White Chocolate Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

If you love the irresistible combination of peanut butter and cheesecake, you are going to adore these White Chocolate Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie filled with a luscious cream cheese center, all topped with a creamy white chocolate drizzle and crunchy Reese’s peanut butter cup pieces. This indulgent treat masterfully blends rich textures and flavors, making every bite feel like a celebration of your favorite sweets. Once you try these White Chocolate Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies, they’ll quickly become your go-to dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play an essential role in creating the perfect cookie texture and flavor balance. From the tender cream cheese filling to the burst of sweetness from white chocolate and Reese’s, these ingredients come together in harmony to delight your taste buds.

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb to the cookie base.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve the ideal crispness on the edges.
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel note for depth of flavor.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the dough and contribute to its soft, chewy texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic touch.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies while keeping them chewy.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread just enough.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts all the flavors.
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened): Essential for that dreamy, creamy cheesecake filling inside each cookie.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cheesecake filling): Sweetens the cheesecake center to perfection.
• 1 large egg (for cheesecake filling): Adds richness and helps set the cheesecake filling.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cheesecake filling): Infuses the cheesecake center with warm, comforting flavor.
• 1 cup white chocolate chips: For melting into a luscious drizzle that complements the peanut butter cups beautifully.
• 1 cup Reese’s peanut butter cups (chopped): Adds peanut buttery crunch and chocolate goodness on top.

How to Make White Chocolate Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Begin by creaming together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until your mixture is light and fluffy — this ensures your cookies will be tender with just the right amount of chewiness. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition so everything integrates perfectly. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse a lovely aroma into the dough. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually blend these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Once combined, chill the dough for at least an hour; this step is key for easier handling and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

While the dough chills, beat the cream cheese in a medium bowl until it’s completely smooth and creamy. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, then beat everything until the mixture is silky and well combined. This luscious filling is what makes the White Chocolate Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies so wonderfully unique and delightfully creamy inside.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop a tablespoon of the chilled cookie dough and flatten it gently into a disk. Place a generous spoonful of the cheesecake filling in the center of the disk, then carefully fold the edges over to seal the filling inside. Roll the stuffed dough into a ball and arrange the cookies on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely light golden color. Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes — this resting time lets the centers set and makes transferring them easier — then move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Add the White Chocolate Drizzle and Reese’s Topping

Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second bursts and stirring until smooth and glossy. Drizzle the melted white chocolate generously over the cooled cookies, then immediately sprinkle the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups on top. Let the chocolate drizzle set for a few minutes before serving so you have that perfect snap and gorgeous presentation.

How to Serve White Chocolate Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the white chocolate drizzle once it’s set. This contrast enhances the sweetness and elevates the cookie’s flavor. You can also add a few mini Reese’s peanut butter cups or an extra swirl of melted white chocolate on the plate for a playful presentation your guests will love.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee. If you want to get fancy, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or a scoop of peanut butter gelato to complement the creamy cheesecake center and peanut butter notes. They are also delightful with a fresh berry salad, which adds a refreshing balance to the rich cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the White Chocolate Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies on a pretty cake stand for a party centerpiece or arrange them on a rustic wooden board with a scattering of mini peanut butter cups and white chocolate shards. If giving as gifts, tie a few cookies with twine and tuck in a small note describing these irresistible treats — nothing says love better than homemade cookies!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover White Chocolate Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep their perfect texture. If you want to keep them softer, you can add a slice of bread inside the container; it helps maintain moisture without making the cookies soggy.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, both the dough balls and the baked cookies freeze beautifully. For dough, freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a sealed bag or container; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time. Baked cookies should be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to two months, then thawed at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, reheat individual cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This restores the melty texture of the cheesecake center and softens the cookie without melting the white chocolate drizzle.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular chocolate chips for white chocolate chips?

Absolutely! While white chocolate provides a creamy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the peanut butter cups, using regular or even dark chocolate chips will still give you delicious results with a slightly different flavor profile.

Is it necessary to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough is highly recommended because it firms up the butter and makes the dough easier to handle, plus it helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, giving you that perfect shape and texture.

Can I use store-bought cheesecake filling instead of making my own?

While fresh cheesecake filling made from cream cheese is preferable for texture and flavor, you can use store-bought filling in a pinch. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold inside the cookie and not overly sweetened.

How do I prevent the cheesecake filling from leaking out while baking?

Make sure to seal the cookie dough tightly around the cheesecake filling by pinching the edges thoroughly. If needed, use slightly chilled dough to make handling easier and to maintain a secure seal during baking.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. Keep in mind texture might be slightly different, but they will still be just as delicious.

Final Thoughts

These White Chocolate Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are truly a game-changer for anyone who loves a decadent treat that’s bursting with flavor and texture. From the creamy cheesecake surprise to the peanut buttery crunch and smooth white chocolate drizzle, every bite is pure joy. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—you’ll find it hard to stop at just one cookie, and your friends and family will be asking for the recipe in no time!

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