If you love the creamy richness of cheesecake and the sweet, nutty goodness of Reese’s peanut butter cups, then these Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are about to become your new favorite dessert! These cookies are the perfect blend of soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth textures, with a gooey center that makes every bite irresistible.

Unlike traditional cookies, these are made with cream cheese, which gives them an extra soft and slightly tangy flavor—just like a cheesecake, but in cookie form! The addition of mini Reese’s cups and chocolate chips creates the ultimate peanut butter-chocolate experience, making them a hit with both kids and adults.

What makes these cookies stand out is their gooey texture. Thanks to the cream cheese and slightly underbaked center, they stay moist and tender long after they come out of the oven. If you’ve ever struggled with dry or crumbly cookies, this recipe is the perfect solution!

Whether you’re making them for a party, a holiday treat, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. Plus, they’re super easy to make—no complicated techniques or fancy ingredients required. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of bakery-style cookies that taste like they came straight from a dessert shop.

Ready to bake? Let’s dive into the recipe and learn exactly how to make these Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe 

If you’re still wondering whether you should try these cookies, here are a few reasons why they’re absolutely worth making:

1. The Perfect Texture

These cookies are soft, chewy, and gooey—thanks to the cream cheese in the dough. Unlike regular cookies, they don’t dry out quickly, so you’ll enjoy their amazing texture even days after baking.

2. Packed with Peanut Butter & Chocolate

If you love the classic Reese’s combination of peanut butter and chocolate, this recipe delivers in every bite! The mini Reese’s cups melt slightly as they bake, creating little pockets of peanut butter goodness.

3. Easy to Make

No need to be a baking expert! These cookies require just a few basic ingredients and can be mixed in one bowl. Plus, chilling the dough isn’t required (though it can enhance the flavor if you have time).

4. Versatile & Customizable

You can easily switch things up by adding white chocolate chips, caramel bits, or crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet twist. Want a holiday version? Toss in some festive sprinkles or drizzle with chocolate!

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re baking for a holiday, birthday party, bake sale, or just because—you can’t go wrong with Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies. They’re crowd-pleasers and will disappear fast!

Ingredients Breakdown 

To create the ultimate gooey and rich Reese’s cheesecake cookies, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s what each one does in the recipe:

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the cookies, giving them structure.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay light.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.

Wet Ingredients

• 4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened – Adds a creamy, slightly tangy flavor and keeps the cookies soft.
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and helps create a tender texture.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies while keeping them light.
• ¼ cup brown sugar – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
• 1 large egg – Binds everything together and provides structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the cookies.

Mix-ins (The Star Ingredients!)

• 1 cup mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped – The main feature! These melt into the cookies, creating gooey peanut butter pockets.
• ½ cup Reese’s Pieces or peanut butter chips – Adds crunch and extra peanut butter flavor.
• ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips – For even more gooey, chocolatey goodness.

Optional Add-ins & Substitutions

• Want extra crunch? Add chopped peanuts or pretzels.
• Prefer white chocolate? Swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips.
• Making it gluten-free? Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead.
• Need a dairy-free version? Use vegan cream cheese and butter substitutes.

Why These Ingredients Work

The combination of cream cheese, butter, and sugars creates a soft, slightly dense cookie that doesn’t dry out easily. The Reese’s add rich peanut butter flavor, while the chocolate chips enhance the decadence. The balance of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors makes these cookies irresistible!

Kitchen Tools & Equipment Needed 

Before we start baking, let’s make sure you have all the necessary tools. These will help ensure your cookies turn out perfectly gooey and delicious!

Essential Baking Tools

1. Mixing Bowls – You’ll need at least two: one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients.
2. Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer – Helps cream the butter, sugar, and cream cheese together smoothly.
3. Spatula – For folding in the Reese’s and chocolate chips.
4. Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.

Baking Essentials

5. Baking Sheets – Use light-colored baking sheets for even baking.
6. Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat – Prevents sticking and helps with even browning.
7. Cookie Scoop (Optional) – Ensures evenly-sized cookies for consistent baking.
8. Cooling Rack – Helps cookies cool evenly without becoming soggy.

Optional Tools for Extra Ease

9. Kitchen Scale – Great for measuring flour accurately and avoiding dry cookies.
10. Sharp Knife – For cutting the mini Reese’s cups into smaller pieces.

Why These Tools Matter

Using the right tools ensures that your cookies bake evenly and turn out with the perfect texture. A mixer is especially helpful for creaming the butter, sugar, and cream cheese together—this step is crucial for getting that soft, gooey consistency. Parchment paper prevents sticking, and a cooling rack stops the cookies from getting soggy.

If you don’t have a stand mixer, don’t worry! A simple whisk and some elbow grease can get the job done just as well.

Step-by-Step Instructions 

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these easy steps to make Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies from scratch.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• If using mini Reese’s cups, chop them into smaller pieces.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
• Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 4: Fold in the Goodies

• Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s cups, Reese’s Pieces, and chocolate chips.

Step 5: Scoop & Bake

• Use a cookie scoop or spoon to place dough balls onto the baking sheet (about 2 inches apart).
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are slightly golden but centers remain soft.

Step 6: Cool & Enjoy!

• Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
• Enjoy warm for the gooeyest experience!

Expert Baking Tips for Perfect Cookies 

Want to make sure your Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies turn out perfect every time? Follow these expert baking tips to get soft, chewy, and gooey cookies with just the right texture.

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

• Allow your butter, cream cheese, and egg to come to room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth, even dough without lumps.
• Cold butter or cream cheese can lead to an uneven dough, while melted butter can make cookies spread too much.

2. Don’t Overmix the Dough

• Overmixing develops too much gluten, which can make cookies tough instead of soft.
• Mix only until ingredients are combined—this keeps the texture light and tender.

3. Chill the Dough for Extra Thickness

• While you can bake immediately, chilling the dough for 30 minutes to 1 hour helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
• If you prefer a chewier, thicker cookie, this step is highly recommended!

4. Use a Cookie Scoop for Even Sizes

• A cookie scoop ensures your cookies are uniform in size, which helps them bake evenly.

5. Avoid Overbaking

• Cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center when you remove them from the oven.
• They’ll continue cooking on the baking sheet for a few minutes, so don’t wait until they’re fully set before pulling them out.

6. Experiment with Mix-Ins

• Want extra crunch? Add chopped nuts or pretzels.
• Love extra chocolate? Use a mix of dark, milk, and white chocolate chips.

7. Store Them Properly

• Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain their soft, gooey texture.
• Avoid refrigerating, as it can dry them out—unless you plan to store them for an extended period.

Fun Variations & Customization Ideas

Want to switch things up and put your own spin on these Reese’s cheesecake cookies? Try these fun variations to create unique flavors while keeping that deliciously gooey texture!

1. Stuffed Reese’s Cookies

• Instead of mixing Reese’s cups into the dough, press a whole mini Reese’s cup into each cookie before baking. This creates an ooey-gooey peanut butter center!

2. Chocolate Overload Version

• Swap out some or all of the flour for cocoa powder to create a double chocolate version.
• Use a mix of milk chocolate and dark chocolate chips for an ultra-rich flavor.

3. Caramel Peanut Butter Swirl

• Swirl in softened peanut butter and caramel sauce into the dough before scooping.
• Drizzle with extra caramel once baked for a decadent twist.

4. Crunchy Pretzel Twist

• Add crushed pretzels to the dough for a salty-sweet flavor combo.
• You can also sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top for extra contrast.

5. Holiday or Seasonal Themes

• For Christmas, mix in red and green M&Ms or drizzle with white chocolate.
• For Halloween, use orange and brown Reese’s Pieces with a sprinkle of crushed Oreos.
• For Easter, add mini Cadbury eggs or pastel sprinkles.

6. Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free Options

• Use gluten-free flour instead of regular flour for a gluten-free version.
• Replace butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives to make them dairy-free.

7. Brownie Cheesecake Cookie Hybrid

• Mix in chunks of brownie or use a brownie mix instead of some of the flour for a more fudgy, brownie-like cookie.

With these variations, you can enjoy a new version of Reese’s cheesecake cookies every time you bake!

How to Store & Freeze These Cookies

Storing Baked Cookies

To keep your cookies soft and gooey, store them properly:

• Room Temperature: Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: While not necessary, you can store them in the fridge for up to 7-10 days if you want them to last longer.

Tip: Place a slice of bread in the container with your cookies. The bread will absorb moisture and keep the cookies soft!

Freezing Baked Cookies

• Let cookies cool completely before freezing.
• Store in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container with layers separated by parchment paper.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back the gooey texture.

Freezing Cookie Dough for Later

If you want fresh-baked cookies anytime, freeze the dough instead:

1. Scoop cookie dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
2. Freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours), then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
3. Label with the date and store for up to 3 months.
4. Bake directly from frozen—just add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time!

Pairing Ideas: Best Ways to Enjoy These Cookies 

These Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are amazing on their own, but here are some delicious ways to level up your experience:

1. Classic Milk & Cookies Combo

• Enjoy these cookies with a cold glass of milk—the ultimate pairing for a sweet, creamy contrast.
• Try chocolate milk for an extra indulgent treat.

2. Ice Cream Sandwiches 

• Sandwich vanilla, peanut butter, or chocolate ice cream between two cookies.
• Freeze for 30 minutes before serving for a firm, chewy bite.

3. Drizzle with Chocolate or Caramel 

• Melt chocolate or caramel and drizzle over the cookies for extra decadence.
• Sprinkle a little sea salt on top for a gourmet touch!

4. Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate 

• Dip these cookies into a warm cup of peanut butter hot chocolate for an extra cozy experience.

5. Crumbled Over Yogurt or Oatmeal

• Chop up the cookies and use them as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or even pancakes!

6. Serve with Coffee or Espresso

• The slight tanginess of the cream cheese pairs beautifully with espresso or strong coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use regular peanut butter instead of Reese’s cups?

Yes! If you don’t have mini Reese’s cups, swirl 2-3 tablespoons of peanut butter into the dough before baking for a similar flavor.

Q2: How do I make these cookies even gooier?

• Slightly underbake them (remove them when the centers still look soft and slightly underdone).
• Add extra chocolate chips or stuff a whole Reese’s cup inside each cookie.

Q3: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.

Q4: Why did my cookies turn out dry or crumbly?

• You may have added too much flour—use a kitchen scale for accuracy.
• Overbaking is another reason—remove them when the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.

Q5: Can I freeze the dough and bake later?

Absolutely! Scoop the dough into balls, freeze, and bake directly from frozen—just add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

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