Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are more than just a seasonal treat; they embody the festive spirit with their warm spices and creamy filling, making every bite a delightful experience. When I first made these cookies, the aroma wafting through my kitchen transported me to a cozy family holiday gathering. They’re perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, cozy evenings with a cup of tea, or simply when you crave something sweet that impresses. Imagine biting into a soft, spiced cookie only to reveal a creamy cheesecake surprise inside—this is what makes these cookies truly special.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
If you’re looking for a unique twist on traditional holiday cookies, these Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies hit the mark. They seamlessly blend two beloved desserts into one delicious bite. Not only do they boast the rich flavors of gingerbread, but they also feature a creamy cheesecake center that will leave your taste buds dancing. Plus, they’re fun to make with kids and can become a holiday tradition in your home. Who could resist a cookie that combines the warmth of spices with the decadent flavor of cheesecake?
“These Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are a holiday masterpiece! The creaminess of the cheesecake perfectly complements the spiced cookie. They didn’t last long at our holiday party!” – Happy Baker
How This Recipe Comes Together
Making these cookies is a delightful process that involves preparing the cheesecake filling, creating the gingerbread cookie dough, and assembling them before baking. You’ll need to freeze the cheesecake filling to ensure it stays intact when you wrap it in the cookie dough. Here’s how the recipe unfolds:
- Prepare the cheesecake filling by mixing cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Scoop out portions and freeze them.
- Create a spiced sugar mixture that adds a touch of flavor and elegance to the finished cookies.
- Make the gingerbread cookie dough using flour, warm spices, butter, brown sugar, egg yolks, molasses, and vanilla.
- Assemble the cookies by encasing the frozen cheesecake in the gingerbread dough and rolling them in spiced sugar.
- Bake to perfection and enjoy a treat that combines the best of both worlds.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a comprehensive list of ingredients for making these delectable Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies:
- 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, cold
- 3 tbsp (38 g) granulated white sugar (for filling)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla (for filling)
- 6 tbsp (75 g) granulated white sugar (for spiced 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 (for dough)
- 1/3 cup (113 g) unsulphured molasses
Tip: If you don’t have unsulphured molasses, you can substitute it with dark corn syrup for a similar sweetness, although it might alter the flavor slightly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Start by lining a small cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, beat together cold cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until the mixture is fluffy (about 2 minutes). Scoop the mixture into 18 portions (about 2 teaspoons each) and freeze until firm.
2️⃣ Make the Spiced Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the sugar with spices like ground ginger and allspice. Mix well and set aside.
3️⃣ Prepare Gingerbread Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and spices, then set aside.
4️⃣ Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar together using an electric hand mixer on high speed until fluffy. Scrape down the bowl as necessary.
5️⃣ Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add egg yolks, molasses, and vanilla to the butter mixture, mixing on medium speed for about a minute until it’s fluffy.
6️⃣ Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until fully blended.
7️⃣ Assemble the Cookies: Using a 2 tbsp cookie scoop, portion the dough and roll it into balls. Flatten each ball slightly, place a frozen cheesecake ball in the center, and wrap the cookie dough around it, ensuring it’s fully enclosed. Roll each ball in the spiced sugar.
8️⃣ Bake: Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, baking 6 at a time for 11-12 minutes. Once baked, allow them to cool for about 10 minutes on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are delicious on their own, but for a festive flair, consider serving them with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Pair them with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or spiced cider to complement the flavors. They also make for a charming addition to any holiday dessert platter!
How to Store
To keep your Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container; just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and egg yolks are at room temperature; this will help them blend more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother cheesecake filling and cookie dough.
- Chill the Dough: If the cookie dough is too soft to handle, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm it up before scooping and wrapping.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your personal preference – adding a bit more ginger or cinnamon can provide a kick of flavor.
Creative Twists
While this recipe is fantastic as written, consider adding some creative variations like incorporating chocolate chips, or swapping out spices for chai or pumpkin pie spice to mix up the flavor profile. You can also try using different cookie bases—a chocolate cookie might pair delightfully with the cheesecake filling as well!
Common Questions
How long do the cookies take to prepare?
It generally takes about 30-40 minutes to prep and assemble the cookies, plus baking time and cooling time, so you’ll want to budget about 1.5 to 2 hours total for the entire process.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but be sure to check the flour’s specifications as results may vary.
How should I store leftovers?
As mentioned, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage. Just be sure they’ve cooled completely before freezing.
Enjoy baking these delightful Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies, a treat that combines the comforts of the season with the joy of indulgence!
