Easy Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

If you love cheesecake and Reese’s, these Easy Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies will be your new favorite treat. Combining the creamy, rich texture of cheesecake with the irresistible chocolate and peanut butter flavor of Reese’s, these cookies are decadence in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a fun dessert to bring to a party or a treat to enjoy with your family, these gooey cookies are perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a batch of these mouthwatering cookies in no time. Get ready to indulge in a dessert that’s creamy, gooey, and packed with peanut butter goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Easy Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate dessert for peanut butter lovers. The cream cheese in the dough creates a soft, gooey texture that makes each cookie melt in your mouth. The addition of Reese’s Pieces or chopped Reese’s cups adds the perfect crunch and bursts of chocolate and peanut butter flavor. They’re incredibly easy to make, and the gooey texture ensures they’re always a hit, whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or simply craving something sweet. Plus, they look as good as they taste—just wait until you see the colorful, peanut-butter-filled cookies cooling on your baking sheets!

Ingredients

• Cream cheese, softened (8 ounces)
• Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup)
• Granulated sugar (1 cup)
• Large egg (1)
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
• All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups)
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
• Reese’s Pieces or chopped Reese’s cups (1 cup)
• Optional: Additional Reese’s for topping

Variations

This recipe is easily customizable to suit your flavor preferences or dietary needs:

• Peanut Butter Lovers: Replace half of the butter with peanut butter for an even richer peanut butter flavor.
• No Reese’s Pieces?: If you don’t have Reese’s Pieces or cups, you can substitute them with any type of chocolate or candy you like—M&Ms, mini chocolate chips, or even chopped-up peanut butter cups work perfectly.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Add Nuts: If you love a little crunch in your cookies, feel free to fold in some chopped peanuts or other nuts along with the Reese’s candy.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will help create a soft, smooth cookie dough.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, and mix until well combined.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in Reese’s

Gently fold in the Reese’s Pieces or chopped Reese’s cups. Make sure the candy is evenly distributed throughout the dough for the best flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten the tops with your hand or the back of a spoon.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Be careful not to overbake the cookies to maintain their gooey texture.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, add a few extra Reese’s on top of the cookies while they are still warm for a decorative touch.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that both the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before mixing. This will help create a smoother dough.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough until the dry ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can result in dense cookies.
• Watch the Bake Time: For soft, gooey cookies, make sure not to overbake. The centers should still look slightly undercooked when you take them out of the oven.
• Storage: Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. They stay soft and delicious, making them perfect for a few days of enjoyment.

How to Serve

These Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a holiday party, bringing them to a potluck, or simply enjoying a treat at home. Serve them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for the ultimate dessert experience. Their rich and gooey texture makes them a great addition to any dessert table, and they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. For even longer storage, you can freeze them.

Freezing

To freeze the dough, scoop it into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze for 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls directly on the baking sheet and bake for an extra 1-2 minutes.

Reheating

Reheat cookies in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to restore their gooey center or in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use light cream cheese or margarine instead of regular cream cheese and butter?

For the best results, use full-fat cream cheese and butter to ensure the cookies maintain their rich, gooey texture. Light versions may affect the outcome.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

3. Can I use other types of candy instead of Reese’s?

Absolutely! You can use any candy you like, such as chopped Snickers, M&Ms, or chocolate chips, to replace the Reese’s in this recipe.

4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

5. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help prevent excessive spreading.

6. Can I freeze the cookies after baking?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag for storage.

7. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies should be golden around the edges but soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

8. Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Yes, feel free to add chopped peanuts or other nuts for extra crunch and flavor.

9. Can I use a stand mixer for this recipe?

Yes, a stand mixer works well for creaming the butter and cream cheese, but a hand mixer will also do the job.

10. Can I make the cookies smaller or larger?

You can adjust the size of the cookies to your preference. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly based on the size of the dough balls.

Conclusion

These Easy Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are an indulgent treat that combines creamy, rich cheesecake flavor with the irresistible taste of Reese’s peanut butter and chocolate. They are easy to make, fun to customize, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply want a delicious dessert to share with loved ones, these cookies are sure to impress. Make a batch today and enjoy the gooey, chocolatey goodness!

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