Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. Mix Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add Sugar and Egg: Add the granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat until well combined and creamy.
3. Fold in Reese’s: Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and well combined.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Stir in Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

1. Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop a generous spoonful of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Add Cheesecake Filling: Make a small indentation in the center of each cookie dough scoop and add about a tablespoon of the cheesecake filling.
3. Top with More Dough: Use a little extra cookie dough to cover the cheesecake filling, pinching the edges to seal it. (The filling should be hidden inside.)
4. Add Toppings: If desired, place a small piece of chopped Reese’s peanut butter cup on top of each cookie for an extra treat.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
2. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cookies

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese and egg are at room temperature for a smoother filling.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the cookie dough, mix until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
• Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the cookies for longer storage—just wrap them tightly.

Conclusion

These Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect blend of flavors and textures, offering a delicious twist on traditional cookies. With a rich cheesecake center and a soft, peanut butter-infused cookie exterior, every bite is a heavenly experience.

Ready to satisfy your sweet tooth? Gather your ingredients and get baking! These cookies are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or a delightful treat for yourself. Enjoy the rich combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and cheesecake in every delicious bite!