Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that will take your taste buds on a whirlwind of flavors! Imagine biting into a warm, soft cookie that has a luscious cheesecake filling right in the center, and then getting hit with chunks of creamy, chocolatey Reese’s peanut butter cups. This recipe is a heavenly combination of textures and flavors that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings nostalgia for those chocolate and peanut butter lovers out there. Plus, the step-by-step instructions make it simple enough to tackle on a busy day, making it worth every delicious moment spent!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the best parts about these cookies is their ease of preparation, making them an instant favorite for family-friendly gatherings or a weekend treat. With just a handful of ingredients and quick, step-by-step directions, you’ll have no trouble whipping these up in no time at all. The combination of traditional cookies with cheesecake filling ensures they hold a special place in the hearts of both children and adults alike. Plus, the minimal ingredients count makes them a straightforward choice for a last-minute dessert craving!

Ingredients for Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

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, softened (for cheesecake filling)
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for cheesecake filling)
1/4 cup mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped (for cheesecake filling)

In this recipe, the sweet smell of the baking cookies filled with chocolate and peanut butter will instantly entice you. The combination of buttery goodness with a hint of vanilla in the cookie dough perfectly complements the rich and creamy cheesecake filling. Meanwhile, the playful addition of Reese’s miniatures takes these cookies to the next level of deliciousness!

Step-by-Step Directions for Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for those delectable cookies.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step will ensure that your cookies have the perfect texture.
Create the Cookie Base: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. You should use an electric mixer on medium speed to make this job easier. Once fluffy, add the large egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, mixing until smooth.
Incorporate Cream Cheese: Beat in 8 oz of softened cream cheese until it’s fully incorporated into the dough. Once mixed, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture and stir until just combined. Finally, fold in the chopped mini Reese’s peanut butter cups to add that iconic flavor.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together 8 oz cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. This rich, sweet filling will be placed in the center of each cookie to create that gooey, decadent experience.
Assemble the Cookies: Using a spoon, drop generous spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each one. Create a small indentation in the center of each cookie—this is where your cheesecake filling will go—and spoon a small amount of the filling into each indentation.
Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Tricks

To make your Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies even more delightful, consider chilling the cookie dough for a short period before baking. This can help them maintain their shape better during baking. You can also experiment by adding different kinds of toppings, such as drizzles of chocolate or even chunks of other types of candy.

For those who love texture, try adding a sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top just before baking; this contrast with the sweetness will elevate the flavor profile. Keep a close eye on the baking time as ovens can vary, and take them out once they’re golden on the edges but still soft in the center for that delightful gooeyness.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These cookies are incredible on their own, but if you want to elevate the experience, consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a tall glass of cold milk. You can create a dessert platter by pairing these cookies with slices of cheesecake or brownies, making it a perfect addition for gatherings. Another fun idea is to turn them into a s’mores-inspired treat; just add a small chocolate square on top right after baking and let it melt slightly before serving.

Nutritional Information

While indulging in these delicious cookies, it’s important to be mindful of the nutritional information. Each Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookie brings joy, but they also come with a caloric burden. On average, each cookie contains approximately 250 calories. This indulgent experience is worth it, but consider moderation to enjoy these little bites of paradise guilt-free!

Storing Tips & Variations for Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

If you find yourself with extra cookies (which is highly unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll last for up to three months.

You can also try healthier swaps, such as using almond flour or gluten-free flour to cater to dietary preferences. For a slightly different flavor profile, consider incorporating white chocolate chips or swapping peanut butter cups for your favorite candy.

Conclusion for Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

There’s no time like the present to whip up a batch of these irresistibly delicious Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies. With their creamy filling and chunks of chocolatey goodness, they are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Don’t wait—make these cookies today and experience a dessert that has the power to evoke happiness and nostalgia in every mouthful!

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of candy in the cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other candies like chocolate chips, M&Ms, or even chopped Snickers for a different flavor twist.

2. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for the edges to be golden brown while the centers will still look soft; they will firm up while cooling.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. Just allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

4. What’s the best way to serve these cookies?
They are delicious warm and right out of the oven, but you can also serve them at room temperature with a scoop of ice cream or alongside milk for a perfect pairing.

5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Certainly! Substitute regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a tasty gluten-free option.