Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings the warmth of the holidays right to your kitchen, you’ve come to the right place! These Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are a wonderful fusion of chewy gingerbread cookies and a creamy cheesecake filling. They’re not only a joy to eat, but they also make your home smell like Christmas while baking. Perfect for cozy family gatherings or as gifts to friends, these cookies will surely become a favorite in your household.

What makes this recipe so special is the combination of spices that creates that classic gingerbread flavor, paired with the rich creaminess of cheesecake. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, these cookies come together without any hassle.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves gingerbread! These cookies are perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the dough in advance and bake them fresh whenever you’re ready for a sweet treat.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The blend of spices gives each cookie that warm, cozy taste we all crave during the holiday season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make these delicious Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies. You might already have many of these in your pantry!

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, cold
• 3 tbsp (38 g) granulated white sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla

For the Gingerbread Cookies

• 6 tbsp (75 g) granulated white sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground allspice
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 2 1/2 cups (313 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 2 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/3 cup (113 g) unsulphured molasses

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible, allowing for some fun twists on the classic version. Here are a few ideas to customize your Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra treat in every bite.
• Swap the Spice: Experiment with other spices like cardamom or nutmeg if you want to change up the flavor profile.
• Nutty Addition: Fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Frosting Finish: Top each cookie with a light drizzle of icing or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra sweet touch.

How to Make Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Start by mixing your cold cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth. This filling adds richness that perfectly complements the spiced cookie dough. Chill it while you prepare the cookie dough; this helps it firm up and makes stuffing easier later on.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In another large bowl, combine granulated sugar, spices, flour, salt, and baking soda. Cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then add egg yolks and vanilla. Gradually mix in your dry ingredients until everything is well combined—this creates that lovely gingerbread base.

Step 3: Assemble Your Cookies

Now comes the fun part! Preheat your oven while you scoop out dough into small balls. Flatten each ball slightly in your hand, add about a teaspoon of cheesecake filling in the center, then fold the dough over it to seal completely. Roll them in spiced sugar before placing them on a baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake and Enjoy!

Bake your cookies until they’re just set but still soft in the center—about 11 minutes should do it! Let them cool on a wire rack before devouring these warm treats. The combination of flavors will have everyone asking for more!

Enjoy making these Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies; they truly embrace holiday cheer with every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

Baking these delicious cookies is a joyful experience, and following these tips will ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use cold cream cheese – Starting with cold cream cheese makes it easier to mix into a creamy filling without losing its structure. This ensures your cheesecake center stays rich and smooth.
• Chill the dough – Letting your gingerbread cookie dough chill for at least 30 minutes helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. This results in thicker, chewier cookies that hold the cheesecake filling beautifully.
• Measure flour correctly – Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping it directly from the bag. This helps avoid using too much flour, which can result in a dry cookie texture.
• Don’t skip the spices – The spices in this recipe are what make these cookies truly special! Be sure to use fresh spices for maximum flavor and aroma; they’ll elevate your cookies to a whole new level.
• Experiment with rolling sugar – Roll the cookies in spiced sugar before baking for an extra layer of sweetness and warmth. Try mixing sugar with additional cinnamon or ginger to enhance their festive flair!

How to Serve Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

These Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are not only delectable but also visually appealing! Present them on a festive platter or stack them neatly in a holiday tin for a charming gift.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting – A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a touch of elegance and mimics freshly fallen snow, making them even more festive.
• Cinnamon stick garnish – Place a cinnamon stick beside each cookie on the serving plate for an aromatic touch that enhances the holiday spirit.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider – The sweet, spiced notes of warm apple cider complement the flavors of gingerbread beautifully. Serve it alongside the cookies for a cozy combination.
• Vanilla almond milk – A chilled glass of vanilla almond milk offers a creamy contrast that pairs well with the spiced cookies while keeping everything dairy-free.
• Fruit salad with citrus dressing – A refreshing fruit salad, especially one featuring oranges and pomegranates, adds brightness to your dessert table while balancing the richness of the cookies.
• Spiced chai latte – The warm spices in chai make it an ideal partner for these gingerbread treats. Enjoying them together creates an inviting atmosphere perfect for winter gatherings.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are sure to be a hit this holiday season! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy them fresh throughout the holiday season! You can make the dough ahead of time or even bake them in advance for quick treats.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you’d like them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months—just scoop and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.
• Baked cookies can also be frozen. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat baked cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds if you’re looking for a quick fix!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies:

Can I use low-fat cream cheese in Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies?

Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese will work just fine, though it may alter the texture slightly. Just ensure it’s well-softened before mixing.

How should I store my Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I freeze Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies?

Yes! You can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies. Make sure they are properly sealed to maintain their freshness.

What makes these cookies different from regular gingerbread cookies?

These Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies offer a delightful twist with a creamy cheesecake filling that adds richness and moisture, making them extra special!

How long do these cookies take to prepare?

Overall, it takes about 90 minutes to prepare these delicious cookies from start to finish, including chilling time.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies as much as I do! They’re not only festive but also incredibly satisfying with their chewy texture and creamy center. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them yourself, they’re sure to bring joy this holiday season. Happy baking!