Name: Gooey Reese's Cheesecake Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped; 8 oz cream cheese (for filling); 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for filling); 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for filling); 1/4 cup mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped (for filling)

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Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

The delightful blend of peanut butter and cream cheese is a match made in dessert heaven, and that’s precisely what you get with Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies. This recipe takes your traditional cookie experience to an exquisite level, merging soft, chewy textures with the ooey-gooey goodness of cheesecake and irresistible bits of chocolate-peanut butter candy. Imagine the aroma wafting from your oven—warm, buttery scents dance in the air, mingled with chocolate and peanut butter notes that make your mouth water in anticipation. With every bite, the soft, rich cookie yields to creamy cheesecake, delivering a profound flavor experience that will have you craving more. Let’s dive into this step-by-step recipe that celebrates these exquisite cookies!

History / Fun Fact

Peanut butter has a rich history that dates back to ancient civilizations in South America, where indigenous populations made a paste from ground peanuts. However, the candy bar we know as Reese’s was first created in the 1920s by H.B. Reese, a former dairy employee of Milton Hershey. It was his love for chocolate and peanut butter that birthed this classic treat. Over the years, Reese’s has transformed into a household name and a staple in dessert confections, inspiring variations like these Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies. It’s amazing how just a few simple ingredients can tell a story of flavor and creativity that spans generations!

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, a soft, powdery base that provides structure to the cookies.
1/2 tsp baking soda, which gives the cookies a nice rise.
1/4 tsp salt, enhancing all the sweet flavors.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to a creamy texture that serves as the essential fat for flavor.
1 cup granulated sugar, contributing to the cookie’s sweetness and delightful crisp edges.
1 large egg, providing richness and binding the ingredients together.
1 tsp vanilla extract, adding that warm, inviting aroma.
8 oz cream cheese, softened, for a smooth, tangy filling that adds decadence.
1/2 cup mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped, adding bursts of chocolatey peanut butter goodness.
An additional 8 oz cream cheese (for filling), ensuring every bite is lush and creamy.
1/4 cup powdered sugar (for filling), for that perfect sweetness.
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for filling), to enrich the cheesecake flavor.
1/4 cup mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped (for filling), ensuring all that beloved chocolate-peanut butter flavor is present in the center.

Cooking Time & Tips For Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

Creating these exquisite cookies doesn’t take long, but the results are spectacular. The entire preparation time can be around 30 minutes, with baking taking another 10-12 minutes. This means you can have warm cookies ready for your family or guests in a flash! For those who prefer to take their time, allow the dough to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This not only enhances the flavors but also helps maintain the cookie’s structure, preventing them from spreading too much. Always remember to keep your cream cheese at room temperature for a super creamy cheesecake filling!

Step-by-Step Directions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. The anticipation builds as the oven warms, filling your kitchen with the scent of what’s to come.
In a bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 tsp of baking soda, and 1/4 tsp of salt. This simple mix lays the foundation for amazing cookies.
In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—a delightful transformation that signals you’re halfway there. Add in 1 large egg and 1 tsp of vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and well-combined.
Now, beat in 8 oz of cream cheese until fully incorporated. This addition is pivotal, lending that luscious, decadent quality to your cookie batter. Gradually add your dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Finally, stir in the chopped mini Reese’s pieces, letting their dreamy chocolatey goodness speckle the cookie dough.
In a separate bowl, blend together the remaining 8 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract for the cheesecake filling. The creamy consistency and sweet flavor will create a perfect contrast to the cookie base.
Using a spoon, drop generous spoonfuls of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet. As you do, create a small indentation in the center of each cookie, making way for that gooey cheesecake filling. Spoon in a dollop of filling to ensure every bite is a surprise.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown, pulling from the oven when they are just set but still soft in the center. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few moments before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. As you do, savor the intoxicating aroma wafting through your kitchen, a delicious promise of what’s to come!

Serving Suggestions & Occasions

Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are a crowd-pleaser and suit various occasions perfectly. They shine at holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or casual get-togethers with friends. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert, or serve them alongside a steaming cup of coffee—allowing the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate to complement the warm beverage beautifully. For a whimsical touch, consider presenting them on a colorful platter with fresh fruit for a delightful contrast.

Common Mistakes For Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

One common mistake is over-mixing the dough. You want to avoid developing too much gluten, which can lead to tougher cookies. Ensure you mix until just combined, especially after adding your dry ingredients. Another pitfall is overbaking—remove the cookies when they are slightly soft to ensure a gooey center. Finally, be sure to let your cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing; it ensures a smoother cheesecake filling.

Healthier Alternatives & Variations

If you’re looking for a healthier spin, consider using almond flour or whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a nutty flavor and extra nutrients. Coconut sugar can also replace granulated sugar for a more natural sweetness while maintaining that delightful caramel-like flavor. To cater to different dietary preferences, experiment with dairy-free cream cheese substitutes and vegan chocolate alternatives. You might also swap out the Reese’s for other chocolates or nuts, making it your very own signature cookie!

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bake them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy!
What can I do if my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread more than desired, ensure your butter is softened but not melted. Also, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze well. Ensure they are completely cool and store them in a freezer-safe container or zip bag.
How long will the cookies last?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they should stay fresh for up to a week.
Can I customize the filling?
Yes, feel free to mix in other delicious fillings like crushed Oreos or different types of chocolate. Make it your own!
What if I can’t find mini Reese’s?
You can chop regular Reese’s or substitute with other chocolate-peanut butter treats that suit your taste!

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies to elevate your dessert game. Each bite is an exploration of flavors—a symphony of creamy richness and delightful sweetness that will make any occasion feel special. Whether you serve them at a party or indulge in them after a long day, the experience is pure joy. Don’t wait another moment—gather your ingredients and whisk your way to these tantalizing treats that promise to enchant your taste buds. You deserve this sweet adventure in your kitchen today!