Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

These best Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful combination of flavor and texture. Perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or simply a cozy night in, these cookies are thick and soft, rolled in pumpkin spice sugar, and filled with creamy cheesecake goodness. Their unique blend of spices and pumpkin puree makes them irresistible for any pumpkin lover.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, spices, and cheesecake filling creates a rich taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies are ideal for various occasions—whether it’s a festive get-together or an everyday dessert.
• Perfect Fall Snack: With their warm spices and pumpkin flavor, they embody the essence of autumn in every bite.
• Impressive Presentation: Rolled in spiced sugar and filled with creamy goodness, these cookies look as good as they taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without mess.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: Makes mixing cream cheese and sugars much easier, ensuring a smooth filling.
• Baking sheets: Provides a flat surface to bake multiple cookies at once for efficiency.

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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 puree
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 240 g all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon (Note: all the 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 Pumpkin Spice Sugar Coating

• 50 g granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (Note: all the 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 Cheesecake Filling

Start by beating 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 a large mixing bowl:
1. Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Using a cookie scoop, take about one tablespoon of dough.
3. Flatten it slightly in your palm; place about one teaspoon of cheesecake filling in the center.
4. Fold the dough around the filling to enclose it completely.

Step 4: Roll in Pumpkin Spice Sugar

In a small bowl combine granulated sugar with cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and ginger. Roll each cookie ball in this mixture before placing them on lined baking sheets.

Step 5: Bake

Bake cookies in preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until lightly golden around edges. Allow them to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies warm or at room temperature!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

These delightful Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies are perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Their rich flavor and creamy filling make them a standout treat. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy them.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Enjoy these cookies alongside a hot cup of coffee. The rich flavors of the pumpkin and cheesecake pair beautifully with the coffee’s bold taste.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a dessert platter with other fall treats like apple cider donuts or spiced cupcakes. This adds variety and enhances the festive atmosphere.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each cookie for an extra indulgent touch. A sprinkle of cinnamon will elevate the presentation and flavor.

With Warm Apple Cider

• Serve these cookies with warm apple cider for a comforting fall experience. The combination warms you up while satisfying your sweet tooth.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

Achieving the perfect Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies is all about the details. Here are some tips to ensure they come out delicious every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently mix your dough until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, which we want to avoid.

• Chill Before Baking: For an even thicker cookie, chill your dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps them maintain their shape.

• Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center when done.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies can be enjoyed in many delightful ways, especially when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options:

1. Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm spices in the cookies.

2. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cookies for an indulgent treat that enhances their sweetness.

3. Spiced Nuts: A mix of spiced nuts creates a crunchy texture that pairs well with the soft cookies, adding extra flavor complexity.

4. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad featuring apples and pears offers freshness that balances out the richness of the cookies.

5. Cheesecake Bites: Serve mini cheesecake bites on the side for an extra cheesecake kick that complements your cookie’s filling.

6. Pumpkin Spice Latte: Pair with this seasonal favorite to amplify those cozy fall flavors in both your drink and dessert!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Boldly skipping the chilling time: Allowing your dough to chill ensures your cookies hold their shape while baking. Skipping this step can lead to flat cookies.

• Boldly ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold cream cheese or butter can lead to lumps in your cheesecake filling. Always ensure these ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth mixture.

• Boldly overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make your cookies tough instead of soft and chewy. Mix until just combined for the best texture.

• Boldly measuring flour inaccurately: Too much flour can dry out your cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.

• Boldly skimping on spices: Pumpkin spice is key to flavor in these cookies. Don’t hesitate to measure accurately; it makes a big difference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a soft treat.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, placing cookies inside for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies special?

These cookies combine the flavors of pumpkin pie with creamy cheesecake filling, creating a delicious treat perfect for fall.

Can I use different spices?

Yes! You can replace individual spices with store-bought pumpkin spice mix for convenience.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when done baking.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives and use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version of Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. With options to customize spices or fillings, you can make them truly yours. Enjoy these delightful treats as they bring warmth and joy during the fall season!