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A stack of pumpkin cheesecake cookies on a white plate, with one cookie held above showing a gooey cheesecake filling inside. Perfect fall dessert.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies: 10 Reasons to Love & Bake Them!

  • Author: Manuela Recipes
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
  • Category: Sweet Treat

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

  1. In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Scoop teaspoon-sized portions onto a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet.
  3. Freeze for at least 30 minutes until firm.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

  1. 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

  1. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth.
  2. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
  3. Cover and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

  1. Scoop 1 ½ tablespoons of chilled dough and flatten it in your palm.
  2. Place a frozen cheesecake ball in the center and wrap the dough around it, ensuring it’s fully covered.
  3. Roll into a smooth ball and, if desired, coat in cinnamon sugar.
  4. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 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.
  3. 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