White Chocolate Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies
If you’re craving a dessert that combines creamy cheesecake, sweet white chocolate, and the irresistible taste of peanut butter, these White Chocolate Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are exactly what you need. Bursting with layers of flavor and a wonderfully soft texture, they bring together the richness of cheesecake with the fun, nutty punch of Reese’s peanut butter candies. Whether you’re baking for a party or treating yourself to an indulgent snack, these cookies deliver a perfect balance of sweetness and depth that’s impossible to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deeply Decadent Flavor: Every bite delivers a blend of creamy cheesecake and luscious white chocolate with the classic peanut butter twist of Reese’s.
- Soft, Chewy Texture: These cookies stay tender and moist thanks to the cheesecake base, making each mouthful a delight.
- Quick and Easy to Make: Using straightforward ingredients and simple steps, it’s a perfect recipe for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a casual get-together or a festive celebration, these cookies impress every time.
- Customizable and Fun: You can personalize these cookies with add-ins or different chocolates to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these White Chocolate Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies lies in a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each adds its own special flavor or texture, creating a perfect harmony. From smooth cream cheese for richness to chunks of Reese’s for that peanut buttery surprise, every component plays a role in making these cookies unforgettable.
- Cream Cheese: Provides the creamy cheesecake flavor and keeps the cookies soft and moist.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base that gives structure to the cookies with just the right chewiness.
- White Chocolate Chips: Adds sweet, smooth pockets of white chocolate throughout.
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: Chopped pieces introduce the signature peanut butter crunch and flavor.
- Sugar and Brown Sugar: A combo that balances sweetness while adding a hint of caramel depth.
- Butter: Enhances the richness and tenderness of the dough.
- Eggs and Vanilla Extract: Bind everything and contribute to that classic cookie aroma.
- Baking Powder and Salt: Ensure the cookies rise nicely and bring out all the flavors.
Variations for White Chocolate Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! It’s wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to swap ingredients based on dietary needs or flavor preferences. Here are some ideas to kickstart your cookie customization adventure.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and white chocolate to make these suitable for lactose-intolerant guests.
- Nut-Free Version: Replace Reese’s with sunflower seed butter cups or caramel bits for a safe, yet delicious twist.
- Dark Chocolate Swap: Substitute white chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet cookie.
- Add Crunch: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts to introduce a satisfying nutty texture.
- Extra Cheesecake Flavor: Mix in a little lemon zest or a splash of cream cheese frosting on top for a tangy note.
How to Make White Chocolate Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Base
Start by softening your cream cheese until smooth—room temperature works best. Beat it together with the butter and sugars until creamy and fluffy. This creates the luscious cheesecake base that gives these cookies their signature texture and flavor.
Step 2: Mix in Wet Ingredients
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, which adds a warm, aromatic note that ties everything together beautifully.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this mixture into the cream cheese batter, just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep your cookies tender.
Step 4: Fold in White Chocolate and Reese’s Pieces
Gently fold in white chocolate chips and chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups. This step ensures every cookie bite has a delightful swirl of sweet white chocolate and peanut butter goodness.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-14 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. Let them cool slightly before removing from the tray.
Pro Tips for Making White Chocolate Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to blend smoothly and avoid lumps in the dough.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies when the edges turn golden but centers look slightly underdone for that perfect chewy texture.
- Chop Reese’s Carefully: Cut the peanut butter cups into small pieces to distribute flavor evenly without overly large chunks.
- Chill Dough if Needed: If dough feels too soft, refrigerating for 30 minutes can help control spreading during baking.
- Use Parchment Paper: Prevent sticking and promote even baking by lining your sheets properly.
How to Serve White Chocolate Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies
Garnishes
Sprinkle with a light dusting of powdered sugar or add a few extra white chocolate shavings on top while cookies are warm to enhance their visual appeal and sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance their rich, sweet flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve cookies stacked on decorative plates or inside a glass jar tied with a ribbon for gifts. You can also sandwich them with a creamy peanut butter or cheesecake filling for an extra-special treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your White Chocolate Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigeration is recommended to maintain softness.
Freezing
Wrap the cookies individually or place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying to retain their decadent flavor and texture.
Reheating
Warm cookies gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes to revive their fresh-baked softness and melty white chocolate.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular chocolate for white chocolate in this recipe?
Yes, using milk or dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate will change the flavor profile but still yield delicious results. It’s a great way to customize this recipe.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese in these cookies?
Cream cheese is essential here for providing the signature cheesecake texture and flavor. Without it, the cookies will not have the same moist, rich quality.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free by default. However, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend to make them safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your dough is well-chilled before baking and avoid over-softening the butter or cream cheese. Also, using parchment paper helps control spreading during baking.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version, use dairy-free cream cheese, vegan butter substitutes, egg replacers, and suitable white chocolate alternatives. This will require some experimentation but can be delicious.
Final Thoughts
Treat yourself and your loved ones to the incredible taste of White Chocolate Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies. With their perfect blend of creamy cheesecake, sweet white chocolate, and rich peanut butter, these cookies are sure to become a beloved favorite. Happy baking and enjoy each delicious bite!
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White Chocolate Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies
White Chocolate Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are a decadent dessert combining creamy cheesecake, sweet white chocolate chips, and the rich peanut butter flavor of chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups. These soft, chewy cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and depth with a luscious cheesecake base, making them ideal for any occasion and easy to customize to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Total Time: 27-29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend)
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Base: Soften the cream cheese to room temperature until smooth. Beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and fluffy to create the cheesecake base.
- Mix in Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract to add warmth and aroma to the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this into the wet mixture, combining just until incorporated to keep the dough tender.
- Fold in White Chocolate and Reese’s Pieces: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups to evenly distribute the sweet and nutty flavors throughout the dough.
- Scoop and Bake: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-14 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. Allow cookies to cool slightly before transferring.
Notes
- Make sure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smooth blending.
- Do not overbake; remove cookies when edges are golden but centers are slightly undercooked for a chewy texture.
- Chop Reese’s peanut butter cups into small pieces for even flavor distribution.
- If dough feels too soft, chill for 30 minutes to reduce spreading during baking.
- Use parchment paper for even baking and to prevent sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: white chocolate, Reese's, cheesecake cookies, peanut butter, soft cookies, dessert, homemade cookies
