Prepare to unite your affection for rich chocolate, classic cookies and cream, and velvety cheesecake into one spectacular dessert experience. These individual Chocolate Cookies and Cream Cheesecakes aren’t just a treat; they’re a revelation, inspired by a cherished recipe from Jocelyn Brubaker’s exceptional cookbook, Cheesecake Love. If you consider yourself a cheesecake enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates a truly outstanding dessert, this masterpiece of a cookbook is an absolute essential for your kitchen library. It promises to transform your baking adventures and delight your taste buds with every page.

As the vibrant month of May blossoms around us, it’s hard to believe how quickly time seems to fly. With Mother’s Day just around the corner and summer on the horizon, the air is filled with anticipation for special moments and delicious celebrations. It’s a time for reflection, gratitude, and, of course, indulging in sweet delights that bring joy to our loved ones.

*This post contains affiliate link(s). Please see the disclosure at the bottom for more details.
I was graciously provided a copy of Jocelyn Brubaker’s cookbook in exchange for an honest review. Rest assured, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own and reflect my genuine experience with the book.

Mother’s Day, in particular, holds a unique significance for many. It’s a day brimming with love, appreciation, and fond memories for those celebrating their mothers or the maternal figures in their lives. Yet, for others, it can be a challenging time, marked by longing for mothers no longer with us or for children who are far away. If this resonates with you, please know that you are not alone and are surrounded by immense love and support. Let’s extend an extra measure of kindness and understanding to the wonderful women in our lives, especially those who might be navigating difficult emotions this weekend. A warm embrace or a thoughtful gesture can make all the difference.

This year marks a poignant milestone for me: for the first time in 26 years, I will be spending Mother’s Day without any of our children physically present. It’s a bittersweet realization that truly cements my husband and I as official empty-nesters. Our eldest, Alex, is experiencing life abroad as an au pair in Germany, while Emma, our middle child, is pursuing her career as a full-time nanny in bustling Philadelphia. And our youngest, Cameron, is currently embarked on an incredible 5 1/2-month journey, hiking the entirety of the Pacific Crest Trail. While we connect almost daily through calls and messages, the absence of their physical presence on such a special day will undoubtedly feel a little strange. Perhaps I can subtly hint to my husband, Kurt, about breakfast in bed? Though, he often reminds me, quite humorously, “you’re not my mother.” While he makes a valid point, I can’t help but retort, “But I did birth your three amazing children!” Regardless, I cherish the connection we maintain, and I hope this Mother’s Day offers everyone the chance to forge beautiful new memories and share laughter with those they hold dear.

If the extraordinary woman in your life—be it your mother, daughter, or a cherished friend—adores cheesecake, then Jocelyn Brubaker’s new cookbook, Cheesecake Love, is the quintessential last-minute Mother’s Day gift. Jocelyn, the brilliant mind behind the beloved food blog Inside BruCrew Life, has poured her passion and expertise into this incredible collection. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of discovering her blog and its myriad of mouth-watering recipes, I wholeheartedly urge you to pay a visit. You absolutely will not regret it! Her creations are so irresistibly appealing that I often find myself wanting to lick the screen. Every single recipe is a testament to her talent and dedication to crafting delicious desserts.

Secure your copy of Jocelyn’s amazing cookbook, Cheesecake Love, RIGHT HERE on Amazon!

Beyond being a mere compilation of recipes, Jocelyn’s Cheesecake Love is a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of cheesecake. She shares invaluable insights into the essential kitchen tools required for success, ensuring you’re well-equipped for every recipe. Her foundational baking tips are incredibly helpful, offering guidance on everything from achieving that perfectly smooth batter to preventing cracks in your finished cheesecake. Let’s be honest, who among us hasn’t wished for a little extra help in perfecting our cheesecake technique? And if you claim every cheesecake you’ve ever baked emerged flawlessly from the oven, well, I’m afraid I might have to raise an eyebrow! The reality is, even seasoned bakers can benefit from expert advice, and Jocelyn delivers it with grace and practicality.

This cookbook truly covers every cheesecake craving imaginable. It features chapters dedicated to classic Full-Size Cheesecakes, adorable Cheesecake Cupcakes, and convenient Cheesecake Bars & Bites. For those who yearn for that unmistakable cheesecake flavor without the need to turn on the oven, the “No-Bake Cheesecakes” chapter is a dream come true. You’ll also discover innovative recipes for Cheesecake Brownies, decadent Cheesecake Pies, and even delightful cheesecake options for breakfast! Jocelyn has meticulously ensured that all your cheesecake desires, whether traditional or unexpected, are perfectly catered for within these pages.

My journey through Cheesecake Love was a delightful dilemma. Every single recipe looked incredibly enticing, and the accompanying photographs were so captivating they literally had me drooling. I’ve already earmarked the Triple Berry Cheesecake Crepes for a future indulgence—I know if Cameron were home, he’d happily whip them up for my Mother’s Day breakfast, given his love for making crepes. In fact, they look so good, I’m planning to make them for myself very soon! After a leisurely and thorough review of the entire book, I ultimately settled on the Chocolate Cookies and Cream Cheesecakes. And I am immensely glad I did! The promise of a single-serving dessert, combined with the irresistible duo of chocolate and cookies and cream, was simply calling my name. The result, as expected, was utterly delicious and profoundly satisfying.

Essential Tips for Crafting These Chocolate Cookies and Cream Cheesecakes

Achieving cheesecake perfection is simpler than you might think, especially with these key tips that enhance both flavor and texture:

• The Importance of a Water Bath: Always begin by placing a large, rimmed baking sheet on the bottom rack of your oven, filling it halfway with water. This creates a moist environment within the oven, which is crucial for even baking. The gentle steam from the water bath helps prevent the cheesecakes from cracking, resulting in a beautifully smooth top every time.
• Room Temperature Ingredients are Non-Negotiable: For the smoothest, most homogenous cheesecake batter, ensure all your dairy ingredients—cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs—are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to lumps and an uneven texture. Ideally, leave them out on your kitchen counter overnight, or for a minimum of two hours if you’re short on time. This small step makes a significant difference in the final product.
• Patient Cooling and Chilling: Once baked, resist the urge to immediately transfer your cheesecakes. Allow them to cool on a wire rack for approximately an hour before moving them to the refrigerator. Proper chilling is vital; the cheesecakes need to be completely cold before you even think about adding that decadent mousse topping. Attempting to add mousse to warm cheesecakes will result in a runny, unappetizing mess. Patience here ensures a picture-perfect and delicious outcome.

Even though I wouldn’t traditionally describe myself as a die-hard cheesecake lover—I enjoy it, but my husband, Kurt, is the true aficionado in our family—I am absolutely captivated by the diverse and delightful recipes in Jocelyn’s cookbook. In fact, I’m already planning to bake a special cheesecake for him this Father’s Day. (Yes, I know, he’s not *my* father, but it’s the thought that counts, right?!).

Jocelyn’s Cheesecake Love is truly brimming with an incredible variety of mouth-watering recipes that extend far beyond these Chocolate Cookies and Cream Cheesecakes. Her collection caters to every taste and occasion, making it a versatile addition to any baker’s repertoire. For instance, while it might seem a bit premature to consider Thanksgiving, her Apple Cheesecake Pie is an absolute showstopper that I envision gracing our dessert table this year. Just thinking about a slice makes my mouth water right now!

For devoted chocolate lovers, or if you know someone who fits the bill, Jocelyn’s Triple Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake recipe is unequivocally calling your name. This luxurious dessert is guaranteed to satisfy even the most intense chocolate cravings with its rich, layered flavors.

Beyond traditional cheesecakes, Jocelyn also features an array of creative desserts that cleverly incorporate cheesecake elements. If you lean towards bar desserts for their convenience and delightful texture, Aimee from Shugary Sweets created Jocelyn’s incredible Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars. Imagine pairing these hearty, flavorful bars with a tall, frosty glass of cold milk—pure bliss!

These Turtle Cheesecake Cookie Bars are another irresistible creation that literally has me drooling. The harmonious blend of gooey caramel, rich chocolate, and creamy cheesecake, all crowned with crunchy pecans, is an absolute dream come true for any dessert enthusiast. I’m ready to dive into these right now!

Here on the 365 Days of Baking and More blog, a particularly popular recipe has been our Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Bars. They are remarkably simple to prepare, and for an extra touch of decadence, a generous drizzle of both white and semi-sweet chocolate is highly recommended! While not strictly “a must,” it undeniably elevates these bars to a whole new level of deliciousness.

If you’re a fan of the bright, zesty flavor of lime and enjoy sweet dips for dessert, then you will absolutely adore this refreshing Lime Cheesecake Dip. It was a huge hit when I served it for the Super Bowl last year, but it’s truly perfect for any time of year. You can customize the accompanying sugar cookies into any shapes you desire to match the occasion. It would also be a fantastic addition to your Cinco de Mayo spread next year, so be sure to pin this recipe for future celebrations!

Finally, one of the absolute standout desserts on this blog, a recipe you simply cannot miss, is my renowned Strawberry Cheesecake Dream Bars. This is a fabulous no-bake dessert that has garnered rave reviews from everyone who has tried it. A quick tip: if you find yourself struggling to locate Strawberry Creme Instant Pudding, a plain vanilla pudding or even a white chocolate variety would make equally delicious substitutes, ensuring you can enjoy this dreamy treat no matter what.

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Created by: Lynne Feifer

Chocolate Cookies and Cream Cheesecakes

Course: Dessert

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Total Time: 52 minutes

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Servings: 20 mini cheesecakes

Combine your love of chocolate, cookies and cream, and cheesecake into these delicious single serve desserts. Chocolate Cookies and Cream Cheesecakes are an easy treat from Jocelyn Brubaker’s, creator of the blog, Inside BruCrew Life, new cookbook. This is one book that needs to be in every cheesecake lover’s kitchen!

Ingredients

Crust

• 8 Oreo cookies with filling
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake

• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 4 ounces bittersweet baking chocolate, melted
• 2 large eggs

Mousse

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed
• 7 Oreo cookies with filling
• 20 mini Oreo cookies with filling (for topping)

Instructions

1. Place a large rimmed baking sheet onto the bottom rack of the oven. Fill halfway with water. Preheat the oven to 350° F. and line a cupcake pan with paper liners. Line 8 wells of a second cupcake pan with paper liners as well.

2. Crust

   1. Place the Oreo cookies into a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs.
   2. In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter and the cookie crumbs. Evenly distribute the crumb mixture into the cupcake liners. Press the crumbs down firmly.

3. Cheesecake

   1. In a mixer, beat the cream cheese until creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the sugar. Beat again until smooth.
   2. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract and beat again until well incorporated.
   3. Pour in the melted chocolate and mix thoroughly until combined.
   4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Fully incorporate the eggs, being careful not to overbeat the batter.
   5. Evenly distribute the cheesecake batter over the prepared cookie crusts. Place the cupcake pans on the oven rack directly above the tray full of water.
   6. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
   7. Remove the pans from the oven and place them on a wire rack. Cool the cheesecakes in the pan for 10 minutes.
   8. Gently remove the cheesecakes from the pan and transfer them to the wire rack. Cool for 1 hour at room temperature, then refrigerate for 2-3 hours or until completely chilled.

4. Mousse

   1. Beat the room temperature cream cheese until creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
   2. In a food processor, pulse the 7 regular size Oreos until they form fine crumbs.
   3. With a rubber spatula, gently fold the thawed Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture. Then, gently stir in the cookie crumbs until just combined.
   4. Using a piping bag fitted with a 1M icing tip, swirl the mousse generously onto the top of the chilled cheesecakes. Top each one with a mini Oreo cookie for garnish and added crunch.

Nutrition Facts (per mini cheesecake)

Calories: 184kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 107mg | Potassium: 88mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 85IU | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 2.3mg

*Disclosure: We are a proud participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising initiative designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. These links may direct you to recommended products that we genuinely endorse. When you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small portion of the sales or credit towards future purchases, at no additional cost to you. Your support not only helps fuel our passion for baking, cooking, and our inevitable butter habit but also plays a vital role in sustaining this blog. We extend our sincerest gratitude for your continued support, enabling us to keep sharing delicious recipes and having fun in the kitchen!