Gooey Reese's Cheesecake Cookies
Delightful cookies combining creamy peanut butter and rich cheesecake filling, creating a comforting treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the cookie dough
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter Sunny and nutty
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened For a rich texture
- 1 cup granulated sugar To sweeten the deal
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed For deeper flavor
- 1 large egg Binding magic
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract To enhance the aroma
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour The base of our cookies
- 1 teaspoon baking soda For that perfect rise
- 1/4 teaspoon salt To balance sweetness
- 1 1/2 cups mini Reese's peanut butter cups, chopped For gooey goodness
For the cream cheese filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened The secret to creaminess
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar To sweeten the cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract For a hint of flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture. Continue to beat until fully incorporated, creating a creamy and smooth batter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix gently until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped mini Reese's peanut butter cups until evenly distributed.
- In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the lined baking sheet. Press your thumb gently in the center of each ball to create a well.
- Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into each thumbprint well.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and centers remain soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavor and prevent spreading. Consider adding semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra decadence. Experiment with different flavored cream cheese for variations.