bottom of the oven.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 350F and grease and line the bottom and sides of a 9″ springform pan with parchment paper. Allow the paper to reach about an inch above the sides of the pan.

Step 4

Mix together the ground graham crackers, sugar, and salt, followed by the butter.

Step 5

Once the mixture is evenly moistened, mix in the chocolate chips.

Step 6

Tightly pack the crust into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pan. I like to use a measuring cup with a flat bottom to help press the crust into the pan. A jar or cup can also be used.

Step 7

Bake on the middle rack for 8 minutes.

Step 8

Once it’s done, reduce the oven temperature to 325F.

Step 9

While the crust bakes, make the cookie dough.

Step 10

Using a wooden spoon, mix together the softened butter and brown sugar. (The cookie dough is mixed by hand as we do not want to whip air into the dough. That air will try to escape while baking, potentially causing a crack on the surface of the cheesecake).

Step 11

Once smooth, mix in the milk and vanilla.

Step 12

Then mix in the heat treated flour and salt, followed by the chocolate chips. The dough should be pretty soft and sticky. Set it aside.

Step 13

Place a large roasting pan on the bottom rack of the oven. Fill a medium sized pot with about 5 cups of water and place it over high heat to boil.

Step 14

While the water is heating, add the cream cheese, sugar, and cornstarch to a large bowl. Using a hand or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, slowly mix until smooth.

Step 15

Scrape down the bowl and mix in the eggs one at a time on low speed.

Step 16

When all the eggs are mixed in and smooth, scrape down the bowl again and mix in the vanilla.

Step 17

Mix in the sour cream, again on low speed, then remove the bowl from the mixer.

Step 18

Scrape down the bowl one more time and then fold in the chocolate chips.

Step 19

To assemble, first scoop out 8 1-tablespoon-sized cookie dough balls from the bowl of cookie dough. Place those balls on a plate lined with parchment paper and chill. These will be for decoration on top.

Step 20

With the remaining dough, drop spoonfuls all throughout the bottom of the crust and gently spread even. If the crust is moving around too much, just spread as best you can. It doesn’t have to be perfect!

Step 21

Pour the cheesecake batter on top and spread it even. It should fill the entire pan so that wall of parchment paper will help keep the batter in.

Step 22

Now back to the water. It should now be boiling, so turn off the heat and very carefully pour the boiling water into the roast pan inside the oven.

Step 23

Then quickly place the cheesecake pan in the middle rack right above the water-filled roast pan.

Step 24

Quickly shut the door and bake for 1 hour and 20-30 minutes.

Step 25

It’s done with the edges are well puffed and the very center has a slight jiggle when the pan is nudged.

Step 26

When it’s done, keep the cheesecake inside the oven and turn off the oven temperature. Crack open the oven door and allow the cheesecake to sit in there for 45 minutes.

Step 27

After 45 minutes, remove the cheesecake from the oven and sprinkle the top with a handful of mini chocolate chips. The warm surface will allow the chips to stick.

Step 28

Let the cheesecake cool at room temp for 30 minutes, then transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator to chill overnight uncovered.

Step 29

After the cheescake has chilled and before you’re ready to serve, make the whipped cream.

Step 30

To the bowl of a hand or stand mixer with the whisk attachment, add the whipping cream, vanilla, sugar, and dry milk powder (this is used for stability so it’s optional).

Step 31

Whip on high speed until you reach stiff peaks.

Step 32

Pipe 8 large swirls around the perimeter of the cheesecake and place the cookie dough balls on top. Sprinkle with more chocolate chips and enjoy!