Description
These Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies combine the soft, chewy goodness of pumpkin spice cookies with a creamy cheesecake center. Perfect for fall baking, they’re easy to make and a total crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pumpkin Cookie Dough:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon cloves (optional)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted & slightly cooled)
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Cinnamon sugar (for rolling)
- Mini chocolate chips (optional for dough)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Scoop teaspoon-sized portions onto a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet.
- Freeze for at least 30 minutes until firm.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Pumpkin Cookie Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Cover and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble the Cookies
- Scoop 1 ½ tablespoons of chilled dough and flatten it in your palm.
- Place a frozen cheesecake ball in the center and wrap the dough around it, ensuring it’s fully covered.
- Roll into a smooth ball and, if desired, coat in cinnamon sugar.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set. The centers may look slightly underdone, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Pro Tips:
- Chill the Dough: This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading.
- Don’t Overbake: Slightly soft centers ensure a chewy cookie texture.
- Customize Toppings: Drizzle with caramel or sprinkle with crushed graham crackers for extra flavor.
Storage Instructions:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months or freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for a make-ahead option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 18 cookies
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg