Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

Introduction:

Who can resist the combination of rich cheesecake and Reese’s peanut butter cups packed into a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth cookie? These Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies take indulgence to the next level, delivering a perfect balance of cream cheese goodness and chocolate-peanut butter decadence. Whether you’re making them for a party or just to satisfy a craving, these cookies are sure to disappear as soon as they hit the plate. This recipe is an ultimate treat for cheesecake lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike, providing the perfect fusion of both. Let’s dive into the world of indulgent, creamy, and utterly delicious cookies that will leave everyone asking for more.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ cups mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the wet ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This step is crucial to creating the soft, gooey texture of the cookies. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add eggs and vanilla
Crack the eggs into the mixture, one at a time, ensuring that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, which will enhance the overall flavor and aroma of the cookies.

Step 3: Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, resulting in perfectly risen cookies. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.

Step 4: Fold in Reese’s and chocolate chips
Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups and chocolate chips. Be generous here—the more chunks, the gooier and more delicious your cookies will be! Make sure the pieces are evenly distributed throughout the dough to guarantee Reese’s goodness in every bite.

Step 5: Chill the dough
For the best results, cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking. Scoop out heaping tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. The cookies should appear slightly underbaked—this ensures they remain gooey inside.

Step 7: Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variation:

• Double Chocolate: Replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor.
• Nutty Surprise: Add ½ cup chopped peanuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• White Chocolate Lovers: Swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips, complementing the peanut butter with a creamy sweetness.
• Holiday Twist: Add festive-colored sprinkles or M&Ms to the dough for a seasonal touch. This makes the cookies perfect for special occasions or holiday celebrations.

Cooking Note:

• It’s essential to chill the dough to achieve the perfect texture. Skipping this step may result in cookies that spread too thin and lose their chewy consistency.
• If you prefer slightly less gooey cookies, bake them for an additional 1-2 minutes, but be careful not to overbake them as they may become too dry.
• You can also make the dough ahead of time and freeze it. Simply roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and transfer them to a freezer-safe container once frozen. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve these cookies warm with a tall glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort treat.
• You can also enjoy them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luxurious dessert.
• These cookies make great party favors or gifts—wrap them up in cute packaging and share them with friends and family.
• For an extra indulgent dessert, sandwich a scoop of peanut butter ice cream between two cookies to create Reese’s cheesecake cookie ice cream sandwiches.

Tips:

• Be sure to use room temperature ingredients, particularly the cream cheese and butter, for a smooth and even dough.
• If you want more peanut butter flavor, feel free to drizzle melted peanut butter over the cookies once they are cooled.
• For perfectly uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop to measure out the dough.
• Make sure to check the cookies at the 10-minute mark to avoid overbaking, as ovens can vary.

Prep Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 12 minutes

Total Time:

• 27 minutes

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 190 per cookie
• Protein: 3g per cookie
• Sodium: 120mg per cookie

FAQs:

Q: Can I use full-sized Reese’s cups instead of minis?
A: Absolutely! You can chop up full-sized Reese’s peanut butter cups, though mini ones are easier to work with and distribute more evenly throughout the dough.

Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Yes, these cookies freeze well. You can freeze the dough before baking or freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Q: What if I don’t have cream cheese?
A: Cream cheese is essential for the cheesecake-like texture of these cookies. If you don’t have any, you could try substituting mascarpone, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Q: Can I use other candy instead of Reese’s?
A: You can substitute Reese’s with any other chocolate-peanut butter combination or candy of your choice, like Snickers or Milky Way.

Q: How do I store the cookies?
A: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer a gooey texture, you can warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before eating.

Conclusion:

Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts—cheesecake and cookies—infused with the perfect amount of chocolate and peanut butter. They’re easy to make, decadent, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Their soft and gooey center with chunks of Reese’s in every bite will have you reaching for seconds, maybe even thirds! Give them a try and experience the joy of a cookie like no other.

Print