Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cookies are a combination of some of the best flavors out there—peanut butter, chocolate, and cheesecake. The cookies themselves are soft and chewy with a rich, creamy texture thanks to the cream cheese. The addition of Reese’s Pieces and chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups gives them an extra layer of peanut butter flavor and a delightful crunch. The melted semi-sweet chocolate drizzle on top adds the perfect finishing touch, making these cookies a true indulgence for any peanut butter and chocolate lover.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup mini Reese’s Pieces
• 1/2 cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted (for drizzling)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream butter, sugars, and cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cream cheese until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
4. Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Combine the dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Add the mix-ins: Gently fold in the mini Reese’s Pieces, chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Scoop and bake: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
8. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown, but the centers are still soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Drizzle with chocolate: Once the cookies are completely cooled, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies using a spoon or a piping bag.
10. Serve and enjoy: Once the chocolate drizzle has set, the cookies are ready to enjoy! Serve and share these delicious treats with family and friends.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 24 cookies
• Total Time: 20 minutes active, 10-12 minutes for baking

Variations

• Add more chocolate: If you love chocolate, feel free to add more semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips to the dough for extra chocolaty goodness.
• Peanut butter drizzle: For an extra peanut butter kick, drizzle some melted peanut butter over the cookies after the chocolate drizzle sets.
• Vegan Option: You can try substituting the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free versions, and use vegan chocolate chips to make these cookies vegan-friendly.
• Chopped nuts: Add chopped peanuts or another nut of your choice for an added crunch and nutty flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, allow them to thaw at room temperature or reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use peanut butter instead of cream cheese?

While the cream cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor and soft texture, you can substitute it with peanut butter if you prefer a more peanut buttery taste. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

2. Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes! You can use milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate chips, depending on your preference.

3. How do I make these cookies more chewy?

For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them and let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. You can also add a bit more brown sugar to increase the chewiness.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time. Just cover the dough tightly and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, scoop the dough onto the baking sheets and bake as directed.

5. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

6. Can I use regular Reese’s Cups instead of mini ones?

Yes, you can use regular Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and chop them into smaller pieces. The mini Reese’s Pieces just provide a more uniform distribution of candy in each cookie.

7. Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just let them cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

8. How can I make these cookies more peanut buttery?

To make them even more peanut buttery, you can add 1/4 cup of peanut butter to the dough along with the butter for an extra peanut butter punch.

9. Can I use a different type of cookie for the mix-ins?

If you prefer another candy or cookie, feel free to use chopped-up Snickers bars, M&Ms, or your favorite chocolate candy. You can also try adding a handful of pretzels for a salty-sweet combo.

10. Can I drizzle something other than chocolate on these cookies?

Yes, you can drizzle caramel, peanut butter, or even white chocolate over the cookies for a different flavor experience.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for any peanut butter and chocolate lover. With a rich, creamy base, a variety of delicious mix-ins, and a chocolate drizzle on top, these cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them for a special event or just because, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings and impress everyone who tries them. Enjoy these irresistible cookies and treat yourself to something truly special!

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