Introduction

If you’re a fan of rich and creamy desserts, these Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies might just become your new favorite treat. Combining the irresistible flavors of peanut butter, cream cheese, and chocolate, these cookies provide a delightful experience in every bite.

Imagine a cookie that is not only chewy but also oozes with that signature Reese’s peanut butter cup flavor. The marriage of a classic chocolate chip cookie with a cheesecake filling creates a unique texture and taste that’s both nostalgic and indulgent.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
Flour serves as the base for the cookies, providing structure. The amount used is key to achieving the right level of chewiness without making them too dense.
1/2 tsp baking soda
Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies to rise slightly and become fluffy rather than flat. It's crucial for achieving the right texture.
1/4 tsp salt
Salt enhances the flavors of both the cookie and the filling, balancing sweetness and enriching the overall taste. It’s an essential component that should not be skipped.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Butter adds richness and flavor to the cookies, contributing to their moistness and chewy texture. Softened butter integrates better with the sugars for a smooth batter.
1/2 cup brown sugar
Brown sugar contains molasses, which adds moisture and a deeper flavor to the cookies, promoting chewiness and a slight caramel undertone.
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps create a slightly crispy edge to the cookies. The combination of both sugars ensures a perfectly balanced sweetness.
1 egg
The egg is a binding agent that provides moisture and helps with the cookie’s structure. It also contributes to a tender texture.
1 tsp vanilla extract
Vanilla extract adds a warm, comforting flavor that complements the peanut butter and chocolate. It's a key ingredient in enhancing the overall taste.
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Peanut butter is a standout ingredient, providing flavor and a creamy texture. It contributes to the gooeyness of the finished cookies.
4 oz cream cheese, softened
Cream cheese is essential for the cheesecake filling, giving it a rich and creamy texture. It balances the sweetness while adding a slight tang.
1/4 cup powdered sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens the cream cheese filling, making it both smooth and sweet without adding graininess, perfect for a dessert.
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Mini chocolate chips add bursts of chocolate flavor to the cookies, providing a delightful contrast to the peanut butter and cheesecake.
1/4 cup chopped Reese’s cups
Chopped Reese’s cups enhance the cookies with extra peanut butter and chocolate flavor, making them even more decadent and satisfying.

Directions & Preparation

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Preheating the oven is important to ensure that the cookies bake evenly. An adequately heated oven helps achieve the right texture and prevents cookies from spreading too much.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly combined, promoting even rising and distributing flavors. Properly mixing prevents any clumps of baking soda or flour in the dough.

Step 3: In another bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.

Creaming the butter and sugars aerates the mixture, creating an environment for the cookies to rise and become light. The fluffiness achieved here contributes significantly to the cookie's texture.

Step 4: Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until well combined.

Incorporating the egg and vanilla adds moisture and flavor to the mix. It’s essential to ensure these ingredients are fully integrated for a consistent batter texture.

Step 5: Add peanut butter, mixing until smooth and well combined.

Peanut butter not only enriches the flavor but also adds creaminess to the dough. Mixing until smooth ensures that the peanut butter is evenly distributed throughout.

Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Adding dry ingredients gradually prevents overmixing, which can lead to tough cookies. The goal is to combine them without overtaxing the gluten in the flour.

Step 7: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.

This step is key to ensuring a creamy cheesecake filling. Ensuring that the cream cheese is softened beforehand allows for an easy blend and prevents lumps.

Step 8: Fold in mini chocolate chips and chopped Reese’s cups into the cookie dough.

Folding in chocolate chips and Reese’s adds texture and flavor. It’s important to do this gently so as not to overwork the dough, which can lead to tough cookies.

Step 9: Scoop a tablespoon of cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making slight indents in the center.

Making indents prepares the cookies for the cheesecake filling, allowing it to sit nicely in the center while baking. Spacing is also crucial for even baking.

Step 10: Spoon a dollop of cream cheese mixture into the indents of the cookie dough.

This step ensures that each cookie has the perfect amount of cheesecake filling. Being generous with the filling will enhance the gooey texture of the finished product.

Step 11: Cover with a bit more cookie dough on top, sealing the filling inside.

Covering the filling with additional dough allows the cookies to hold their gooey center while baking. It helps create that signature cheesecake cookie experience.

Step 12: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.

Baking until the edges are golden ensures a crisp outer texture while keeping the centers chewy and gooey. Keeping an eye on the baking time will prevent overcooking.

Step 13: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Cooling allows the cookies to set without breaking apart. Transferring them ensures they don’t continue to cook on the hot baking sheet, maintaining their texture.

Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies step photo

The Magic of Cream Cheese Filling

The cream cheese filling is the heart of these cookies, creating a luscious and velvety texture that contrasts with the gooey cookie base. This creamy layer enhances each bite, lending a satisfying richness that stands out amongst traditional cookie fillings. Utilizing softened cream cheese ensures that it blends seamlessly into the mixture, guaranteeing a delightful cheesecake bite.

Perfect Pairing with Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is not just a flavor boost; it acts as the soul of these cookies. Its creamy consistency and nutty taste harmonize beautifully with the sweetness of chocolate and the slight tang of cream cheese. This classic combination evokes nostalgia while providing a satisfying depth, allowing you to experience a beloved flavor in a new and delicious way.

Elevate Your Cookie Game

These Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies provide a fun and impressive twist to a classic dessert. Their chewy texture combined with a creamy filling and chocolate chunks offers a complexity that is sure to delight guests or family. Perfect for gatherings, holiday events, or simply to indulge yourself, these cookies are an elevated treat that will keep you coming back for more.

FAQs

Why are my cookies too thick?

If your cookies are too thick, you may have added too much flour. Make sure to measure accurately and consider spooning flour into the measuring cup to avoid packing it in.

What if the cookie filling is too liquidy?

If the cream cheese mixture appears too runny, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened but not overwhipped. You can also add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it up.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy, but it will alter the texture of the dough, adding a bit more crunch. It’s a delicious variation if you enjoy the extra bite.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for lightly golden edges and a slight puff in the cookies. They may look soft in the center, but they will firm up as they cool.

What if I want a more intense chocolate flavor?

If you desire more chocolate flavor, consider adding a higher percentage of chocolate chips or incorporating cocoa powder into the cookie dough.

Can I make this recipe without Reese’s cups?

Yes, feel free to substitute Reese’s cups with another type of candy or additional chocolate chips for variation. Just make sure to keep the total quantity consistent.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the cookies?

If you prefer less sweetness, slightly reduce the amounts of both brown and granulated sugar, but be careful not to compromise the overall texture.

Conclusion

These Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect balance of indulgence and comfort, taking the beloved flavors of peanut butter and chocolate to new heights. Their inviting appearance and exquisite taste make them a delightful dessert for any occasion.

Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as a sweet treat later in the week, they’re sure to provide a satisfying experience. Happy baking, and enjoy every gooey bite!

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