Why You’ll Love These Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies
If you’re a fan of rich, indulgent cookies that combine multiple layers of flavor and texture, then these Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are going to become your new favorite treat. Imagine a soft, chewy cookie that’s packed with Reese’s Pieces and chocolate chips, combined with a luscious surprise center of creamy cheesecake filling. These cookies are pure decadence, and they’ll satisfy any sweet tooth with the perfect balance of chocolate, peanut butter, and cheesecake flavors.
What makes these cookies even more irresistible is the gooey center. When you take a bite, the cheesecake filling bursts in your mouth, adding a delightful creaminess that complements the crunchy candy pieces and chocolate chips. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, sharing them with friends, or just treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to wow everyone who tries them. Best of all, they’re easy to make, so you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy these decadent delights.
What You’ll Need
To make Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients, some of which are already likely in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need for the cookie dough, cheesecake filling, and chocolate drizzle:
For the Cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup Reese’s Pieces (plus extra for topping)
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips
Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
These ingredients come together to create cookies that are soft, gooey, and absolutely mouthwatering.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure they bake evenly.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
Before preparing the cookie dough, let’s make the cheesecake filling. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this process. Set the cheesecake filling aside in the fridge to chill while you prepare the cookie dough. Chilling the filling helps it stay firm and prevents it from spreading too much inside the cookie.
Step 3: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a separate large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients together and set aside.
Next, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together in a large mixing bowl. You can use an electric mixer to beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Once the butter and sugars are well combined, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. Once the dough is fully mixed, fold in the Reese’s Pieces and chocolate chips. The candy and chocolate should be evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4: Form the Cookie Dough Balls
Using a cookie scoop or two tablespoons, portion out the cookie dough into rounded balls. Take each ball of dough and create a small indentation in the center using your thumb. Spoon a small amount of the chilled cheesecake filling into the indentation. Then, carefully fold the dough around the filling to seal it inside. Roll the dough ball gently in your hands to smooth it out.
Place the filled dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives the cookies enough room to spread out as they bake.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. The center of the cookie should still be slightly soft, as this is where the gooey cheesecake filling resides.
Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cheesecake filling inside will be soft and creamy, so be careful when handling the cookies while they’re still hot.
Step 6: Add the Drizzle
While the cookies are cooling, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips for the drizzle. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, heating in 20-30 second intervals and stirring in between, or you can melt the chocolate over a double boiler.
Once the chocolate is melted, use a spoon or a piping bag to drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies. This adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness and a beautiful finish to your cookies.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the chocolate drizzle set for a few minutes before serving. These Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are now ready to be enjoyed. They make a fantastic treat for any occasion—whether you’re baking for a holiday, a birthday, or just because.
Tips for Success
- Chill the Cheesecake Filling: Be sure to chill the cheesecake filling before placing it inside the cookies. This helps it maintain its shape and prevents it from oozing out too much during baking.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, avoid overmixing the dough. Overmixing can result in dense cookies, so mix just until combined.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before starting the recipe. Cold butter won’t cream well with the sugars and will result in a less smooth dough.
- Let the Cookies Cool: Be patient and let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack. The cheesecake filling can be a bit delicate while hot, and letting the cookies set will help prevent them from falling apart.
- Customize the Drizzle: If you want to get creative, try using white chocolate, peanut butter chips, or even a combination of melted caramel and chocolate for the drizzle. The possibilities are endless!
Variations to Try
- Add Nuts: If you love the combination of chocolate and peanuts, try adding chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips to the cookie dough. This will enhance the peanut flavor and add some crunch to each bite.
- Use Different Candy Pieces: While Reese’s Pieces are perfect for these cookies, you can also experiment with other candy options like M&M’s, peanut butter cups, or even crushed pretzels for a sweet and salty twist.
- Cheesecake Swirl: Instead of filling the cookies with a dollop of cheesecake filling, you could swirl the cheesecake mixture into the cookie dough for a marbled effect. This would add a fun visual element to the cookies.
- Make Mini Cookies: If you prefer bite-sized treats, you can make mini versions of these Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies. Just use a smaller cookie scoop and adjust the baking time to about 7-9 minutes.
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: For an extra indulgent version, chop up some Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and fold them into the dough for a peanut butter and chocolate lover’s dream.
Storing and Reheating
Storing: These Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Make sure they are completely cool before storing them to prevent condensation, which could affect their texture.
Freezing: To freeze the dough, scoop out the dough balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. You can bake the frozen dough balls straight from the freezer, just adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: If you prefer your cookies warm, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. The melted chocolate drizzle will also soften up for that gooey, freshly-baked experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use light cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese? A: While you can use light cream cheese, it may not have the same richness and consistency as regular cream cheese, which could affect the cheesecake filling’s texture. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best results.
Q: Can I skip the chocolate drizzle? A: Yes, you can skip the chocolate drizzle if you prefer, or substitute it with a drizzle of peanut butter or caramel for a different flavor profile.
Q: Can I make the cheesecake filling ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the cheesecake filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just make sure to chill it before placing it in the cookie dough.
Q: How can I prevent the cheesecake filling from leaking out? A: Make sure the cheesecake filling is chilled before adding it to the dough. When sealing the dough around the filling, make sure it is fully enclosed to prevent any leakage.
Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate in the cookies? A: Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips are used in this recipe, you can substitute them with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate chips based on your preference.
The Final Word
These Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate indulgent treat that takes your cookie game to the next level. With their soft, chewy texture, creamy cheesecake filling, and the perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter, these cookies are sure to impress. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, they are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave everyone asking for the recipe. Enjoy every gooey, creamy, and chocolatey bite!