There’s something magical about the combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and creamy cheesecake filling. These Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate indulgence, combining soft, buttery cookie dough with melty chocolate chips, crunchy Reese’s Pieces, and a surprise cheesecake center that oozes with every bite. If you’re a fan of Reese’s and love a decadent cookie, this is the perfect recipe for you.

I love making these cookies for special occasions, but honestly, they’re so good that you don’t need an excuse. The balance of textures—chewy, gooey, and slightly crisp on the edges—makes them irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday, or just because you deserve a treat, these cookies will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

The perfect texture – Soft and chewy on the outside with a rich, gooey cheesecake filling inside.
Loaded with peanut butter and chocolate – Every bite has Reese’s Pieces and chocolate chips, making it a dream for chocolate and peanut butter lovers.
A fun surprise center – The creamy cheesecake filling adds a luscious, unexpected twist.
Great for any occasion – Whether it’s for a bake sale, a holiday dessert table, or just a sweet craving, these cookies are always a hit.
Easy to make ahead – You can freeze them before baking or after, making them perfect for meal prep (or emergency dessert cravings).

What’s the Best Way to Stuff These Cookies?

Stuffing cookies with cheesecake filling might sound tricky, but it’s easier than you think! The key is to freeze the cheesecake filling before assembling the cookies. This ensures that the filling stays firm while shaping the dough around it and melts perfectly when baked. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, place dollops of cheesecake filling onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least an hour. Once frozen, wrapping them in cookie dough becomes effortless, and you’ll get that gooey center in every bite.

Options for Substitutions

If you want to customize these cookies, here are some great swaps you can try:

Peanut Butter Alternatives – If you have a peanut allergy or want a different flavor, swap Reese’s Pieces for M&M’s or butterscotch chips.
Chocolate Options – Instead of semisweet chocolate chips, try milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate for a unique twist.
Cookie Dough Base – You can experiment with a peanut butter cookie dough instead of a traditional sugar cookie dough for even more peanut butter flavor.
Cheesecake Filling Variation – Add a little peanut butter or cocoa powder to the cheesecake filling for a different flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Version – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free while maintaining their soft texture.
Dairy-Free Alternative – Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes to make these cookies suitable for a dairy-free diet.

Ingredients for Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Cream Cheese – The star of the cheesecake filling, providing a creamy and tangy contrast to the sweet cookie.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake filling while keeping it smooth and soft.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavors in both the cookie dough and the cheesecake filling.
Unsalted Butter – Gives the cookies a rich, buttery taste while keeping them soft and chewy.
Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor, making the cookies extra soft.
Granulated Sugar – Balances the sweetness and helps with the cookie’s structure.
Egg – Helps bind everything together for the perfect dough consistency.
All-Purpose Flour – The base of the cookie dough, providing structure and chewiness.
Baking Soda – Ensures the cookies rise properly and stay light and soft.
Salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Chocolate Chips – Melt into gooey goodness, adding a rich chocolatey element to every bite.
Reese’s Pieces – Brings crunch, color, and an irresistible peanut butter flavor.
Melted Chocolate (for drizzle, optional) – Adds a beautiful finishing touch and extra chocolatey richness.

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Scoop small dollops (about 1 teaspoon each) onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 1 hour or until firm. This step makes it easier to stuff the cookies without the filling oozing out too soon.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Fold in the chocolate chips and Reese’s Pieces, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

Take about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it in your palm. Place a frozen cheesecake filling piece in the center, then top with another small piece of dough. Carefully seal the edges, rolling the dough into a smooth ball to fully enclose the filling. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the stuffed cookie dough balls on the sheet, leaving space between them for spreading. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the center remains soft.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If desired, drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra indulgent touch. Serve warm for the ultimate gooey experience!

How Long to Cook Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

These cookies bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-14 minutes. The key is to remove them from the oven when the edges are lightly golden, but the centers still look slightly underbaked. They will continue to set as they cool, ensuring a perfectly soft and gooey texture. Overbaking can make them dry and reduce the cheesecake’s creamy consistency, so keep a close eye on them!

Tips for Perfect Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

Freeze the cheesecake filling – This step is essential to keep the filling from melting too soon inside the cookie.
Don’t overmix the dough – Overworking the cookie dough can make the cookies tough instead of soft and chewy. Mix just until combined.
Use room temperature butter – Softened butter helps create the perfect cookie texture and ensures even mixing.
Chill the dough if it’s too sticky – If the dough becomes too soft while assembling, pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before shaping.
Space the cookies apart – These cookies spread slightly, so leave at least 2 inches between them on the baking sheet.
Bake in batches – If your oven doesn’t heat evenly, bake one tray at a time for the best results.
Let them cool slightly – The filling will be very hot right out of the oven. Let them sit for at least 5 minutes before biting in!
Drizzle with melted chocolate – A little extra chocolate on top makes these cookies even more irresistible.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the freezing step for the cheesecake filling – If the filling isn’t frozen, it will melt too quickly and leak out during baking.
Overbaking the cookies – These cookies should look slightly underdone when you take them out. Overbaking will make them dry and hard instead of gooey.
Using cold butter – Cold butter won’t mix well, resulting in a dense and uneven dough. Always use room-temperature butter for a smooth consistency.
Not sealing the cookie dough properly – Make sure the cheesecake filling is completely enclosed in the cookie dough to prevent it from leaking out.
Crowding the baking sheet – These cookies spread slightly, so give them enough space to bake evenly.
Not letting them cool before eating – The cheesecake filling is extremely hot right out of the oven! Let them rest for a few minutes before enjoying.
Skipping the extra chocolate drizzle – Okay, this isn’t a mistake, but trust me, that final drizzle of melted chocolate takes these cookies to the next level!

What to Serve With Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies?

1. A Glass of Cold Milk

Nothing beats the classic combination of warm, gooey cookies and a tall glass of cold milk.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream

For the ultimate indulgence, serve these cookies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.

3. Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Enhance the peanut butter and chocolate flavors by pairing these cookies with a rich peanut butter hot chocolate.

4. Coffee or Espresso

The deep flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of these cookies perfectly.

5. Whipped Cream

A dollop of whipped cream on the side adds an airy contrast to the dense, chewy cookies.

6. Fresh Strawberries

A fruity element like strawberries balances out the richness of the cookies.

7. Crushed Peanuts or Caramel Sauce

For extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle some crushed peanuts or drizzle caramel sauce over the cookies.

8. A Peanut Butter Milkshake

Double up on the peanut butter love by pairing these cookies with a thick peanut butter milkshake!

Storage Instructions

Storing at Room Temperature

If you plan to enjoy these cookies within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Refrigerating for Longer Freshness

For a longer shelf life, store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This helps keep the cheesecake filling fresh. Let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before eating, or warm them slightly in the microwave for a gooey center.

Freezing Instructions

Unbaked Cookies: Assemble the cookies and place them on a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.
Baked Cookies: Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

Estimated Nutrition

(Per cookie, based on an average batch size)

Calories: ~320
Carbohydrates: ~40g
Sugar: ~28g
Fat: ~16g
Saturated Fat: ~9g
Protein: ~5g
Fiber: ~2g
Sodium: ~150mg

Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough and freeze the assembled cookie dough balls before baking. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer—just add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.

2. Do I have to freeze the cheesecake filling?

Yes, freezing the cheesecake filling is essential. If you skip this step, the filling may melt too quickly and seep out of the cookies while baking.

3. Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

You can, but homemade dough gives the best texture and flavor. If using store-bought dough, make sure it’s thick enough to hold the cheesecake filling without breaking.

4. How do I get perfectly round cookies?

Right after baking, use a circular cookie cutter or a spoon to gently shape the cookies while they are still warm. This helps create a more uniform appearance.

5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Ensure your chocolate chips and Reese’s Pieces are also gluten-free.

6. What’s the best way to reheat these cookies?

Pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to get the cheesecake center warm and gooey again. You can also reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

7. Can I add more peanut butter flavor?

Definitely! You can use a peanut butter cookie dough base, swirl peanut butter into the cheesecake filling, or even add peanut butter chips for extra flavor.

8. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

If your cookies are spreading too much, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Also, make sure you’re measuring your flour correctly—too little flour can cause excess spreading.

Conclusion

These Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate treat for peanut butter and chocolate lovers. With their soft, chewy texture and creamy cheesecake center, they’re guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite. Don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest and share it with friends and family—they’ll thank you later!