If you have a major sweet tooth and love the idea of combining two dessert favorites, you are going to fall head over heels for this Deep Dish Cookie Dough Cheesecake Pizza Recipe. Imagine a thick, soft cookie dough base baked to golden perfection, smothered with a silky, creamy cheesecake layer, and topped with playful bites of cookie dough and chocolate chips. It’s like the best kind of dessert party on a plate, perfect for sharing or treating yourself on any occasion. Ready to dive into this crave-worthy delight? Let’s get baking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Deep Dish Cookie Dough Cheesecake Pizza Recipe comes down to a handful of simple ingredients that work in harmony to create amazing texture and flavor. Each one plays an important role, from the rich butter that makes the cookie dough tender to the cream cheese that delivers that luscious cheesecake taste you’ll adore.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie dough, providing structure and that perfect crumb.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookie dough rise just right while keeping it soft.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness beautifully.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth dough.
- Brown sugar, packed: Gives a deep, caramel-like flavor and chewy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps with browning for that irresistible crust.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to both dough and cheesecake filling.
- Chocolate chips: Classic chocolate pockets scattered through the dough for bursts of sweetness.
- Cream cheese, softened: The star of the cheesecake layer, delivering creamy richness.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling delicately without grit.
- Heavy cream: Whipped into the cheesecake layer for a light, fluffy texture.
- Mini chocolate chips: Fun, bite-sized chocolate treats to sprinkle on top.
- Cookie dough chunks: The ultimate finishing touch, adding texture and extra cookie goodness.
How to Make Deep Dish Cookie Dough Cheesecake Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepping the Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your deep dish pizza pan. The cookie dough base is the foundation here, so you want it to bake evenly and release easily. It’s crucial to bake the dough just until golden around the edges, which takes about 20–25 minutes. This ensures a perfectly soft, yet sturdy crust to hold all the cheesecake goodness on top.
Step 2: Mixing the Cookie Dough
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Separately, cream softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until smooth. Add eggs one at a time with vanilla for that fragrant hint. Gradually fold the dry ingredients and chocolate chips into the wet mix. This combination creates that classic, buttery cookie dough that’s packed with chocolatey bits, essential for the dough layer of our recipe.
Step 3: Baking the Cookie Dough Crust
Press the cookie dough evenly into your prepared pan, making sure it’s spread edge to edge. Bake until edges are golden, then pull it out and let it cool completely. Cooling is key here—it prevents the cheesecake layer from melting or sliding around when you spread it on.
Step 4: Preparing the Cheesecake Filling
Next, whip up the cheesecake layer by beating the cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla. Beat everything until creamy and luscious. This adds a dreamy, pillow-soft cheesecake layer that contrasts so well with the cookie dough base—it’s sheer bliss in every bite.
Step 5: Assembling the Pizza
Now for the fun part: spreading that velvety cheesecake over your cooled cookie crust. Then sprinkle mini chocolate chips and those irresistible cookie dough chunks on top. Not only do they add texture and extra bursts of flavor, but they also make this dessert irresistibly Instagram-worthy.
Step 6: Chilling Before Serving
Pop your assembled pizza into the fridge for at least 2 hours. This step lets the cheesecake layer set up nicely so that each slice holds together perfectly when you cut it. Plus, it allows all the flavors to mingle and develop into a harmonious, indulgent treat you’ll want to savor.
How to Serve Deep Dish Cookie Dough Cheesecake Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your slice by topping with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or even a dollop of whipped cream. These small touches elevate the pizza’s flavor profile and add an extra layer of sparkle to each serving.
Side Dishes
This decadent dessert pairs wonderfully with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a refreshing glass of cold milk to balance the richness. These light sides add contrast and make your dessert experience feel special and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving the Deep Dish Cookie Dough Cheesecake Pizza Recipe doesn’t have to be traditional—try cutting it into smaller bite-sized squares for parties, layering it in a trifle bowl for a dramatic effect, or even serving warm slices alongside espresso for a cozy dessert date at home. Presentation can turn a favorite treat into a memorable occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover dessert covered tightly in the refrigerator. This ensures the cheesecake layer stays fresh and the cookie dough base doesn’t dry out. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days, when flavors and textures are at their peak.
Freezing
If you want a longer shelf life, this recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen slices can last up to 2 months and make for a fantastic surprise treat whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Reheating
For the best flavor and texture, thaw frozen slices overnight in the fridge. Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature. Avoid heating, as this can cause the cheesecake layer to lose its creamy texture and the cookie dough to become tough.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cookie dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using store-bought cookie dough can save time and still yield delicious results. Just make sure the dough fits evenly in your deep dish pan and adjust the baking time slightly if needed.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture, and your Deep Dish Cookie Dough Cheesecake Pizza Recipe will be just as scrumptious.
Can I prepare this dessert a day ahead?
Definitely. In fact, letting it chill overnight allows the cheesecake layer to set perfectly and the flavors to develop even more, making for a tastier dessert the next day.
What kind of cream cheese is best?
Use full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature. It blends more smoothly and gives the cheesecake filling that rich, creamy texture that’s key to this recipe.
Can I swap chocolate chips for other mix-ins?
Yes! Chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or butterscotch chips can be fun alternatives. Just keep the texture in mind so it complements both the cookie dough and cheesecake layers.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Deep Dish Cookie Dough Cheesecake Pizza Recipe that makes dessert time feel like a celebration every time. It’s comfort, sweetness, and creativity baked into one unforgettable treat. If you’re ready for a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, this dessert is waiting in your oven. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it on hand for every special occasion and maybe even just a cozy night in.
Print
Deep Dish Cookie Dough Cheesecake Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Deep Dish Cookie Dough Cheesecake Pizza combines the best of two beloved desserts: cookie dough and creamy cheesecake. Featuring a golden-baked cookie dough crust topped with a smooth, sweet cheesecake layer and garnished with mini chocolate chips and cookie dough chunks, it’s a decadent treat perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Cheesecake Filling
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup cookie dough chunks
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch deep dish pizza pan or similar baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter along with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring well until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips gently to distribute them evenly.
- Form and Bake Cookie Crust: Spread the cookie dough evenly into your prepared pizza pan, pressing it down firmly into a crust shape. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: While the crust cools, beat the softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Assemble Cheesecake Pizza: Once the cookie dough crust has fully cooled, spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the surface.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips and cookie dough chunks evenly on top of the cheesecake layer for added texture and flavor.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 2 hours to allow the cheesecake to set properly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your decadent creation!
Notes
- Ensure the cookie dough crust is completely cooled before adding the cheesecake filling to prevent melting and mixing of layers.
- For best results, use room temperature butter, cream cheese, and eggs to ensure smooth mixing.
- You can prepare the cookie dough crust and cheesecake filling a day ahead and assemble just before serving.
- If you want a firmer cheesecake layer, chill for longer than 2 hours.
- Cookie dough chunks can be store-bought or homemade for a personal touch.
