Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

These delightful Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies are a perfect blend of soft pumpkin cookies and creamy cheesecake filling. They are ideal for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply as a cozy treat at home. The unique combination of flavors makes these cookies irresistible to pumpkin lovers, while the ease of preparation ensures that anyone can create them. Enjoy the rich taste and festive aroma that fills your kitchen as you bake these delicious cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The warm spices and creamy filling create a delightful taste that embodies the essence of fall.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, baking these cookies is a breeze.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies fit right in.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them fresh from the oven or store them for later; they maintain their deliciousness!
• Fun to Customize: Feel free to experiment with spice levels or add nuts for an extra crunch.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing the cream cheese with sugar, ensuring a smooth filling.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking multiple cookies at once.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, making cleanup easy.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

For the Cheesecake Filling

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

For the Cookie Dough

• 110 g butter
• 100 g granulated sugar
• 100 g dark brown sugar
• 120 g pumpkin pureée
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 240 g all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon (Note: all spices can be replaced with 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 the Topping

• 50 g granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (Note: all spices can be replaced with 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice)
• ⅛ tsp ground allspice
• ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
• ⅛ tsp ground ginger

How to Make Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside while you prepare the cookie dough.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In another mixing bowl:
1. Beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the pumpkin purée and egg; mix well.
3. Stir in vanilla extract.

Next:
1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C):
1. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Scoop about one tablespoon of cookie dough onto the prepared sheet.
3. Make an indentation in each scoop and fill it with about one teaspoon of cheesecake filling.
4. Cover with another tablespoon of cookie dough on top.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Allow them to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Enjoy your delightful Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy them in various ways to enhance your dessert experience.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Pair these cookies with your favorite coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. The warm flavors of pumpkin and spices complement the rich taste of coffee beautifully.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Top the cookies with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness. The sticky texture adds a fun contrast to the soft cookie.

Accompanied by Whipped Cream

• Serve these cookies alongside dollops of whipped cream. This addition makes for a creamy, indulgent treat that balances the pumpkin flavors perfectly.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Include these cookies in a dessert platter alongside other fall treats like apple pie or pecan tart. They add variety and color to your spread.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Enjoy these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on top. The melting ice cream creates a deliciously creamy combination.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

To ensure your Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Allow butter and cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and better texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough – Mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies. Overmixing can lead to dense results rather than fluffy, tender cookies.
• Chill the dough – Refrigerate your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and helps maintain the shape while baking.
• Check baking time – Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when they are set but still soft in the center; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Experiment with spices – Feel free to adjust the spice levels based on your preference. More cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the fall flavor profile.
• Store properly – Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

Complement your Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies with these delightful side dishes that enhance their flavors and create an inviting dessert spread.

1. Chai Tea – The warm spiciness of chai tea pairs beautifully with pumpkin flavors, creating a comforting combination perfect for chilly days.
2. Apple Cider – Serve warm apple cider alongside your cookies for a festive touch that enhances the autumn experience.
3. Chocolate Ganache – A side of rich chocolate ganache provides an indulgent contrast that will satisfy any sweet tooth craving.
4. Carrot Cake Muffins – These moist muffins offer another layer of fall flavors, making them an excellent companion on any dessert table.
5. Maple Pecan Tart – The nuttiness from pecans complements pumpkin well, bringing out its natural sweetness with some added crunch.
6. Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips – Light and crispy, these chips are perfect for dipping into cream cheese frosting or enjoying on their own alongside the cookies.
7. Fruit Salad – A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balances out the richness of pumpkin cheesecake cookies, providing a refreshing contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Making too many substitutions can alter the texture and flavor. Stick closely to the recipe for the best results.
• Forgetting to preheat your oven can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat before placing your cookies inside.
• Using cold butter instead of softened can affect cookie consistency. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for a fluffy dough.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly can ruin your cookies. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.
• Skipping the chilling step may result in cookies that spread too much. Allowing the dough to chill helps maintain shape while baking.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

• To freeze, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds, checking for warmth.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies.

How do I make Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies?

To make these cookies, mix softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Then prepare the pumpkin spice cookie dough as instructed in the recipe.

Can I customize my Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor. Experiment with spices to suit your taste!

How should I store leftover Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for longer storage.

What makes these Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies special?

The combination of rich cheesecake filling and spiced pumpkin cookie creates a delightful balance of flavors perfect for fall.

Can I use other types of purees instead of pumpkin?

Yes! You can substitute pumpkin puree with sweet potato or butternut squash puree if desired.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! The delightful contrast between creamy filling and spiced cookie makes them ideal for any fall gathering. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite mix-ins or spices. Enjoy baking this delightful treat!