Soft Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies combine the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the spiced goodness of pumpkin, making them the perfect autumn dessert. These cookies offer a unique twist on traditional pumpkin cheesecake and are ideal for a cozy gathering or as a sweet snack. Whether you’re craving a fall treat or looking to impress guests, these cookies are sure to satisfy.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies: The Perfect Fall Dessert

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When fall rolls around, pumpkin-flavored treats are everywhere, and it’s easy to see why. The earthy sweetness of pumpkin pairs perfectly with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, creating a flavor profile that’s comforting and cozy. By adding a cheesecake filling, these cookies become even more indulgent. They’re perfect for an afternoon snack, a bake sale, or even as a special dessert after dinner. Plus, they’re a fun twist on your usual cookie recipe, sure to become a crowd favorite.

And if you’re a fan of pumpkin and cheesecake together, you might want to try making a Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake.

How to Make Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

Now that you’re excited to make these delightful cookies, let’s dive into the step-by-step process. These cookies are easy to make and come together in just a few simple steps. With the perfect balance of soft pumpkin cookie and rich cheesecake filling, here’s how you can bake your own batch.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Cookie:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt, and whisk until well blended. In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree, mixing until combined. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough begins to form.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 3: Form the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Drop spoonfuls of the pumpkin cookie dough onto the sheet, making a small indentation in the center of each cookie with your thumb. Fill the indentation with a dollop of the cheesecake filling, then cover the filling with more pumpkin dough. Gently press down to seal the edges.

Step 4: Bake
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden at the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Expert Tips for the Best Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

To ensure your Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Avoid Overmixing: When blending the wet and dry ingredients, make sure not to overmix. This can lead to dense cookies. Mix just until everything is combined.
• Use Canned Pumpkin: Fresh pumpkin can have more moisture, which can affect the texture of the cookies. Stick with canned pumpkin puree for consistent results.
• Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too sticky to handle, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. This makes it easier to work with.
• Substitute Spices: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can use a combination of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg—just like in the recipe above!

For more baking tips and techniques, check out our Guide to Baking Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies vs Traditional Pumpkin Cookies

You may be wondering, what sets Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies apart from regular pumpkin cookies? Here’s a comparison:

Feature	Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies	Traditional Pumpkin Cookies
Texture	Soft, chewy with a creamy filling	Soft or cakey, depending on the recipe
Flavor	Pumpkin and cheesecake blend	Pumpkin spice flavor only
Complexity	Requires an extra step for the filling	Simple, just pumpkin cookie dough
Appearance	Swirled with cheesecake filling	Plain pumpkin cookies

As you can see, Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies offer an extra layer of decadence with their cheesecake filling. If you’re craving something a bit more indulgent and rich, these cookies are a perfect choice.

FAQs About Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

How can I make the cheesecake filling less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness of the cheesecake filling, simply use less powdered sugar. You can also substitute with a sugar alternative like stevia for a healthier option while still maintaining the creamy texture.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pumpkin can be used in place of canned pumpkin. Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin well to remove excess moisture, which can affect the texture of the cookies.

What’s the best way to freeze these cookies?

Freeze the cookies in an airtight container or ziplock bag with parchment paper separating the layers. They’ll remain fresh for up to three months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before indulging.

How can I make the cookies less chewy and more cakey?

To make your cookies more cakey, try adding an extra egg or reducing the amount of butter. You can also replace some of the butter with sour cream for a lighter texture.

Can I substitute the pumpkin pie spice with something else?

Yes, you can substitute the pumpkin pie spice with a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This will give you a similar flavor profile without needing a specific spice mix.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful fall treat that combines the best of both worlds: the soft, spiced pumpkin cookie and the rich, creamy cheesecake filling. Whether you’re preparing for a seasonal celebration or just want to enjoy a cozy treat at home, these cookies are sure to impress. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in a dessert that’s as comforting as a warm blanket on a chilly autumn day. And remember, there’s no such thing as too many cookies—especially when they taste this good!

For more pumpkin-inspired recipes, you can check our Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Cheesecake.

Key Takeaways

• Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies combine a soft pumpkin cookie with a creamy cheesecake filling, offering a unique fall dessert.
• These cookies are easy to make, with simple ingredients and a few helpful tips for success.
• They can be customized for texture, sweetness, and spice levels to suit your preferences.
• Freezing these cookies is a great way to enjoy them later.

Ready to try your hand at baking these pumpkin cheesecake wonders? Share your experience or ask any questions in the comments below!

For more pumpkin-inspired recipes and tips, visit the 30+ Best Pumpkin Dessert Recipes – Sally’s Baking Addiction