Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate fall delight! With their chewy texture and creamy cheesecake filling, they offer a perfect blend of flavors that every pumpkin lover will cherish. Ideal for gatherings, holiday celebrations, or cozy evenings at home, these cookies bring warmth and joy to any occasion. Their unique combination of pumpkin and cheesecake makes them stand out from traditional cookies, ensuring they will be a hit with family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor – The rich taste of pumpkin combined with creamy cheesecake creates a mouthwatering treat.
• Easy to Make – Simple steps ensure even novice bakers can whip up these delightful cookies without a hitch.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a festive gathering or a casual dessert, these cookies fit right in.
• Versatile Treat – Enjoy them warm from the oven or chilled; they’re delicious either way!
• Chewy Texture – These cookies boast a satisfying chewiness that adds to their appeal.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your kitchen essentials. Having the right tools will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Mixing bowls – Essential for combining ingredients efficiently and preventing spills.
• Electric mixer – Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar or mixing batter.
• Baking sheets – Provides even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies.
• Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

Ingredients

These are the best pumpkin cheesecake cookies! They are super chewy pumpkin cookies, stuffed with creamy cheesecake filling and rolled in pumpkin spice sugar. They’ll be the perfect fall treat that every pumpkin lover will adore!

For the Cheesecake Filling

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

For the Cookie Dough

• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 cup (122 g) canned pumpkin puree (Libby’s)
• 1 3/4 cups (219 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar
• 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla

How to Make Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Start by mixing the cold cream cheese in a bowl until smooth.
1. Add the granulated white sugar and vanilla extract.
2. Mix until fully combined, then set aside in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In another large bowl, cream together softened butter and light brown sugar using an electric mixer until fluffy.
1. Beat in egg yolks one at a time, followed by adding vanilla extract.
2. Stir in canned pumpkin puree.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and both types of pumpkin pie spice.
1. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined.

Step 4: Form Cookies

Scoop out dough using a cookie scoop or spoon. Flatten each scoop slightly in your hand.
1. Place about a teaspoon of cheesecake filling in the center of each flattened dough ball.
2. Wrap the dough around the filling to seal it completely.

Step 5: Roll in Sugar

Roll each cookie ball in a mixture of granulated white sugar and extra pumpkin pie spice before placing them on prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for about 12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers look soft.

Step 7: Cool

Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

These pumpkin cheesecake cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just indulging yourself, here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
• Tea: A soothing herbal tea complements the spices in the cookies beautifully.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy them with rich hot chocolate, making for a perfect chilly day treat.

As a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment: Arrange these cookies alongside other fall-flavored treats for an inviting dessert platter.
• Cheesecake Bites: Include mini cheesecake bites to match the creamy filling of the cookies.

For Gifting

• Gift Boxes: Pack these cookies in decorative boxes as homemade gifts for family and friends.
• Party Favors: Use small bags tied with ribbon as party favors at autumn gatherings.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

Creating the perfect pumpkin cheesecake cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling your dough for at least 30 minutes helps maintain the shape while baking.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing and smoother texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients until just combined to keep the cookies tender and chewy.
• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be slightly underbaked for a chewy texture.
• Experiment with Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice according to your taste preference.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

While these cookies shine on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a creamy touch that enhances the flavors.
2. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cookies for an indulgent treat.
3. Cinnamon Ice Cream: A scoop of cinnamon ice cream pairs perfectly, balancing sweetness and spice.
4. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the cookies.
5. Pumpkin Soup: Serve with a small bowl of spiced pumpkin soup for a warm, fall-inspired meal.
6. Nut Mix: A mix of roasted nuts adds crunch and saltiness, complementing the sweet flavors of the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making pumpkin cheesecake cookies can be fun, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using warm cream cheese: Warm cream cheese can make your filling too runny. Always use cold cream cheese for the best texture.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step may result in cookies that spread too much. Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a softer bite.
• Ignoring measurements: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for precision.
• Skipping the spices: Pumpkin spice adds essential flavor. Don’t omit it; instead, adjust to your taste preference.

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store cooled cookies in an airtight container in the fridge.
• item They will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

• item Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially.
• item Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.
• item Properly stored, they last up to three months.

Reheating Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies?

To make pumpkin cheesecake cookies, follow the recipe instructions carefully, ensuring you blend the ingredients well and chill the dough before baking.

Can I customize my Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.

How long do Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will last about one week in the refrigerator and up to three months in the freezer.

What is the best way to store Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies?

The best way is to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer them chilled.

Conclusion

These pumpkin cheesecake cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall. Their chewy texture paired with creamy filling makes them irresistible. You can easily customize them with your favorite mix-ins or spices. Give this recipe a try and enjoy delicious cookies that everyone will love!