Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s not just a treat but a full-on celebration of flavors, then these Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are calling your name! Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie packed with colorful Reese’s Pieces and chocolate chips, only to discover a luscious cheesecake center hiding inside. It’s the kind of indulgence that turns an ordinary day into something special.
These cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a family gathering, surprising your friends on movie night, or simply treating yourself after a long day. They are easy to whip up and will make your home smell heavenly. Trust me, once you try these Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies, they’ll become a favorite in your recipe collection!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Indulgent: The creamy cheesecake center combined with crunchy chocolate bits creates a flavor explosion you won’t forget.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cookies! These are sure to bring smiles to kids and adults alike.
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and ingredients, you’ll have these delightful cookies baking away in no time.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the cheesecake filling ahead of time and store it in the freezer for easy assembly later.
- Warm & Gooey: Serve them warm right out of the oven for that ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making these Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies is super simple with just a few wholesome ingredients. You likely have most of them in your pantry already!
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
This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it to your taste. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Add Nuts: Mix in some chopped peanuts or walnuts for an extra crunch.
- Change the Chips: Swap out chocolate chips for peanut butter chips for even more peanut flavor.
- Try Different Fillings: Consider using flavored cream cheese or adding a dash of cocoa powder to the filling.
- Make Them Mini: Shape smaller cookies for bite-sized treats that are perfect for sharing.
How to Make Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. This step is crucial because it creates the deliciously creamy center that makes these cookies so special. Once mixed, scoop small dollops onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them for at least one hour. Freezing helps keep the filling from melting away during baking.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is where we build our cookie base! Then add in the egg and vanilla extract—this adds both moisture and flavor.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients while stirring until just combined. This is important because over-mixing can lead to tough cookies. Gently fold in those delightful chocolate chips and Reese’s Pieces; they’ll provide bursts of sweetness in every bite.
Step 4: Assemble Your Cookies
Take about two tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it slightly. Place one frozen cheesecake filling dollop in the center before covering it with more dough and sealing the edges well. Sealing is key to ensure that gooey goodness stays inside as they bake!
Step 5: Bake Your Cookies
Arrange the stuffed cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet with some space between them. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-14 minutes until their edges turn golden brown. The aroma will be irresistible!
Step 6: Cool & Serve!
After removing them from the oven, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If desired, drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra touch of decadence! Serve warm and enjoy every gooey bite!
Pro Tips for Making Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies
Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these handy tips, you’ll ensure your Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies turn out perfectly every time!
- Chill the cheesecake filling: Freezing the cream cheese mixture helps it maintain its shape during baking, ensuring a gooey center instead of a melted mess.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This allows for better mixing and a smoother dough, which contributes to the overall texture of your cookies.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Experiment with mix-ins: While Reese’s Pieces are fantastic, feel free to add other favorite candies or nuts for a personalized touch that suits your taste.
- Store properly: To keep these cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be frozen for later enjoyment!
How to Serve Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies
These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy them.
Garnishes
- Melted chocolate drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate adds an elegant touch and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Crushed peanuts: Sprinkling some crushed peanuts on top provides a nice crunch and complements the peanut butter taste.
Side Dishes
- Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm cookies, creating a delightful contrast that is hard to resist.
- Chocolate sauce: A side of rich chocolate sauce for dipping adds an extra layer of indulgence that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Fresh fruit: Lighten things up with a side of fresh strawberries or bananas. Their natural sweetness balances the richness of the cookies perfectly!
- Milk or nut milk: A classic pairing, serving these cookies with cold milk enhances their flavor while providing a nostalgic comforting experience.
With these serving suggestions and tips, your Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies will be both a treat for the taste buds and a feast for the eyes—perfect for any occasion! Enjoy every gooey bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
These Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and enjoy the delightful flavors throughout the week.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
- Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing
- Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls before baking. Simply place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Once frozen, transfer the cookie dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
- To bake from frozen, add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
- To reheat cookies, place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their gooey center.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies that might help you out!
Can I use a different type of chocolate in my Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies?
Absolutely! You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips based on your preference. Each will give a unique twist to your cookies!
How do I ensure my Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies stay soft?
To keep your cookies soft, make sure not to over-bake them. They should be slightly undercooked in the center when you take them out of the oven, as they will continue to cook on the baking sheet while cooling.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it is designed for baking for the best results.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a non-dairy option, you can use vegan cream cheese or even silken tofu blended until smooth. This will give you a lovely creamy center without using dairy.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making these Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies as much as I do! They’re not just indulgent but also bring together wonderful textures and flavors that are sure to delight anyone who takes a bite. Don’t hesitate to share your creations and thoughts—I’d love to hear how they turn out for you! Happy baking!
Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies, where a soft, chewy cookie meets a rich, creamy cheesecake center. These treats are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting family and friends or simply craving something sweet after a long day. With colorful Reese’s Pieces and chocolate chips mixed into the dough, every bite is a celebration of taste and texture. Easy to make and impossible to resist, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Serve them warm for that unbeatable gooey experience!
Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the cheesecake filling by mixing softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Scoop dollops onto a parchment-lined sheet and freeze for at least one hour.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla; mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually combine with wet ingredients. Fold in chocolate chips and Reese’s Pieces.
- Take two tablespoons of cookie dough, flatten it slightly, place a frozen cheesecake dollop in the center, cover with more dough, and seal edges.
- Bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 12-14 minutes until golden brown. Cool before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
