Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate with a creamy surprise, you’ve come to the right place! These Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are not just any cookies; they’re little bites of heaven. Imagine biting into a soft and chewy cookie, only to discover a luscious cheesecake center waiting for you. It’s a delightful experience that will bring smiles to family gatherings or make busy weeknights feel a little more special.

What I love most about these cookies is how they can brighten up any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a potluck, treating friends to dessert, or simply indulging yourself after a long day, these cookies are sure to impress. Plus, they’re super fun to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and approachable ingredients, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves cookies! These are perfect for kids and adults alike, making them ideal for gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the cheesecake filling ahead of time and freeze it, making baking day stress-free.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy cheesecake, rich chocolate chips, and crunchy Reese’s Pieces creates an irresistible flavor explosion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies use wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need for this delightful treat!

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 customize it based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Change the Chocolate: Swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile.
• Add Nuts: Include chopped peanuts or walnuts in the cookie dough for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
• Experiment with Mix-Ins: Try adding other candies like M&Ms or chopped caramel pieces along with the Reese’s Pieces for an exciting twist.

How to Make Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. This step is crucial because it creates the creamy center that makes these cookies so special. Once mixed, scoop small dollops onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them for at least 1 hour. Freezing helps keep the filling intact while baking!

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, ensuring your cookies will be tender and chewy. Next, mix in the egg along with another splash of vanilla extract for added flavor.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into your wet mixture while stirring gently until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your cookies from becoming tough! Finally, fold in those delicious chocolate chips and colorful Reese’s Pieces.

Step 4: Assemble Your Cookies

Take about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it in your palm. Place one piece of frozen cheesecake filling in the center and cover it with more dough. Seal those edges well; we want that creamy surprise inside when we bite into these cookies!

Step 5: Bake Them Up

Arrange your cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space in between each one (they will spread while baking). Pop them into an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 12-14 minutes until their edges turn golden brown. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 6: Cool and Drizzle

Let those lovely cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If you’re feeling fancy (or indulgent), drizzle melted chocolate over them once they’ve cooled slightly. Serve warm and enjoy every gooey bite!

Pro Tips for Making Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

Baking these cookies can be a delightful experience, and a few expert tips can help you achieve the perfect gooey texture!

• Chill your cheesecake filling: Freezing the cheesecake filling ensures it holds its shape during baking. This helps create that delicious surprise center when you bite into the cookie.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined keeps your cookies soft and chewy. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture, which we definitely want to avoid!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Letting your butter and cream cheese sit out before mixing helps them combine more easily, leading to a smoother batter and ultimately fluffier cookies.

• Space them out on the baking sheet: Giving your cookie dough balls enough room ensures they bake evenly and don’t stick together. This way, each cookie stays perfectly shaped!

• Experiment with toppings: While melted chocolate is a classic choice, consider crushed nuts or even a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra flavor boost. These additions can elevate your cookies from delicious to unforgettable.

How to Serve Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Presenting them well can enhance their charm at any gathering or cozy night in.

Garnishes

• Crushed Reese’s Pieces: Sprinkling some crushed candies on top adds a fun crunch and makes them look even more enticing.
• Chocolate drizzle: A quick drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled cookies creates an elegant finish that is hard to resist.

Side Dishes

• Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla or peanut butter ice cream complements the warm cookies perfectly, adding an extra layer of indulgence.
• Milk: A classic pairing! Serve with a cold glass of milk to balance the sweetness and soak up those gooey centers.
• Fresh Fruit: Slices of strawberries or bananas bring a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies and add a pop of color to your plate.
• Coffee or Tea: Enjoying these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances their flavors and makes for an inviting dessert experience.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress friends and family with your Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

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

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, place the cookies in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to a week.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• When ready to bake, no need to thaw! Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

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

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delightful cookies!

Can I use different types of chocolate chips in my Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate. Each variation will bring a unique flavor twist to your cookies!

How can I make my Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies even more decadent?

To amp up the indulgence, try adding crushed nuts or drizzling more melted chocolate over the top after baking. You could also mix in some caramel bits with your Reese’s Pieces for an extra layer of flavor!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure your other ingredients are also gluten-free for the best results.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can substitute it with mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative that fits your dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies as much as I do! They’re truly special with their creamy center and chewy texture—perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying as a sweet treat just for you. Don’t hesitate to get creative with this recipe; I’d love to hear how yours turn out!