Name: Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies for the Ultimate Sweet Craving
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (Substitute with gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free options.); 1 tsp baking soda (No substitutions needed.); 1 tsp baking powder (No substitutions needed.); 1/2 tsp salt (Can be omitted but enhances flavor.); 3/4 cup unsalted butter (Substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.); 1 cup granulated sugar (Can substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option.); 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg (Substitute with a flaxseed egg for vegan version.); 1 tsp vanilla extract (No substitutions needed.); 8 oz cream cheese (Use dairy-free cream cheese for a dairy-free version.); 1 cup mini Reese’s Pieces (Can substitute with chocolate chips or chopped nuts.); 1 cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (Substitute with other chocolate candies if desired.); 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (Optional or can be replaced with more semi-sweet chocolate.); 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (Dark chocolate chips can be substituted for a deeper flavor.)

There’s something magical about the first bite of a cookie that melds rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, isn’t there? These Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they are an indulgent celebration of flavor that combines the velvety texture of cheesecake with the nostalgic delight of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Not only are they ridiculously simple to whip up, but they also bring a smile to anyone lucky enough to snag one from the dessert plate. The best part? Each cookie is a deliciously gooey wonder, perfect for satisfying both cravings and sweet tooth emergencies. Ready to bake a batch of happiness? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why are these cookies a must-bake?

Irresistible Gooeyness: Each cookie is packed with a rich, gooey center that melts in your mouth, combining the best of cheesecake with your favorite candy.
Time-Saver: These treats come together quickly, making them perfect for spontaneous cravings or last-minute gatherings.
Customizable Fun: Enjoy endless variations! Swap in your favorite chocolates or nuts, or try a twist with Peanut Butter Cookies for extra peanutty goodness.
Siimple Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients on hand—making it a breeze to whip up a batch when the sweet tooth strikes!
Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are sure to impress friends and family, providing a hit of nostalgic flavor that everyone will adore! Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or indulging alone, they’re destined to bring a smile.

Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies Ingredients

Get ready to make a treat that brings happiness in every bite!

For the Cookie Dough

All-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cookies. Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free options.
Baking soda – Helps the cookies rise. No substitutions needed.
Baking powder – Assists in leavening for a lighter texture. No substitutions needed.
Salt – Balances sweetness. Can be omitted but enhances flavor.
Unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture to the cookies. Substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s texture. Can substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Brown sugar – Adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor.
Large egg – Binds the ingredients together. Substitute with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) for a vegan version.
Vanilla extract – Enhances flavor profile. No substitutions needed.
Cream cheese – Adds a creamy texture. Use dairy-free cream cheese for a dairy-free version.

For the Mix-Ins

Mini Reese’s Pieces – Provides bursts of peanut butter flavor. Can substitute with chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – Adds rich chocolate-peanut butter flavor. Substitute with other chocolate candies if desired.
White chocolate chips – Offers sweetness and decoration. Optional or can be replaced with more semi-sweet chocolate.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Provides rich chocolate flavor for drizzling. Dark chocolate chips can be substituted for a deeper flavor.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring the surface is ready for your cookies. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Having the baking sheet prepped in advance saves you time when you’re ready to drop the cookie dough.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Make sure to combine thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of leavening agents. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture in your Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies. Set this bowl aside for now as you focus on the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. The goal is to incorporate air into the butter which will lead to a lighter cookie. This rich buttery base will be the heart of your gooey cookies.

Step 4: Incorporate Egg and Cream Cheese
Next, beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and softened cream cheese into the sugar mixture. Continue mixing until everything is well combined and smooth. This creamy blend enhances the texture and flavor of the Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies, giving them that delightful cheesecake element. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is mixed well.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. It’s important to stop mixing as soon as no visible flour remains, as overmixing can make your cookies tough. The dough should be slightly sticky, which is perfect for creating that gooey texture that everyone loves in these cookies.

Step 6: Fold in the Goodies
Gently fold in the mini Reese’s Pieces and chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with a spatula. This will ensure that these scrumptious treats are evenly distributed throughout the dough, adding bursts of flavor in every bite. The mixture should now feel packed with delicious chocolate and peanut butter goodness, ready for the next step.

Step 7: Form the Cookie Dough
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Aim for a mounded shape since they will flatten slightly as they bake. These shapes create the perfect gooey texture while ensuring each cookie is bursting with flavors.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft. The cookies will look slightly undercooked—this is key to keeping them gooey and chewy! Let the delicious aroma fill your kitchen, signaling that your Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are almost ready.

Step 9: Drizzle with Chocolate
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Subsequently, drizzle the melted semi-sweet chocolate over the top for an extra touch of indulgence. This final flourish adds not just flavor but also is visually appealing, making your cookies irresistibly attractive for sharing or enjoying solo.

What to Serve with Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

Create a dessert experience that delights the senses and leaves everyone wanting more.

Cold Milk: A classic pairing that enhances the rich flavors, creating a perfect balance of creamy and gooey deliciousness.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy chilled ice cream complements the warm cookies beautifully. It’s a match made in dessert heaven!
Chocolate Drizzle: Elevate these cookies with a warm chocolate drizzle on top for an extra layer of indulgence that truly highlights their decadent flavor.
Peanut Butter Cup Milkshake: Blend up a creamy milkshake using real peanut butter and ice cream for a nostalgic twist that mirrors the cookie’s flavors.
Coffee: Brew a cup of your favorite java; the bitter notes cut through the sweetness, offering a balanced taste experience with every nibble.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing medley of fruits adds a lighter component to your dessert spread—a palate cleanser that enhances the richness of the cookies.
Decadent Brownies: For a true chocolate lover’s plate, why not serve with fudgy brownies? The chocolatey goodness takes indulgence to a new level!
Sweet Wine: Pair with a dessert wine, like a late harvest Riesling, to complement the peanut butter and chocolate notes.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These delightful treats add a fruity flair to your dessert table, enhancing the richness of the cookies with a burst of freshness.

Storage Tips for Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their gooey goodness.
Fridge: If you prefer them chilled, keep cookies in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Bring to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezer: Freeze cookies for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw and bake for a couple of extra minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
Reheating: To reheat, microwave briefly (10-15 seconds) or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to revive their gooey texture. Enjoy your delicious Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies!

Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies Variations

Customize your Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies for an extra layer of fun and flavor!

Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter and cream cheese with vegan alternatives for a delicious dairy-free treat.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can indulge.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a delightful nutty flavor and extra crunch in every bite. It’s a perfect way to elevate the texture!
Chunky Monkey: Swap out half the Reese’s for banana chips, giving the cookies a tropical twist while still keeping that ooey-gooey vibe. A new flavor adventure awaits!
Spiced Up: Introduce a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper to the dough for a surprising warmth that will make your cookies shine.
Double Chocolate: Replace half of the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a visually stunning and deliciously sweet surprise.
Minty Fresh: Incorporate mint chocolate chips or a few drops of peppermint extract to add a refreshing twist to the traditional treat.
Decadent Drizzle: Elevate your presentation by drizzling on melted caramel or white chocolate along with the semi-sweet chocolate to add a touch of elegance.

Feel free to explore these variations and customize your cookies to match your taste. For other delicious dessert inspirations, try these Vanilla Bean Cheesecake or Caramel Brownie Cheesecake options!

Make Ahead Options

These Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are an ideal choice for meal prep, making your life easier during busy weekdays! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For freezing, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to your baking time. This way, you’ll enjoy fresh, gooey cookies that taste just as delicious as if they were made on the spot!

Expert Tips for Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing and to avoid lumps in the dough.
Don’t Overmix: After adding the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired gooey texture.
Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. The edges should be golden while the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked for that perfect gooey finish.
Use Quality Chocolate: Choosing high-quality chocolate will enhance the overall flavor of your gooey Reese’s cheesecake cookies, making them more decadent.
Experiment with Mix-Ins: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Adjust the mix-ins with your favorite chocolates or nuts for a personalized twist on these delicious cookies.

Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe ingredients for my cookies?
Absolutely! For your Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies, it’s essential that the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter without lumps. Also, ensure your eggs are fresh, and for any chocolate or candy mix-ins, choose the freshest ones available—avoid any with dark spots or a chalky texture.

What are the best storage methods for leftover cookies?
You can store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them soft and gooey. If you have extra, place them in the refrigerator where they can last for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to allow them to come to room temperature before indulging!

Can I freeze my Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies?
Yes, definitely! You can freeze these cookies for up to 3 months. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For that fresh-baked touch, pop them into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
Don’t worry, this can happen sometimes! If your dough is too sticky, it could be due to your butter not being properly softened. A good trick is to chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, then try scooping again. You can also lightly dust your hands with flour while shaping to make it easier.

Are there any dietary considerations for these cookies?
Absolutely! For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Looking for a dairy-free alternative? Swap the butter for vegan butter, and use dairy-free cream cheese. You can also replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) to make it vegan-friendly!

How can I make sure my cookies turn out chewy?
To achieve that deliciously chewy texture, make sure to underbake them slightly; the centers should look a little soft and undercooked when you take them out of the oven. They’ll continue cooking on the baking sheet as they cool, giving you that perfect gooey center.