Name: Mini Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1¼ cups (178 g) all-purpose flour; ¾ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature; ½ cup (135 g) creamy peanut butter; ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar; ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 48 miniature peanut butter cups, unwrapped

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If you’re a fan of rich, creamy desserts with a delightful twist, this Mini Cheesecake Cookies Recipe will quickly become your new obsession. Imagine the perfect balance of soft cookie dough, luscious cheesecake-like creaminess, and the irresistible hit of peanut butter cups all in one bite-sized treat. These cookies bring together classic flavors into an easy-to-make delight that’s guaranteed to charm everyone from your family to your friends. They’re the kind of dessert that makes every bite feel like a celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a small tart cut in half and stacked, with each tart having three layers: a light golden-brown crumbly base, a thick creamy light brown filling in the middle, and a smooth dark brown chocolate layer on top. Around the main tart, there are whole tarts with the same layers sitting casually on a white marbled surface, and the background is blurred with more tarts placed out of focus, creating a soft depth effect. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple but come together to create a cookie that’s packed with flavor, texture, and even a little surprise inside. Each one plays a crucial role, from the buttery richness to the sweet, nutty elements that make these cookies truly memorable.

1¼ cups (178 g) all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and a tender crumb to your cookies.
¾ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right, creating a soft but sturdy texture.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature: Adds rich creaminess and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
½ cup creamy peanut butter: Brings a nutty depth that perfectly complements the cheesecake creaminess.
½ cup granulated sugar: Offers a clean, sweet note and helps with that beautiful cookie spread.
½ cup light brown sugar: Adds mild caramel undertones and keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
1 egg: Binds everything together while adding richness to the dough.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all flavor layers with its warm, comforting aroma.
48 miniature peanut butter cups, unwrapped: The show-stopping surprise at the center of each cookie, providing gooey peanut butter and chocolate goodness.

How to Make Mini Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures an even bake and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This evenly distributes the leavening agent and salt to guarantee uniform flavor and texture in every cookie.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars

Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light, about 3-4 minutes. This step is key to achieving that soft, tender crumb and rich peanut butter taste.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. These ingredients add moisture and depth, tying the dough together with a beautiful aroma.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your cookies tender, not tough.

Step 6: Assemble the Cookies

Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, take about a tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Nestle one miniature peanut butter cup in the center, then mold the dough around it so the candy is completely covered. Repeat with remaining dough and peanut butter cups, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart on your baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft. Resist the urge to overbake; this keeps the cookies chewy and the centers gooey.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This resting period helps them set while keeping the centers delightfully creamy.

How to Serve Mini Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

The image shows two parts: on the left, a clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface holds five unmixed ingredients arranged in layers—a thick light brown dollop of peanut butter, a smooth white stick of butter, a mound of white sugar, and two brown sugars stacked together, one light brown and the other darker, all with a rough texture. On the right side, the same glass bowl contains a smooth light tan mixture with a creamy texture, swirled in the middle with some visible small darker bits, showing the ingredients fully mixed. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top these treats with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy look or drizzle melted chocolate over the finished cookies to amp up the chocolatey indulgence. A sprinkle of chopped peanuts can also add an enjoyable crunch and a burst of nutty flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a cold glass of milk, a cup of hot coffee, or creamy vanilla ice cream. The creamy and crunchy elements of your cookie will beautifully complement these classic pairings, elevating any snack time or dessert gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Mini Cheesecake Cookies on a decorative platter with small clusters of fresh berries or mint leaves for an inviting pop of color. They also make charming party favors when wrapped individually in cute treat bags tied with a ribbon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Mini Cheesecake Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This prevents them from drying out while maintaining their soft texture and creamy chocolate centers.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat, and they’ll taste as fresh as the day you baked them.

Reheating

Warm frozen or refrigerated cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive the gooey centers and soften the edges—just be careful not to overheat.

FAQs

Can I substitute the peanut butter cups with another candy?

Absolutely! Mini peanut butter cups provide the best balance of chocolate and peanut butter, but you can experiment with bite-sized chocolates, caramel candies, or even fruit preserves for different flavors.

Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, but be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the dough texture intact.

Can these cookies be made dairy-free?

Yes, you can use dairy-free butter and peanut butter cups made without milk ingredients. Just ensure all substitutes align with your dietary needs.

How do I prevent the cookie dough from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This firms up the fats, helping the cookies hold their shape and better enclose the peanut butter cups.

Can I double this Mini Cheesecake Cookies Recipe?

Definitely! The recipe scales well, just make sure you have enough baking sheets or bake in batches, and watch the oven time carefully as it may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Mini Cheesecake Cookies Recipe inspires you to whip up a batch of sweet, creamy, and wonderfully indulgent treats that will brighten any day. The magic combination of peanut butter, creamy filling, and chocolate in a single bite-sized cookie is truly one of life’s simple pleasures. Give it a try—you’ll be delighted by just how quickly these cookies vanish from the plate!