Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

If you have a soft spot for that perfect combination of rich, creamy cheesecake and the irresistible peanut butter and chocolate hit of Reese’s, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. Picture biting into a cookie that marries buttery dough with a luscious cheesecake center, all studded with mini Reese’s cups and topped with colorful Reese’s Pieces. Every bite bursts with decadent flavors and textures that feel like a warm hug from your favorite dessert. I can’t wait to share this beloved recipe that instantly becomes a crowd-pleaser and keeps you reaching for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are delightfully simple but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor contrast in the Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. From the creamy richness of cream cheese to the sweet peanut buttery crunch of chopped Reese’s, every element is carefully chosen to elevate the final treat.

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base and tender crumb for the cookies.
• ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar: Adds moistness and a deep caramel flavor that complements the peanut butter.
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create a slight crispness on cookie edges.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to a chewy texture.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the sweet elements with a warm, fragrant aroma.
• 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds the cookies without being too dense.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise perfectly for that soft center and golden edge.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor.
• 1 cup (180g) mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped: Infuses each bite with peanut butter and chocolate goodness.
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened: The star of the cheesecake filling, delivering creamy tang.
• ¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cheesecake filling to perfection.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the cheesecake filling with its delicate flavor.
• ½ cup (90g) Reese’s Pieces or extra chopped Reese’s cups: Sprinkles of extra fun and color to decorate each cookie.

How to Make Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Start by whisking together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until it’s completely smooth and silky. This luscious filling is what makes these cookies truly unique and will contrast beautifully with the cookie dough.

Step 2: Chill the Cheesecake Mixture

Pop the cheesecake mixture in the fridge, covered, for about 15 to 20 minutes. This makes it firm enough to handle when you’re assembling the cookies, so it doesn’t melt and run everywhere.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving a soft, tender cookie texture with just the right amount of chew.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to keep the batter smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract, which brings everything together with a lovely aroma and flavor boost.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures your leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed so your cookies bake up perfectly.

Step 6: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding them in just until combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep the cookies light and tender.

Step 7: Fold in the Chopped Reese’s

Gently fold the chopped mini Reese’s peanut butter cups into the dough. They’ll melt slightly and create those irresistible pockets of peanut butter and chocolate throughout each cookie.

Step 8: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 9: Shape and Fill The Cookies

Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Add roughly ½ teaspoon of the chilled cheesecake filling right in the center, then top it with another small scoop of dough, sealing the edges carefully to encase the creamy cheesecake center.

Step 10: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the cookies about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet to give them room to spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden brown but the centers are still soft and inviting.

Step 11: Cool and Decorate

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While they are still warm, press some extra chopped Reese’s or colorful Reese’s Pieces on top to add a playful, festive touch.

How to Serve Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

These cookies are already showstoppers, but a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate can amplify their charm. Adding a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving also adds a delicate sweetness and makes them look bakery-level irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair these Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies with a cold glass of milk or a creamy cup of coffee to balance their richness. They also go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, turning them into an indulgent dessert that’s hard to put down.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these cookies on a rustic wooden platter or stack them in a decorative jar tied with a ribbon for gift-giving. For parties, arrange them on a colorful dessert tray surrounded by mini Reese’s cups and other peanut butter treats to create a festive peanut butter lovers’ paradise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and flavorful for up to 4 days, making them perfect for enjoying over several days or bringing to gatherings.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked dough balls or fully baked cookies. For dough, freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Baked cookies should be well wrapped or stored in a freezer-safe container and can freeze for up to 2 months without losing quality.

Reheating

To enjoy your cookies warm and melty again, simply microwave one for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. The cheesecake center softens delightfully, giving you that fresh-baked vibe any time.

FAQs

Can I use regular peanut butter cups instead of mini ones?

Absolutely! Just chop regular Reese’s cups into smaller pieces similar in size to minis so they bake evenly and distribute well throughout the dough.

What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand?

Cream cheese is essential for the cheesecake filling’s creamy tang and structure, so I recommend not skipping it. However, you could try mascarpone as a substitute for a slightly different flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies heavily on dairy ingredients like butter and cream cheese. With substitutions such as vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese, you might get close, but the texture and flavor will be different. Experiment carefully!

How do I prevent the cheesecake filling from leaking out during baking?

Chilling the cheesecake filling helps it hold shape when assembled. Also, be sure to seal the cookie edges tightly around the filling so it doesn’t ooze out as it bakes.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped peanuts or walnuts would add great crunch and complement the peanut butter flavor. Just add about ½ cup and fold it in with the Reese’s cups to keep things balanced.

Final Thoughts

This Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is truly a labor of love that combines the buttery tenderness of cookies with the creamy delight of cheesecake and the childhood favorite taste of Reese’s peanut butter cups. They’re surprisingly easy to make and impossible to stop eating once you start. Give this recipe a try and watch it become your new go-to dessert for celebrations or everyday indulgence. Trust me, your friends and family will be asking for the recipe in no time!

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