Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall, then these Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies are just what you need! Imagine thick, soft cookies rolled in pumpkin spice sugar, filled with creamy cheesecake goodness. They’re not just delicious; they bring a smile to your face and warmth to your kitchen. I love making these cookies for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home when I want something special to share.

These cookies are truly a favorite of mine because they’re simple yet incredibly satisfying. The sweet pumpkin flavor combined with the rich cheesecake filling makes for an irresistible dessert that everyone will adore. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive gathering, these Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip these up without stress.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cookies, and this unique twist will have your kids asking for seconds!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Bake a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week.
• Deliciously Flavorful: These cookies combine the best autumn flavors, making each bite a delight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients! You’ll find everything you need right in your pantry to create these scrumptious Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies.

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 115 g cream cheese (full-fat)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cookies

• 110 g butter
• 100 g granulated sugar
• 100 g dark brown sugar
• 120 g pumpkin pureé
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 240 g all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon (or 1 tbsp pumpkin spice)
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice powder
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg powder
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger powder
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

For Rolling

• 50 g granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (or 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice)
• ⅛ tsp ground allspice
• ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
• ⅛ tsp ground ginger

Variations

This Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookie recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are a few ideas to mix things up:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some dark chocolate chips for an extra decadent treat.
• Make it Vegan: Substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use flax eggs instead.
• Try Different Spices: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or cloves for a unique flavor twist.
• Use Different Fillings: Swap out the cheesecake filling for other creamy fillings like peanut butter or Nutella.

How to Make Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine your cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat them together until smooth. This step is crucial as it creates that creamy center that will surprise everyone when they take their first bite. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the cookie dough.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In another bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and additional vanilla extract. Mixing these ingredients well is important as it helps incorporate air into the dough, giving your cookies that perfect texture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, spices (or pumpkin spice), baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid over-mixing here; we want those cookies to be soft and chewy!

Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

Preheat your oven and then scoop tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Use your thumb to make an indentation in each scoop where you’ll place that luscious cheesecake filling. After adding the filling back on top of each cookie ball, use another scoop of dough to cover it up gently.

Step 5: Roll in Spice Sugar

Mix together granulated sugar with cinnamon and other spices on a plate. Roll each cookie ball gently in this mixture before placing them back on the baking sheet. This gives them that wonderful sugary crust we all crave!

Step 6: Bake!

Bake your cookies until they’re puffed and lightly golden around the edges. This usually takes about 12 minutes! The aroma wafting through your home will be heavenly—just wait until you get to taste them!

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies! Each bite is like taking a cozy walk through an autumn forest—deliciously comforting!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

Baking these Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies is a delightful experience, and here are some tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature cream cheese: This ensures a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling without lumps, making your cookies even more delicious.
• Chill the dough: Allowing the cookie dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, resulting in thick and chewy cookies.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, which we want to avoid for that perfect soft texture.
• Experiment with spices: While the recipe includes specific spices, feel free to adjust them based on your preferences or try out pumpkin pie spice for an all-in-one solution!
• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies are not only tasty but also make an impressive treat for gatherings. Here are some fun ideas for presenting them!

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream on top adds a light and airy finish that complements the rich flavors of the cookies.
• Pumpkin spice sprinkle: Lightly dust with additional pumpkin spice before serving for a festive touch that enhances the fall vibe.

Side Dishes

• Apple cider: The sweet and tangy notes of apple cider pair beautifully with these cookies, making it the perfect drink option for a cozy autumn snack.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream served alongside warm cookies creates a delightful contrast in temperatures and flavors.
• Chai tea: The warm spices in chai tea harmonize perfectly with pumpkin flavors, creating a comforting pairing that’s great for chilly days.
• Cheese platter: Serve with a selection of mild cheeses like brie or gouda; their creaminess balances well with the spiced sweetness of the cookies.

Enjoy these delightful treats as part of your fall festivities or simply as a comforting dessert!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful treat any time you crave something sweet. With a little planning, you can have these cookies on hand for gatherings or simply for your own indulgence!

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you want to keep them fresh longer, place them in the refrigerator where they can last about a week.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, ensuring they are separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the container with the date!

Reheating

• To enjoy your frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• For a warm treat, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds or until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that may help you as you make these delicious Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies.

Can I make Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies without cream cheese?

Yes! You can substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or coconut cream if you’re aiming for a dairy-free version.

How do I ensure my Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies turn out soft and chewy?

To achieve that soft and chewy texture, be careful not to overbake the cookies. They should be slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.

What makes these Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies special?

These cookies uniquely blend the flavors of pumpkin spice with creamy cheesecake filling, making them a delightful fall treat that captures the essence of autumn in every bite.

Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can replace all the individual spices with pumpkin pie spice. Use 1 tablespoon instead of the combined amount listed in the recipe.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delicious Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies as much as I do! They truly bring together the comforting flavors of fall and are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!