Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that will make your taste buds sing, you’ve come to the right place! These Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are more than just a sweet snack; they’re an experience. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie only to discover a luscious cheesecake center bursting with creamy goodness. It’s pure bliss for anyone who loves peanut butter and chocolate!

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a little pick-me-up or for family gatherings where you want to impress your loved ones. Whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a festive celebration, these cookies are sure to be the star of the show!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the rich flavors and gooey centers.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies fit right in at parties, potlucks, or even just as an after-school treat.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the cheesecake filling in advance and store it in the freezer until you’re ready to bake.
• Deliciously Indulgent: The combination of chocolate chips and Reese’s Pieces adds a fun crunch to each bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create these scrumptious 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

One of the best things about these cookies is their flexibility! You can easily adapt them to suit your tastes or use what you have on hand.

• Add Nuts: Throw in some chopped peanuts or walnuts for an extra crunch!
• Swap Chocolate Types: Use white chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a different flavor profile.
• Try Different Fillings: Mix it up with flavored cream cheese like strawberry or vanilla for a unique twist.
• Make Them Mini: Roll smaller dough balls for bite-sized treats that are perfect for sharing (or not)!

How to Make Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well combined. This step is essential because it’s what gives your cookies that dreamy, creamy center! 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. Mix until it becomes light and fluffy. This aeration will help give your cookies that nice chewy texture. Next, add in the egg and another splash of vanilla extract. Give it all a good mix until combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients while stirring until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies tender!

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Reese’s Pieces

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the chocolate chips and Reese’s Pieces. The vibrant colors from those candy pieces will make your cookie dough look so inviting—it’s hard to resist sneaking a taste!

Step 5: Assemble Your Cookies

Take about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place one frozen cheesecake filling dollop in the center. Carefully cover it with more dough and seal all edges well. This ensures that gooey cheesecake stays hidden inside while baking.

Step 6: Bake Your Cookies

Place your cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet with enough space between them (they will spread!). Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-14 minutes until they are golden around the edges but still soft in the middle. The warm smell wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly!

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let those beauties cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle some melted chocolate on top before serving them warm. Enjoy every gooey bite!

Pro Tips for Making Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

Baking cookies should be a fun and rewarding experience, so here are some tips to ensure your Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Freeze the cheesecake filling: Freezing the cream cheese mixture before assembly ensures that it stays intact during baking, resulting in a gooey center that doesn’t leak out.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Softened butter and cream cheese mix more easily, creating a smoother batter that leads to perfectly textured cookies.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing until just combined helps keep your cookies soft and chewy instead of tough and dry. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and Reese’s Pieces for the best results.

• Watch the baking time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They’re done when the edges are golden but the centers are still soft—this helps maintain that gooey texture!

• Serve warm for maximum indulgence: While they can be enjoyed anytime, serving these cookies warm enhances their gooeyness and brings out all those delicious flavors.

How to Serve Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

These cookies are not only a treat for your taste buds but also look delightful on any dessert table. Here are some creative ideas to present them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Drizzle melted chocolate: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate on top adds a decadent touch that makes these cookies even more irresistible.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped peanuts or pecans over the top for an extra crunch and nutty flavor that complements the peanut butter perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy coldness of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with these warm cookies, creating a delightful contrast in temperatures.
• Fresh berries: A side of strawberries or raspberries adds a refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
• Milk: A classic pairing! A tall glass of cold milk is perfect for dipping and enhances the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in every bite.
• Coffee or tea: Enjoying these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea elevates the experience, making it a cozy treat perfect for any time of day.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy your homemade Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies in style! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

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

Storing Leftovers

• Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate the cookies for up to a week.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
• Alternatively, freeze baked cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• When ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if using frozen dough.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds.
• If reheating frozen cookies, allow them to thaw first, then microwave as mentioned above or heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about these delightful cookies!

What makes Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies special?

These cookies stand out due to their unique combination of soft and chewy textures paired with a creamy cheesecake filling. The addition of Reese’s Pieces and chocolate chips enhances both flavor and appearance, making every bite an indulgent experience.

Can I use different candies in my Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies?

Absolutely! While Reese’s Pieces give these cookies their signature taste, feel free to substitute with other favorite candies like M&M’s or butterscotch chips for a delicious twist.

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

Look for edges that are golden brown while the center remains slightly soft. This ensures that the cookies will be gooey and chewy once cooled.

Can I make the cheesecake filling ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cheesecake filling in advance, scoop it onto a baking sheet, and freeze it until you’re ready to use it in your Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to whip up these Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies! They truly are a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will surely impress anyone who takes a bite. Remember, there’s something incredibly satisfying about baking from scratch, so take your time and enjoy the process. Happy baking!