Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that combines the best of both worlds—soft, chewy cookies and creamy cheesecake—you’ve come to the right place! These Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that will have everyone raving. The rich peanut butter flavor, combined with the crunch of chocolate chips and Reese’s Pieces, makes these cookies irresistible. They are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a sweet pick-me-up or for family gatherings where you want to impress your loved ones. Trust me, once you make these cookies, they’ll become a go-to favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can whip up these cookies without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults will love the combination of flavors and textures in these treats.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the cheesecake filling in advance, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever the craving hits.
• Decadent Flavor: The creamy cheesecake center paired with chocolate goodness creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delicious cookies, you’ll only need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather everything we need to create our Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies!

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cookie Dough

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup Reese’s Pieces
• Melted chocolate for drizzling (optional)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and textures! Here are some fun ideas to customize your Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies:

• Try Different Mix-Ins: Swap out Reese’s Pieces for other candies like M&Ms or chopped nuts for a new twist.
• Add More Creaminess: Mix in some white chocolate chips along with the dark chocolate for an extra layer of flavor.
• Go Nutty: Incorporate chopped peanuts or almond pieces into the dough for added crunch and nutty goodness.
• Flavor Infusions: Experiment by adding a pinch of cinnamon or some peanut butter powder to enhance the peanut butter taste even more.

How to Make Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a small bowl, mix together your softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. This step is crucial because it creates that luscious cheesecake filling that sets these cookies apart. Once mixed well, scoop small dollops onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them for at least one hour. Freezing ensures that they hold their shape inside the cookie dough when baking.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, beat together your softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies that soft texture we all adore. Next, add in one large egg and another teaspoon of vanilla extract; mix until combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this mixture into your wet ingredients while stirring gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix! Lastly, fold in those delicious chocolate chips and colorful Reese’s Pieces; this is where all that fun comes together!

Step 4: Assemble Your Cookies

Take about two tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place one frozen cheesecake filling piece in the center and carefully cover it with more dough. Seal those edges tightly so that gooey goodness stays hidden inside while baking.

Step 5: Bake Them Up!

Place your assembled cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet with enough space between them (they spread out!). Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-14 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them; you want them soft!

Step 6: Cool & Drizzle

After baking, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If you’d like an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle melted chocolate over top before serving warm!

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies—perfect for sharing or savoring all on your own!

Pro Tips for Making Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

Baking is all about having fun and perfecting your technique, so here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Chill the cheesecake filling: Freezing the cheesecake mixture not only helps it hold its shape when baked but also ensures a creamy center that contrasts beautifully with the chewy cookie.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Having your butter and cream cheese at room temperature makes it easier to achieve a nice, fluffy texture, resulting in softer cookies.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender and chewy texture that everyone will love!

• Check for doneness carefully: Since these cookies have a gooey center, keep an eye on the edges. They should be golden while the centers may look slightly underbaked—this is perfect!

• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to swap out Reese’s Pieces for other mix-ins like chopped nuts or different chocolate candies to customize your cookies and explore new flavors!

How to Serve Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

These delightful cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a festive gathering with friends. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience!

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of light whipped coconut cream adds a luscious touch and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Chocolate Drizzle: Adding a drizzle of melted chocolate gives an extra dose of sweetness and creates an eye-catching presentation.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm cookies, creating a delightful contrast between temperatures.

• Fresh Berries: A side of mixed berries not only adds color but also provides a refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness of the cookies.

• Milk or Non-Dairy Milk: Whether you prefer traditional dairy or almond milk, serving a cold glass alongside these cookies is always a hit!

• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea complements the rich flavors of the cookies, creating a comforting dessert experience that’s hard to resist.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to create an unforgettable dessert experience with your Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time, store them, or even freeze them for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing instead.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, microwave the cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Alternatively, you can place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delicious cookies!

Can I make Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies without cream cheese?

Yes! You can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you’re looking for a non-dairy option.

How do I know when my Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are done baking?

The edges should be golden brown while the centers look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool!

Can I substitute other candies in Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out Reese’s Pieces for your favorite chocolate candies or nuts.

What should I do if my cheesecake filling is too soft?

Make sure to chill the cheesecake filling long enough before adding it to the cookie dough. The firmer it is, the easier it will be to handle.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies as much as I do! They’re not just cookies; they’re little bites of joy that bring together creamy cheesecake and chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Happy baking, and don’t forget to savor each gooey bite!