Name: Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 ounces (2/3 cup) cream cheese, softened; 2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1-1/4 cups packed brown sugar; 1/4 cup sugar plus more for rolling; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1/3 cup molasses; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2-1/2 teaspoons ground ginger; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 2 reviews

If you love the warm, cozy flavors of gingerbread combined with the rich, creamy decadence of cheesecake, then this Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. These cookies are the perfect balance of spicy and sweet, with a luscious cheesecake surprise tucked right in the center. Whether you’re baking for holiday gatherings or simply craving something delightfully festive, this recipe brings together familiar flavors in a way that’s irresistibly satisfying and truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A silver baking tray with white parchment paper holds six round cookie dough balls, each coated in sugar and spaced out evenly. In the bottom left corner, a woman's hand holds an unbaked cookie shaped into a shallow cup with a smooth dollop of white filling on top. Near the center of the tray, a white bowl with blue edges contains one sugar-coated dough ball sitting in white sugar. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the perfect Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe starts with simple, everyday ingredients that create the magic when combined. Each item plays a distinct role, from the buttery cookie base to the spiced warmth that defines gingerbread and the smooth, dreamy cheesecake center.

Cream cheese (5 ounces, softened): The star of the filling, it brings a creamy texture and tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the spiced cookie.
Confectioners’ sugar (2/3 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness and smoothness to the cheesecake filling.
Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides richness and tenderness to the cookie dough, helping the cookies stay soft and moist.
Brown sugar (1-1/4 cups, packed): Adds depth of flavor and moisture, giving the cookies their classic chewy texture.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup plus extra for rolling): Balances sweetness and helps create a lightly crisped exterior when baked.
Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds the dough together while adding moisture.
Molasses (1/3 cup): The essential ingredient that gives these cookies that unmistakable rich, gingerbread flavor and a beautiful dark hue.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and adds a warm, aromatic undertone.
All-purpose flour (2-3/4 cups): The foundation of the dough, providing structure.
Ground ginger (2-1/2 teaspoons): Delivers the classic spicy kick, the heart of any gingerbread cookie.
Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Adds sweet warmth and depth to the spice blend.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and achieve a tender texture.
Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a subtle nutty spice, enriching the flavor profile.
Ground allspice (1/4 teaspoon): Adds complexity and a slightly peppery warmth.
Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Imparts a distinct, aromatic depth to the cookies.
Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Supports the leavening process for the perfect chewiness.

How to Make Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Freeze the Cheesecake Filling

The secret to that creamy center is making sure the cheesecake filling is firm before baking. Start by beating the softened cream cheese with confectioners’ sugar until velvety smooth. Scoop heaping tablespoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them into the freezer for about 90 minutes. This step ensures the filling holds its shape as you wrap the cookie dough around it later.

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take around 3 to 5 minutes and is key to those soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, scraping down the sides to make sure everything is well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and spices—ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves—with salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry mix into the wet ingredients until just blended—you want to preserve that tender dough consistency.

Step 3: Assemble and Chill the Cookies

Now comes the fun part: shaping! Scoop the cookie dough into quarter-cup portions and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten each piece gently. Quickly take a frozen cheesecake ball and put it in the center of each dough disk, then wrap the dough completely around the filling, rolling into smooth balls. To add that extra sweet crunch, roll each sphere in some granulated sugar. The cookies should then chill in the fridge for about 45 minutes. This resting time helps maintain their shape during baking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Heat your oven to 350°F and space the cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets to allow for spreading. Bake them for 15 to 16 minutes until the edges look delicately crinkled, signaling that perfect balance of firm outside and tender inside. Let the cookies rest for 10 minutes on the pan so they set before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, sealing in that luscious cheesecake surprise inside.

How to Serve Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

The image shows nine soft, round cookies with a golden brown color, each with a slightly puffed center and cracked surface texture that looks light and chewy. The cookies are arranged neatly on a silver metal wire cooling rack that sits on a white marbled surface. The cookies have fine sugar crystals on top, giving a slight sparkle to their warm brown tones. The spacing between the cookies is even, and their edges are slightly darker, indicating a soft but baked texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an inviting presentation, dust the cooled cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle with rich white chocolate. A tiny pinch of extra ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top can highlight the warm spices, making these cookies as stunning as they are delicious.

Side Dishes

Pair these Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe treats with a classic cup of hot tea, spiced chai, or even a creamy latte. They also work beautifully alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream for a more indulgent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap a few cookies in brown parchment paper tied with festive twine for charming homemade gifts. Alternatively, arrange them on a cookie platter alongside other holiday cookies for a colorful and textured spread that’s sure to impress at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies keep well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They maintain their delicate balance of soft cheesecake center and spiced gingerbread flavor without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled, unbaked cookie dough balls wrapped individually in plastic wrap and then stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking to enjoy fresh-from-the-oven perfection with minimal effort.

Reheating

To revive that freshly baked warmth, pop the cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes or microwave them for about 15 seconds. This brings back the gooey cheesecake center and soft cookie texture beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use substitute sweeteners for the brown sugar or molasses?

While you can experiment with alternatives, the brown sugar and molasses are essential for that rich, deep flavor and moist texture in the Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. Using substitutes might change the flavor and texture noticeably.

Is it necessary to freeze the cheesecake filling before baking?

Yes! Freezing the cheesecake filling helps it maintain its shape inside the cookie dough as it bakes, preventing it from melting away and ensuring that creamy surprise center.

Can these cookies be made vegan or dairy-free?

You can try substituting vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives, but note the texture and flavor may alter slightly. Be sure to use suitable dairy-free options that hold up well during baking.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for slightly crinkled edges and a firm but soft center. Overbaking will dry them out, so it’s best to check around 15 minutes and adjust time as needed.

What’s the best way to roll the cookies in sugar without the dough becoming sticky?

Chilling the dough balls before rolling helps prevent stickiness. Use granulated sugar and roll gently but completely to coat the entire surface evenly for that delightful sparkling finish.

Final Thoughts

These Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe creations bring together the best of festive flavors and irresistible textures to brighten any day or holiday feast. Once you try them, their warm spices and luscious cheesecake centers will have you baking batch after batch. So grab your apron and enjoy the cozy comfort that comes fresh from your own oven!

Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe