If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that blends the rich flavors of peanut butter, tangy cream cheese, and the absolute joy of a cookie, these Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are about to become your new obsession. Imagine soft, thick cookies layered with bites of peanut butter cups, pops of Reese’s Pieces, and a creamy cheesecake swirl, all finished with a luscious drizzle of melted chocolate. They’re everything you adore about a bakery-style cookie and a decadent cheesecake combined in one magical treat.

Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies is chosen to create moments of melt-in-your-mouth bliss. Don’t skip a thing—they each bring their own charm, from chewiness to crunch, sweetness to tang.

All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies structure and that perfect chewy-but-soft center.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies spread just enough without losing their thickness.
Baking powder: Adds a subtle lift for a light, cake-like texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the amazing flavors.
Unsalted butter, softened: The secret to tender, flavorful cookies—make sure it’s room temperature for easy creaming.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies bake up crisp at the edges.
Packed brown sugar: Brings rich, caramel notes and a touch of extra moisture.
Large egg: Binds everything together and contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor and aroma within each bite.
Cream cheese, softened: Makes the dough creamy and gives the cookies their cheesecake flair.
Mini Reese’s Pieces: Pop of color, crunch, and peanut buttery flavor in every bite.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped: Decadent pockets of chocolate and peanut butter goodness—don’t cut them too small!
White chocolate chips: Adds creamy sweetness and a pretty color contrast.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted (for drizzling): That glossy chocolate finish takes these cookies totally over the top.

How to Make Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Gear

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks, and you’re ready for smooth cookie removal. Having everything ready to go means you can focus on the fun part!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This quick blend ensures that your leavening agents and seasonings are evenly mixed throughout the dough, so every cookie bakes up just right.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until it’s light, fluffy, and almost irresistible (try not to sneak a taste, I dare you). This step is the foundation for that classic chewy edge and soft center in your Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies.

Step 4: Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Cream Cheese

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, making sure they’re well incorporated for extra richness. Next, add the softened cream cheese and continue mixing until the dough is creamy and smooth. This is where the cheesecake magic happens!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet, stirring gently until everything just comes together. Try not to overmix—this will keep your cookies tender and prevent them from becoming tough.

Step 6: Stir In the Mix-Ins

Fold in the mini Reese’s Pieces, chopped peanut butter cups, and white chocolate chips. Make sure every scoop of dough is loaded with goodies for the ultimate cookie-eating experience.

Step 7: Portion and Bake

Scoop the dough using two tablespoons per cookie (or use a cookie scoop for precision) and place them on your baking sheet. Give them a light press to flatten just slightly, then bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers will still look a little soft—trust the process!

Step 8: Cool and Drizzle

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, drizzle with melted semi-sweet chocolate for that irresistible glossy finish. This final touch makes your Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies totally bakery-worthy.

How to Serve Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

Garnishes

You can never go wrong with an extra shower of chopped Reese’s Pieces or a sprinkle of flaked sea salt on top of your Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies. For a special occasion, add a swirl of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside. The drizzle of melted semi-sweet chocolate not only looks beautiful but deepens the chocolatey flavor with each bite.

Side Dishes

These cookies are rich and indulgent, so pairing them with a cool glass of milk or a cup of coffee is classic and comforting. If you’re serving cookies at a party, alongside fresh strawberries or a fruit kabob platter balances the sweetness with a refreshing note.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies on a tiered dessert stand for instant “wow” factor. Wrap a few in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for an unforgettable edible gift, or set up a DIY cookie sundae bar for parties—just add ice cream, whipped cream, and extra peanut butter sauce!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The cream cheese in the dough helps these cookies stay soft and moist, but if you’re keeping them any longer, refrigerate to preserve brightness and freshness.

Freezing

Both the baked cookies and the unbaked dough freeze beautifully. To freeze baked cookies, layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. For dough, scoop and freeze individual balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag—bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

A quick zap in the microwave (about 10 seconds) brings back that warm, gooey texture, melting the chocolate just enough. For a crispier exterior, pop them in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes. Always let cookies cool slightly before you dive in so you don’t miss that perfect bite!

FAQs

Can I substitute the Reese’s candies with other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Try using chopped Snickers, M&M’s, or even dark chocolate chunks for a different flavor profile. That being said, the combination of mini Reese’s Pieces and peanut butter cups is really what makes these Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies shine.

Do I need to chill the dough?

This dough doesn’t require chilling, so you can bake your cookies right away. If you prefer extra thick and chewy cookies, a 30-minute chill in the fridge will do the trick, but it’s totally optional!

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. The cookies may have a slightly different texture, but they’ll be just as delicious and gooey.

What’s the best way to melt the chocolate for drizzling?

Microwave the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl in 20-second increments, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat, as chocolate can seize quickly.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Over-softened butter or not measuring the flour correctly can cause cookies to spread more than you’d like. Always use room temperature, not melted, butter and scoop flour with a spoon into your measuring cup, then level it off for best results.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistibly joyful about biting into these Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies, with all their chocolate-peanut butter-creamy goodness. They’re fun to bake, even more fun to share, and guaranteed to make you the star of any gathering. Give them a try and get ready for your new favorite cookie obsession!