These Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate treat for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. With a soft and chewy cheesecake-flavored cookie dough, loaded with chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, these cookies are perfectly rich, decadent, and gooey. Ideal for parties, holiday baking, or just satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite. Let’s get baking!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients for Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies
- Instructions for Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies
- Tips & Notes
- Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients for Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions for Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, and beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Add Reese’s and Chill
- Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and mini chocolate chips (if using).
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps keep the cookies thick and gooey when baked.
Step 4: Preheat Oven and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Scoop 2-tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Do not overbake—these cookies should be gooey!
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy the gooey, cheesecake-flavored goodness with chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups!
Tips & Notes
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for keeping these cookies thick and chewy, and it also prevents them from spreading too much while baking.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, cream cheese, and egg are at room temperature for a smooth and creamy dough.
- Do Not Overbake: The cookies should look slightly underbaked when you remove them from the oven. They will continue to cook as they cool, staying soft and gooey in the center.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Chocolate Lovers: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate to make these cookies even more chocolatey.
- Nutty Twist: Add 1/4 cup of chopped peanuts for a bit of extra crunch and nuttiness.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle salted caramel over the cooled cookies for a sweet and salty combination that enhances the peanut butter flavor.
- Stuffed Cookies: For an extra indulgent version, stuff a whole mini Reese’s cup into the center of each cookie before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I store Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies?
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them extra soft, place a piece of bread in the container with the cookies.
2. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
3. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of Reese’s cups?
You can substitute 1 cup of crunchy peanut butter for the Reese’s cups if you prefer, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different. The Reese’s cups add a distinct chocolate-peanut butter flavor and texture that’s hard to beat.
Serving Suggestions
- Milk Pairing: Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort treat.
- Ice Cream Sandwich: Make an ice cream sandwich by placing a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a decadent dessert.
- Gift Idea: These cookies make an excellent gift! Package them in a festive tin or box for a delicious treat to share with friends and family.
Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and creamy cheesecake flavors. These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of delicious surprises in every bite, thanks to the chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just for a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to be a crowd favorite.
Happy baking, and enjoy every gooey, peanut buttery bite!
