If you’re a dessert lover who can’t resist the allure of Reese’s peanut butter cups and the creamy indulgence of cheesecake, then this recipe is tailor-made for you! Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies combine the best of both worlds—chewy cookies, creamy cheesecake, and irresistible chunks of peanut butter and chocolate. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering creation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A Match Made in Dessert Heaven
Cheesecake and cookies are classic desserts, but combining them elevates their flavors and textures. Add Reese’s peanut butter cups to the mix, and you’ve got a dessert that hits all the right notes: creamy, gooey, sweet, and nutty.
Easy Yet Impressive
Despite their gourmet appearance, these cookies are surprisingly simple to make. They’re perfect for bakers of all skill levels and require just a few basic ingredients.
Ingredients with Quantities
For this recipe, you’ll need two main components: the cheesecake filling and the cookie dough. Here’s everything you need:
Cheesecake Filling
- Cream Cheese: 4 oz (softened)
- Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup
- Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon
Cookie Dough
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (softened)
- Brown Sugar: 3/4 cup (packed)
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 3/4 cups
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: 1 1/2 cups (chopped)
- Mini Chocolate Chips: 1/2 cup
Directions and Preparation Method
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Make the Cookie Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups and mini chocolate chips.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
- Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your palm.
- Add a small dollop of the chilled cheesecake filling (about 1 teaspoon) to the center of the dough.
- Take another tablespoon of cookie dough and place it on top. Seal the edges by pinching them together, ensuring the cheesecake filling is fully enclosed.
- Roll the dough ball gently between your palms to smooth it out and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Repeat until all the dough and filling are used, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may look slightly underdone, but they’ll set as the cookies cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
FAQs
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and cheesecake filling in advance. Store the cookie dough in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. The cheesecake filling can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Can I Substitute the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups?
If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, you can substitute Reese’s with other candies like Snickers, Kit-Kats, or even chunks of your favorite chocolate bar.
What’s the Best Way to Store These Cookies?
Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
How Do I Ensure the Cheesecake Filling Stays Gooey?
The key is to not overbake the cookies. Pull them out of the oven as soon as the edges turn golden brown, even if the centers seem undercooked. They’ll continue to set as they cool.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure that the Reese’s and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Conclusion
Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate treat for dessert enthusiasts. Combining the best aspects of cheesecake, cookies, and Reese’s peanut butter cups, these cookies are a surefire way to impress your friends and family. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re perfect for any occasion. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a batch of pure indulgence!