Irresistible Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Cookies with Reese’s Pieces: The Ultimate Soft & Chewy Recipe
Get ready for the most incredible cookie experience! These Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Cookies are the epitome of soft, chewy, and intensely peanut buttery goodness. Infused with a secret ingredient – cream cheese – and loaded with colorful Reese’s Pieces, this recipe guarantees perfectly baked cookies every single time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, prepare to fall in love with these delightful treats that bring a unique twist to a classic favorite.
Peanut butter cookies have always been a staple in my family’s kitchen, bringing smiles and delicious aromas for years. But it wasn’t until I stumbled upon this particular recipe, featuring the unexpected addition of cream cheese, that my perception of a “perfect” peanut butter cookie completely transformed. This ingredient doesn’t just add a subtle tang; it contributes to an unparalleled moistness and chewiness that elevates these cookies far above any I’ve tried before. The inclusion of Reese’s Pieces further amplifies the peanut butter flavor and adds a playful crunch, making them absolutely irresistible.
Why Cream Cheese is the Secret to Amazing Peanut Butter Cookies
You might be wondering, “Cream cheese in cookies? Really?” And the answer is a resounding yes! Cream cheese is truly the game-changer in this recipe, transforming ordinary peanut butter cookies into something extraordinary. Its high fat content contributes to an incredibly soft and tender crumb, preventing the cookies from drying out and ensuring they remain delightfully moist for days. Beyond texture, cream cheese adds a subtle richness and a slight tang that beautifully balances the sweetness and intense flavor of the peanut butter, creating a more complex and satisfying taste profile. It’s the secret weapon that gives these cookies their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture and keeps them irresistibly chewy.
How to Achieve Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies Every Time
Making these decadent Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Cookies is surprisingly simple, especially when you follow a few key tips. These pointers will help you achieve that coveted soft, chewy texture and ensure your cookies turn out perfectly with every batch. Pay close attention to ingredient temperatures and mixing techniques for optimal results.
- Softened Butter is Crucial – Never Melted! One of the most common pitfalls in cookie baking is improper butter temperature. Butter that is too cold won’t cream properly with sugar, leading to a dense cookie. Butter that is melted will make your dough greasy and cause cookies to spread too much. For ideal results, leave your butter out on the counter for 1-2 hours until it’s soft enough to indent with a finger but still holds its shape. If you’re in a hurry, gently soften it in the microwave in 5-second bursts, rotating and flipping, being extremely careful not to melt it. I often use the defrost setting on my microwave, as it softens the butter more evenly and gradually, reducing the risk of accidental melting.
- Opt for Regular Creamy Peanut Butter: While natural peanut butter might seem like a healthier choice, its oil separation and often runnier consistency can be problematic in baking. For these cookies, stick with a regular creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy, or a similar store brand). These varieties have stabilizers that ensure a consistent texture and moisture content, which is essential for the structure and consistency of your cookies. Natural peanut butters tend to yield a drier, more crumbly cookie.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients Separately: This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s an important step for even distribution of leavening agents and flavorings. By whisking your flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch together thoroughly beforehand, you ensure that every cookie has the right amount of rise and seasoning, preventing pockets of unmixed ingredients.
- Cream Butter and Sugars Adequately: Don’t rush this step! Creaming the softened butter and sugars together for 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer is vital. This process incorporates air into the mixture, creating a light and fluffy base. This aeration contributes to the cookies’ final soft and chewy texture, ensuring they don’t turn out dense. The mixture should be light in color and fluffy.
- Always Preheat Your Oven: A properly preheated oven is critical for consistent baking. Placing cookie dough into a cold or cooling oven can lead to uneven baking, causing cookies to spread too much or not cook through properly. Ensure your oven has reached the specified temperature (350°F or 175°C) and maintained it for at least 10-15 minutes before introducing your cookie sheets.
- Invest in a Cookie Scoop: For perfectly uniform cookies, a cookie scoop is your best friend. It ensures that each cookie is the same size, which means they will all bake evenly and finish at the same time. This also contributes to a professional and appealing presentation, making your batch look as good as it tastes!
Essential Ingredients for Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Cookies
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor profile. Using high-quality ingredients and paying attention to their preparation will make all the difference in your final batch of cookies.
Butter: I typically use salted butter because I appreciate the hint of saltiness it adds, which enhances all the other flavors. However, unsalted butter works perfectly fine if that’s your preference; just make sure to keep the ½ teaspoon of added salt in the recipe. Crucially, your butter must be softened to room temperature but not melted. Melted butter will lead to greasy cookies that spread too much, while cold butter won’t cream properly.
Cream Cheese: This star ingredient is what sets these cookies apart! Like the butter, it needs to be softened to room temperature. This ensures it creams smoothly with the butter and sugars, incorporating evenly into the dough for that signature soft and chewy texture. While low-fat or non-fat cream cheese can be used, full-fat cream cheese is highly recommended for the richest flavor and best consistency.
Eggs: You’ll need two large eggs to act as a binder, providing structure and moisture to the dough. Eggs help emulsify the mixture, preventing the cookies from crumbling and ensuring they hold their shape beautifully during baking.
Vanilla Extract: Don’t skimp on the vanilla! A high-quality pure vanilla extract will significantly boost the overall flavor of your cookies, adding a warm, aromatic depth that complements the peanut butter and chocolate perfectly. It’s a foundational flavor enhancer in almost any sweet baked good.
Creamy Peanut Butter: For consistent and delightful results, opt for a regular creamy peanut butter (such as Jif, Skippy, or a comparable store brand). Natural peanut butters, which often separate and are runnier, can drastically alter the dough’s consistency and lead to cookies that spread excessively or have an undesirable texture. The stabilizers in conventional creamy peanut butter are key here.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: This recipe uses a combination of both white granulated sugar and light brown sugar. Granulated sugar contributes to crisp edges and overall sweetness, while light brown sugar adds a deep molasses flavor and extra moisture, which is essential for that coveted chewy texture. Ensure your brown sugar is fresh and soft; if it’s hard, place it in an airtight container with a slice of bread overnight to re-soften.
All-Purpose Flour: Standard all-purpose flour is ideal for these cookies, providing the necessary structure without making them too dense. If you prefer an even more tender cookie, cake flour can be substituted for a portion of the all-purpose flour. The key is to measure your flour correctly (using a spoon-and-level method) and avoid overmixing once it’s added.
Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These are your essential leavening agents. Baking soda reacts with the acidic cream cheese and brown sugar to help the cookies rise and spread, while baking powder provides an additional lift, ensuring a light and airy internal structure. Always check the expiration dates to ensure they are fresh and effective.
Salt: A small amount of salt is vital for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients, especially the peanut butter and chocolate. It truly brings out the best in this cookie.
Cornstarch: This ingredient is a game-changer for cookie texture! Adding a couple of teaspoons of cornstarch helps keep the cookies incredibly soft and tender, preventing them from becoming tough or crumbly. It also slightly thickens the dough, which can help prevent excessive spreading.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: While semi-sweet chocolate chips are a fantastic choice, providing a classic contrast to the peanut butter, feel free to experiment with dark chocolate for a richer flavor or milk chocolate for extra sweetness. The melty pockets of chocolate are a delightful addition.
Reese’s Pieces: These iconic candies are a must for any peanut butter cookie enthusiast! Reese’s Pieces not only add bursts of extra peanut butter flavor but also introduce a fun crunch and vibrant color, making the cookies visually appealing and perfect for festive occasions like Halloween or fall gatherings. If you’re a true Reese’s fanatic, consider adding chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups for an even more indulgent experience!
Simple Steps to Bake Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Cookies
Follow these easy steps to create a batch of these irresistibly soft and chewy peanut butter cookies.
First, begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a critical step to ensure even baking and to help your cookies achieve their perfect rise and texture right from the start. Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and softened cream cheese. Using an electric mixer, beat these two ingredients together for a full 2-3 minutes. This creaming process is essential for incorporating air and creating a light, fluffy base for your cookies. Next, add the eggs, vanilla extract, and creamy peanut butter to the bowl. Continue to mix for another 2-3 minutes until well combined and smooth. Finally, add both the granulated sugar and light brown sugar to the wet mixture and beat for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the sugars are fully integrated and the mixture is light and creamy.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch. This ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Now for the fun part! With a wooden spoon or a sturdy spatula, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and Reese’s Pieces. Mix just enough to distribute them evenly throughout the dough without crushing the candies.
Using a cookie scoop (about 1.5-2 tablespoons per scoop), drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving a few inches between each cookie for spreading. For an extra touch of visual appeal, I often gently press a few additional Reese’s Pieces onto the top of each cookie dough ball before baking. This ensures those colorful candies are visible after baking, making the cookies look even more tempting.
Bake the cookies for 12 minutes, or until the edges are just barely set and beginning to turn a light golden brown. The centers may still look slightly soft, but they will continue to set as they cool. Do not overbake! Overbaking is the enemy of soft, chewy cookies. Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 3-5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before you attempt to move them. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these warm or at room temperature!
CREAM CHEESE PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
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Ingredients
- ½ cup butter softened to room temperature
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature (full-fat recommended)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter (regular, not natural)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup Reese’s pieces
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
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In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and creamy peanut butter, mixing for another 2-3 minutes. Incorporate both granulated sugar and light brown sugar, beating for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
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In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips and Reese’s Pieces until evenly distributed.
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Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. For a prettier presentation, gently press a few extra Reese’s Pieces onto the top of each cookie dough ball.
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Bake for 12 minutes, or until the edges are just set and lightly golden brown, but the centers still look slightly soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions About Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Cookies
Here are some common questions and helpful answers to ensure your baking experience is a complete success.
How do you keep peanut butter cookies soft?
The beauty of these Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Cookies is that they are designed to stay wonderfully soft for longer, thanks to the cream cheese in the dough! To maximize their freshness and maintain that desirable chewiness, once the cookies have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. They will remain soft and delicious for up to 3-5 days at room temperature. For an old-fashioned trick, if your cookies start to lose their softness after a few days, place a slice of fresh bread in the airtight container with them overnight. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, making them soft again.
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?
While natural peanut butter is often preferred for its health benefits, it is generally not recommended for this specific cookie recipe. Regular creamy peanut butter, like Jif or Skippy, contains stabilizers that prevent oil separation and maintain a consistent texture, which is crucial for the structure and consistency of the cookie dough. Natural peanut butters tend to be runnier and oilier, and this can lead to cookies that spread too much, become greasy, or have a less desirable, often crumbly, texture. For the best results and the signature soft chewiness of this recipe, stick to conventional creamy peanut butter.
Can I make the cookies in advance or freeze them?
Absolutely! These cookies are great for making ahead. You can bake them 2-3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to prepare even further ahead, you have a couple of options for freezing. You can freeze the baked cookies: once fully cooled, place them in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
However, my preferred method is to freeze the cookie dough itself. Scoop the dough into individual balls using a cookie scoop, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. This way, you can pull out just a few at a time and bake them fresh whenever a craving strikes! When baking from frozen dough, you may need to add an extra 1-3 minutes to the baking time. There’s nothing quite like a warm, freshly baked cookie!
What if my cookies spread too much or don’t spread enough?
If your cookies spread too much, your butter or cream cheese might have been too warm or melted. Ensure they are softened but still firm. Also, spooning and leveling your flour (rather than scooping directly) helps prevent too little flour. If they don’t spread enough, your dough might be too cold (try letting it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking), or you might have used too much flour. Also, an old or inactive leavening agent (baking soda/powder) can affect spread.
Can I add other mix-ins besides chocolate chips and Reese’s Pieces?
Absolutely! This recipe is quite versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite additions. Some great options include chopped peanuts, white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, M&M’s, or even mini pretzels for a sweet and salty crunch. Just keep the total amount of mix-ins similar to avoid overwhelming the dough and affecting the cookie structure.
Explore More Delightful Peanut Butter Cookie Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with these cream cheese peanut butter cookies, you’ll be thrilled to discover the wide world of other peanut butter-infused treats. Here are a few more irresistible cookie recipes that feature this beloved ingredient, offering a variety of textures and flavor combinations you’re sure to enjoy:
- Best Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Peanut Butter Chip Chocolate Cookies
- Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
- Fudge Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies
- Best Monster Cookies
- Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies
- Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
- Butterfinger Peanut Butter Cookies
- Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies
- Oreo Peanut Butter Cookies
These Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a delightful experience. The perfect blend of rich peanut butter, tangy cream cheese, and fun Reese’s Pieces creates a cookie that’s truly unforgettable. Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to bake a batch of the softest, chewiest peanut butter cookies you’ve ever tasted!