These Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake flavor and chocolate-peanut butter goodness. With chunks of Reese’s peanut butter cups baked into a soft, chewy cookie dough, they are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a decadent treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the cream cheese, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and slightly flatten each scoop with the back of a spoon.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
Variations:
- Add more peanut butter: If you’re a peanut butter lover, try adding peanut butter chips to the dough along with the Reese’s pieces for an extra punch of flavor.
- Switch up the mix-ins: You can swap out the Reese’s peanut butter cups for other candy pieces like M&Ms, chopped Snickers bars, or even chocolate chips for a different twist.
- Make them mini: For bite-sized treats, scoop smaller portions of dough and bake for 8-10 minutes.
Storage and Reheating:
- Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, place them on a baking sheet and bake from frozen for 12-14 minutes.
- Reheating: Reheat the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer them warm.
10 FAQs:
- Can I use light cream cheese for these cookies? While regular cream cheese is recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use light cream cheese if you prefer, though the cookies may be slightly less rich.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.
- Can I use a different type of chocolate in these cookies? Yes! You can substitute the Reese’s peanut butter cups with any chocolate candy or even just chocolate chunks for a different flavor.
- How do I know when the cookies are done baking? The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden brown, but they will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
- Can I make these cookies without baking soda? Baking soda helps the cookies spread and rise. If you don’t have any, you can substitute it with baking powder, though the texture may be slightly different.
- Can I freeze the cookies after baking? Yes! Let the cookies cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free? You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
- Can I use a stand mixer to mix the dough? Absolutely! A stand mixer will make the mixing process easier, especially for the creaming step, but a hand mixer or spoon will work just as well.
- How should I store leftover cookies? Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 5 days.
- Can I add nuts to these cookies? Yes, adding chopped peanuts or any other nuts would complement the peanut butter flavor nicely. Add about 1/2 cup of your favorite nuts to the dough for a crunchy twist.
Conclusion:
These Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves peanut butter and chocolate. With their creamy texture and chunks of Reese’s in every bite, they’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something indulgent, these cookies are sure to be a hit!