Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

Introduction

Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy cookie that combines the richness of cheesecake with the unmistakable taste of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. These Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are a creative twist on traditional cookies, using everyday ingredients to achieve an extraordinary flavor and texture. They’re surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for a dessert that’s sure to impress both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re a fan of peanut butter, cheesecake, or just looking for a unique dessert to add to your repertoire, these cookies are a must-try.

Why This Works

The balance of creamy cheesecake, nutty peanut butter, and the crunch of peanut butter cups creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting.
The ease of preparation makes these cookies accessible to bakers of all skill levels, with a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require any special equipment or ingredients.
Despite their impressive appearance and taste, these cookies can be made with minimal effort, perfect for a quick dessert or snack that’s sure to please a crowd.

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup white granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
12 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 6: In a separate bowl, mix the peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Set aside.
Step 7: In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the peanut butter mixture and mix until well combined.
Step 8: Fold the cheesecake mixture into the cookie dough until a swirly pattern forms. Do not overmix.
Step 9: Stir in the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
Step 10: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Step 11: Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 12: Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Handy Tips

For the best results, make sure to not overbake the cookies. They should be soft and slightly underbaked in the center.
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour can help the cookies retain their shape better during baking.
Consider using a cookie scoop to portion out the dough for uniform cookies.

Heat Control

When baking these cookies, it’s crucial to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. The ideal baking time will depend on your oven, but as a general rule, bake for 12-14 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set but still slightly soft to the touch.

Crunch Factor

The crunch in these cookies comes from the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. To enhance the crunch, you can also sprinkle a few extra pieces on top of the cookies before baking. For a chewier cookie, bake for 10-11 minutes. For a crisper cookie, bake for 14-15 minutes.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

To ensure the cookies spread evenly, make sure the butter is at room temperature and the dough is not overmixed.
For a fun twist, press a few extra Reese’s Pieces into the top of the cookies immediately after baking, while they are still warm.
Consider using parchment paper or a silicone mat on your baking sheet for easy cleanup.

Storage Tips

These cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies. They can be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed at room temperature when you’re ready to serve.
When freezing, it’s best to freeze the cookies individually on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent them from sticking together.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These cookies make a wonderful gift, especially for peanut butter lovers. Consider packaging them in decorative tins, jars, or bags. You can also add a personal touch by including a handwritten note or a packet of gourmet coffee or tea to complement the flavors of the cookies.

Flavor Variations

Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a salty-sweet contrast.
For a chocolate twist, add a handful of chocolate chips to the dough along with the peanut butter cups.
Experiment with different types of nut butter, like almond butter or cashew butter, for a unique flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

If your cookies spread too much, it may be due to overmixing the dough or using butter that’s too soft. Try chilling the dough before baking.
If the cheesecake mixture doesn’t swirl well into the cookie dough, try warming it slightly in the microwave or at room temperature until it’s easier to mix.
For cookies that are too hard, they may have been overbaked. Try reducing the baking time by a minute or two.

FAQs

Can I freeze the dough instead of the baked cookies? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Simply scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container and bake frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
Is this recipe gluten-free? No, this recipe contains all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flours to adapt the recipe.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make more cookies. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary slightly with more cookies on the baking sheet.

Conclusion

Making these Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies is a fun and rewarding baking experience that combines the best of both worlds: the richness of cheesecake and the indulgence of peanut butter cups in a soft, chewy cookie. With these tips and tricks, you’re well on your way to creating a dessert that will become a family favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make the recipe your own, and enjoy sharing these delicious treats with friends and family.

Gooey Reese Cookies