Introduction
Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are an irresistible treat that combines your favorite elements of cheesecake and cookies into a luscious bite-sized masterpiece. Imagine the perfect blend of buttery, creamy goodness, where each cookie is packed with crunchy Reese’s Pieces and rich chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. This dessert is not just a cookie; it’s an experience that tantalizes your taste buds and brings warmth to your kitchen. With their gooey centers and slight crunch on the edges, these cookies are the epitome of comfort food, perfect for family gatherings, casual get-togethers, or simply indulging on a quiet evening. This recipe is so straightforward that it will become your go-to treat, making everyone wonder how you bake such delights!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for families, making it a delightful choice for cooks of all skill levels. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can whip these up in no time, whether you’re looking to treat guests or satisfy a sudden sweet craving. The combination of crunchy and creamy textures appeals to everyone, making it an instant favorite that will have your friends and family coming back for more. Plus, with each cookie being loaded with Reese’s candy, who could resist such a decadent treat? Enjoy the joy of baking while making memories with loved ones, all while keeping everything hassle-free.
Ingredients for Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies
To create these decadent cookies, gather the following ingredients, each selected for their rich flavors and heavenly textures:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, contributing a creamy base that melts in your mouth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened, adding that luscious cheesecake element
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, providing sweetness that balances the richness
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed, to enhance the cookies with a hint of caramel flavor
- 1 large egg, acting as a binding agent for perfect cookie consistency
- 1 tsp vanilla extract, infusing a warm, inviting aroma
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, forming the structure of your cookies
- 1/2 tsp baking powder, ensuring your cookies rise beautifully
- 1/4 tsp salt, to enhance the sweet flavors
- 1 cup Reese’s Pieces, adding pop and crunch
- 1/2 cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, giving that iconic peanut butter flavor
Step-by-Step Directions for Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies
To create these delightful cookies, begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or using a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture appears light and fluffy. This step is critical—take your time to ensure proper aeration for a deliciously gooey cookie texture!
Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until well combined. Separately, take another bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing only until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Now for the fun part: gently fold in the Reese’s Pieces and chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, ensuring that those delightful bites are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each ball.
Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges; they should turn golden while the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked for that perfect gooey experience. Once done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Tricks
To elevate your Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies, consider a few chef’s secrets. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking for an even chewier texture and better shape retention. For an extra indulgent treat, top each cookie with a drizzle of melted chocolate or sprinkle with flaked sea salt for a sophisticated touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap the Reese’s pieces for M&M’s or other fun candy for a different flavor profile. Always keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens vary, ensuring your cookies come out just right!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can easily elevate them by serving with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a warm cup of coffee. For an irresistible dessert platter, pair these cookies with mini chocolate cheesecakes or a fruit-based dessert for a contrasting flavor. Presentation can play a key role; consider stacking the cookies on a decorative plate and drizzling them with chocolate sauce for a show-stopping display.
Nutritional Information
While these cookies are a delightful indulgence, it’s essential to note that they do contain calories and sugar. A typical cookie may have approximately 120 calories, depending on the size. As with any treat, moderation is key, so enjoy these cookies as a special dessert rather than a daily snack. If you’re concerned about the sugar content, consider adjusting the ratio of natural sweeteners in your recipe.
Storing Tips & Variations for Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies
To keep your Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the cookie dough before baking—just scoop the balls onto a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer them to a resealable bag for up to three months. This allows for fresh-baked cookies anytime! For variations, try substituting the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy version or use gluten-free flour if you’re accommodating dietary preferences.
Conclusion for Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies
Don’t wait any longer—try your hand at these Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies! Their delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and rich peanut butter makes for a truly irresistible dessert that is sure to impress friends and family alike. Whether for a special occasion or a simple weeknight treat, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your home. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and experience the joy these cookies bring!
FAQs
Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese to lower the calorie count, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture and taste.How can I keep these cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also add a slice of bread to the container; it helps retain moisture.Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend and adjust as necessary.How long will these cookies last?
At room temperature, they can last about a week in an airtight container. For longer storage, consider freezing them.What can I use instead of Reese’s candies?
You can substitute Reese’s with other chocolates, nuts, or candy pieces based on your preferences!
Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These cookies combine creamy cheesecake flavor with crunchy Reese’s Pieces and peanut butter cups, offering a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup Reese’s Pieces
- 1/2 cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in the Reese’s Pieces and chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
- Drop rounded balls of dough onto the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers are soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For chewier cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. You can also substitute Reese’s Pieces with M&M’s for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
