1. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined and creamy. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in Reese’s: Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups.
3. Assemble the Cookies:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Scoop Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Add Cheesecake Filling: Use a small spoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie dough ball. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cheesecake filling into each indentation.
- Cover with Dough: Use additional cookie dough to cover the cheesecake filling and seal the edges. Flatten the dough slightly so that the cookies are evenly shaped.
4. Bake the Cookies:
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Serve:
- Enjoy these Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies warm or at room temperature. They are perfect for dessert or a sweet treat any time of day.
Tips for Success:
- Chill the Dough: If the cookie dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to work with.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Conclusion: Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are a delectable treat that combines the best of both worlds—chewy cookies and creamy cheesecake with chunks of Reese’s peanut butter cups. These cookies are a crowd-pleaser and a great way to satisfy your sweet cravings. Enjoy these indulgent treats at your next gathering or as a special dessert for yourself!