If there’s one cookie recipe that combines the best of peanut butter, chocolate, and cheesecake in the most decadent way possible, it’s the Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies. These cookies are a glorious fusion of the smooth, creamy texture of cheesecake, the nutty richness of peanut butter, and the beloved sweet and salty combination of Reese’s candies. Every bite is an indulgent experience, bursting with crunchy bits of Reese’s Pieces, creamy chopped Peanut Butter Cups, and the divine drizzle of melted chocolate.
PrintGooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies
If you love Reese’s and cheesecake, this treat is for you! 🍪🍫 These Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are a dream come true: gooey cheesecake filling, chunks of Reese’s peanut butter cups, and a soft, chewy cookie base. 😍✨ It’s the ultimate dessert mashup that you won’t want to miss. Ready for a bite of pure indulgence? 😋
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- Total Time: 27 minutes
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour 🌾 – This is the base for the cookies, providing the structure and texture. Be sure to measure it correctly (use the spoon-and-level method) to avoid making the dough too dense or dry.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda 🧁 – This leavening agent helps the cookies rise slightly, ensuring a soft and chewy texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder 🧁 – Another leavening agent that works alongside the baking soda to help the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon salt 🧂 – Salt brings out the sweetness in the dough and balances the rich flavors of the peanut butter and cream cheese.
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈 – Butter is the main fat source in this recipe, contributing to the cookies’ rich flavor and soft texture. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature so it creams well with the sugars.
- ½ cup granulated sugar 🍚 – This provides sweetness and helps achieve a soft, chewy texture.
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed 🍯 – Brown sugar adds a slight molasses flavor and moisture, contributing to the chewiness of the cookies.
- 1 large egg 🥚 – The egg binds the ingredients together and helps the cookies set properly when baked.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍦 – Vanilla adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the rich peanut butter and cream cheese.
Cheesecake Component
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened 🧀 – This is the key ingredient that turns these cookies into cheesecake-inspired delights. It provides creaminess, a tangy flavor, and helps give the cookies their unique texture.
Mix-ins (The Fun Part!)
- 1 cup mini Reese’s Pieces 🍬 – These mini candy-coated peanut butter treats bring an extra crunch and burst of peanut butter flavor to every bite.
- ½ cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped 🍫 – The chopped peanut butter cups are the star of the show, offering a rich, creamy center with every mouthful. The contrast of the soft, chewy cookies with the chunks of peanut butter cups is truly indulgent.
- ½ cup white chocolate chips 🍫 – The white chocolate chips add a sweet, creamy contrast to the peanut butter, balancing out the richness of the dough.
For Drizzling
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted 🍫 – This final touch is what elevates the cookies from great to extraordinary. The semi-sweet chocolate drizzle adds a decadent, glossy finish that makes these cookies even more irresistible.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures the cookies don’t stick to the pan and bake evenly. Having the parchment paper ready will make it easier to remove the cookies once they are done.
2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This will help ensure that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour. Set the bowl aside for now while you prepare the wet ingredients.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, helping the cookies stay soft and chewy.
4. Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Cream Cheese
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Continue beating until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Next, add the softened cream cheese and beat on low until the dough is creamy and well-mixed. The cream cheese is what gives these cookies their cheesecake-like flavor and smooth texture.
5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together and all the flour is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cookies.
6. Fold in the Mix-ins
Once the dough is ready, gently fold in the mini Reese’s Pieces, chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and white chocolate chips. This step ensures that the candy pieces are evenly distributed without breaking them up too much.
7. Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Be sure to leave enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Slightly flatten each scoop of dough with the back of a spoon to help them bake evenly. If you want larger cookies, feel free to increase the dough scoop size.
8. Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. The cookies will continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet after you remove them from the oven, so don’t wait for them to turn completely golden.
9. Cool the Cookies and Drizzle with Chocolate
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time helps the cookies firm up and makes them easier to handle. Once they’ve cooled, drizzle the melted semi-sweet chocolate over the cookies for an extra touch of decadence.
Notes
- Serve with a glass of milk – These cookies are even more indulgent when paired with a cold glass of milk. The creamy milk complements the richness of the peanut butter and cream cheese.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt – For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies before baking. The salty-sweet combination is mouthwatering.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream – Imagine warm cookies topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing the ice cream to melt into the cookies. Heaven!
- Customize the candy mix-ins – Feel free to get creative by adding other mix-ins like mini M&Ms, crushed pretzels, or even peanut butter chips for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Whether you’re baking for a holiday treat, a special occasion, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to make a statement. The warm aroma of freshly baked cookies will fill your kitchen, while the creamy peanut butter flavor pairs perfectly with the subtle tanginess of the cream cheese. With just the right balance of flavors and textures, these cookies are destined to be your next go-to recipe.
Why You’ll Love These Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies ✨
Before we dive into the details of the recipe, let’s take a moment to understand why these cookies are so special. What sets them apart from your traditional chocolate chip cookie is the addition of cheesecake-inspired ingredients. The cream cheese not only gives the dough a silky, smooth texture but also adds a layer of richness that transforms a classic cookie into something extraordinary. Add in the peanut butter and Reese’s candies, and you have an irresistible treat that’s perfect for every occasion.
The soft, chewy centers with slightly crispy edges make each bite a delight. The sweet, nutty flavor of the Reese’s Pieces and Peanut Butter Cups, combined with the creaminess of the white chocolate chips and the drizzle of semi-sweet chocolate, creates a balance of flavors that is both comforting and indulgent. This cookie is for the true peanut butter and chocolate lover who is always on the hunt for the next big treat.
Breakdown of Ingredients: What You’ll Need 🍴
Before you roll up your sleeves and get started, let’s take a look at the ingredients required to make these Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies. Having everything ready ensures a smooth baking process and the best results.
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour 🌾 – This is the base for the cookies, providing the structure and texture. Be sure to measure it correctly (use the spoon-and-level method) to avoid making the dough too dense or dry.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda 🧁 – This leavening agent helps the cookies rise slightly, ensuring a soft and chewy texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder 🧁 – Another leavening agent that works alongside the baking soda to help the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon salt 🧂 – Salt brings out the sweetness in the dough and balances the rich flavors of the peanut butter and cream cheese.
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈 – Butter is the main fat source in this recipe, contributing to the cookies’ rich flavor and soft texture. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature so it creams well with the sugars.
- ½ cup granulated sugar 🍚 – This provides sweetness and helps achieve a soft, chewy texture.
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed 🍯 – Brown sugar adds a slight molasses flavor and moisture, contributing to the chewiness of the cookies.
- 1 large egg 🥚 – The egg binds the ingredients together and helps the cookies set properly when baked.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍦 – Vanilla adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the rich peanut butter and cream cheese.
Cheesecake Component
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened 🧀 – This is the key ingredient that turns these cookies into cheesecake-inspired delights. It provides creaminess, a tangy flavor, and helps give the cookies their unique texture.
Mix-ins (The Fun Part!)
- 1 cup mini Reese’s Pieces 🍬 – These mini candy-coated peanut butter treats bring an extra crunch and burst of peanut butter flavor to every bite.
- ½ cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped 🍫 – The chopped peanut butter cups are the star of the show, offering a rich, creamy center with every mouthful. The contrast of the soft, chewy cookies with the chunks of peanut butter cups is truly indulgent.
- ½ cup white chocolate chips 🍫 – The white chocolate chips add a sweet, creamy contrast to the peanut butter, balancing out the richness of the dough.
For Drizzling
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted 🍫 – This final touch is what elevates the cookies from great to extraordinary. The semi-sweet chocolate drizzle adds a decadent, glossy finish that makes these cookies even more irresistible.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies 👩🍳
Once you’ve gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to get baking! Follow these steps to make your batch of Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies that are sure to impress.
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures the cookies don’t stick to the pan and bake evenly. Having the parchment paper ready will make it easier to remove the cookies once they are done.
2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This will help ensure that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour. Set the bowl aside for now while you prepare the wet ingredients.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, helping the cookies stay soft and chewy.
4. Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Cream Cheese
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Continue beating until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Next, add the softened cream cheese and beat on low until the dough is creamy and well-mixed. The cream cheese is what gives these cookies their cheesecake-like flavor and smooth texture.
5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together and all the flour is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cookies.
6. Fold in the Mix-ins
Once the dough is ready, gently fold in the mini Reese’s Pieces, chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and white chocolate chips. This step ensures that the candy pieces are evenly distributed without breaking them up too much.
7. Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Be sure to leave enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Slightly flatten each scoop of dough with the back of a spoon to help them bake evenly. If you want larger cookies, feel free to increase the dough scoop size.
8. Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. The cookies will continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet after you remove them from the oven, so don’t wait for them to turn completely golden.
9. Cool the Cookies and Drizzle with Chocolate
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time helps the cookies firm up and makes them easier to handle. Once they’ve cooled, drizzle the melted semi-sweet chocolate over the cookies for an extra touch of decadence.
Serving Suggestions and Variations 🎉
These Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are fantastic on their own, but there are several ways to enjoy them and make them even more special:
- Serve with a glass of milk – These cookies are even more indulgent when paired with a cold glass of milk. The creamy milk complements the richness of the peanut butter and cream cheese.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt – For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies before baking. The salty-sweet combination is mouthwatering.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream – Imagine warm cookies topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing the ice cream to melt into the cookies. Heaven!
- Customize the candy mix-ins – Feel free to get creative by adding other mix-ins like mini M&Ms, crushed pretzels, or even peanut butter chips for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Ingredient Substitutions 🛍️
If you’re out of any ingredients or simply prefer a different option, there are plenty of substitutions you can make:
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum to help bind the dough.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and swap the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative. Use dairy-free chocolate chips for drizzling.
- Sugar-Free Option: You can use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia for both the granulated and brown sugars. Keep in mind that this may affect the texture and sweetness of the cookies slightly.
Enjoy baking and indulging in these Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies! They’re a perfect blend of creamy cheesecake flavor, peanut butter goodness, and a decadent chocolate finish. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a late-night snack, these cookies are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Happy baking! 🍪💫