Ahh, let me take you back to a sunny afternoon in my cozy kitchen, where the sweet smell of melting chocolate and warm peanut butter filled the air. I was trying to concoct a special treat for a gathering of friends. As I rummaged through my pantry, my eyes landed on a few golden goodies: creamy peanut butter, plump chocolate chips, and, oh joy, some lovely mini Reese’s peanut butter cups! Why not give them a starring role in a gooey cookie delight? That afternoon birthed my Easy Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies, and I swear, they have become a beloved favorite in our home ever since.
Every bite is a delicious dance of flavors—smooth, creamy, and just a tad chewy with a surprise of cheesecake filling and a pop of chocolate at every turn. These cookies embrace you like a warm hug, making them the perfect addition to any cookie platter or a cozy night in front of the TV. I know you’re going to love them as much as we do!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: No complicated processes here! Just simple ingredients mixed together.
- Quick Baking Time: Whip up a batch in just around 30 minutes!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for sharing at gatherings—everyone will want seconds!
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and cheesecake is irresistible.
- Versatile Treat: Great for parties, bake sales, or just a sweet treat for yourself!
Ingredients
1 cup creamy peanut butter
This provides that rich, nutty flavor and keeps the cookies soft and chewy! Go with creamy for easy mixing!1/2 cup granulated sugar
Brings sweetness to balance out the peanut butter, giving it that classic cookie feel.1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
Adds moisture and that delightful caramel undertone that pairs perfectly with peanut butter.1 large egg
Acts as a binder to hold everything together—make sure it’s at room temperature for better mixing!1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A little splash of vanilla boosts the flavor, making the cookies taste even more delightful!1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Helps the cookies rise and gives them that glorious chewiness we all love.1/4 teaspoon salt
A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness!1 cup chocolate chips
Chocolate makes everything better! Use semi-sweet or dark for a richer taste.1 package cream cheese, softened
This is what gives our cookies that cheesecake twist! Make sure it’s softened to blend easily!1/2 cup powdered sugar
For that sweet cream cheese filling that’s just scrumptious!1/4 cup chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups
The cherry on top—these add chunks of peanut butter goodness and creamy chocolate!
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Turn on your oven so it’s hot and ready to go! Your kitchen will soon be filled with the sweetest aromas.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt until smooth.
Using a sturdy mixer or a good ol’ whisk, blend those ingredients till smooth. You want it creamy, like a warm hug!
3. Fold in chocolate chips.
Oh, those chocolate chips will melt into the dough, creating pockets of chocolatey goodness. Gently fold them in!
4. In another bowl, mix the cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy.
Blend it together until it’s as smooth as silk. This creamy goodness will be the heart of your cookie!
5. Drop a spoonful of the peanut butter mixture onto a baking sheet, then add a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture on top.
We’re making little cookie sandwiches here! Make sure they are spaced nicely, as they will spread a bit.
6. Top with a chopped Reese’s peanut butter cup.
These little gems will melt and create a topping that will have everyone drooling. Just sprinkle them right on top!
7. Repeat for remaining dough.
Keep going! It’s like assembling little treasures of yumminess.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden.
Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes; you want that golden edge while the center stays gooey!
9. Let cool and serve.
Oh my, the smell wafting through your kitchen will be hard to resist. Allow them to cool for a moment, then dig in!
Pro Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the dough mix together evenly without clumps.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix until just combined for the softest cookies.
- Chill the Dough: If you want to, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This can enhance the flavors!
- Watch the Bake Time: Every oven is different, so start checking a minute or two early!
Flavor Variations
- Nutty Twist: Swap out some of the peanut butter for almond butter for a different flavor.
- Seasons Greetings: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a fall-friendly version.
- Chocolate Lovers: Include cocoa powder in the dough for rich chocolate cookies!
Serving Suggestions
These delightful cookies pair perfectly with a big glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee. For a special touch, create a decadent dessert platter with some fresh fruits and a dollop of whipped cream.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can mix the cookie dough a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Once baked, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra cookies, crumble them up and layer them over ice cream for a delicious sundae topping, or make a fun dessert trifle with whipped cream and fruits!
Freezing
Absolutely yes! Freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet and once frozen, transfer them to a Ziplock bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just add a couple of extra minutes to bake time when you’re ready to enjoy them!
Reheating
Gently warm them in a skillet on low heat for a few minutes until just warmed through, or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, but the texture will be a little different. You’ll get a pleasant crunch—if you’re into that!
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Check for lightly golden edges and a slightly puffy center. They will set as they cool.
Can I use another type of chocolate besides chocolate chips?
Certainly! White chocolate chips or even chunks of dark chocolate can lend their own delicious spin.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend, and you’re good to go!
Final Thoughts
Sweet friends, I can hardly wait for you to try these Easy Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies! They are the kind of treat that warms the heart, refreshes the spirit, and fills your tummy with pure joy. May your kitchen be fragrant with peanut butter and chocolate, and may you always have a few cookies ready to share. Happy baking!
With love,
Chef Caroline
TasteItRecipes.com
Easy Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Mixture
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter Provides a rich, nutty flavor and keeps the cookies soft.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar Brings sweetness to balance out the peanut butter.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed Adds moisture and a delightful caramel undertone.
- 1 large egg Acts as a binder; use room temperature for better mixing.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Boosts flavor for delightful cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Helps the cookies rise and adds chewiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1 cup chocolate chips Use semi-sweet or dark for richer taste.
Cheesecake Filling
- 1 package cream cheese, softened Provides the cheesecake twist.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar Sweetens the cream cheese filling.
Topping
- 1/4 cup chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups Adds chunks of peanut butter goodness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt until smooth.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- In another bowl, mix the cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy.
Assembly
- Drop a spoonful of the peanut butter mixture onto a baking sheet, then add a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture on top.
- Top with chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups.
- Repeat for the remaining dough.
Baking
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden.
- Let cool and serve.