These Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect holiday treat! They blend the warm flavors of gingerbread with creamy cheesecake goodness, making each bite a delight.
Making these cookies always gets me in the festive spirit! I love serving them at parties or just enjoying them with a cup of tea. They’re a sweet hug for your taste buds! 🍪❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is your base for the cookies. If you’re gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for texture!
Molasses: It gives that rich, dark flavor. If you don’t have any, honey or maple syrup can work, but they’ll make the cookies a bit sweeter and lighter in color.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese gives that creamy filling. If you’re avoiding dairy, consider using a vegan cream cheese alternative.
Spices: The mix of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg builds the lovely spice profile. Feel free to adjust based on your taste; a little more ginger can add extra warmth!
How Do I Get That Perfectly Creamy Cheesecake Filling?
Creating a smooth cheesecake filling is key to these cookies. First, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing. If it feels overly thick after adding sugar, whisk it a bit longer until creamy!
- Beat the softened cream cheese alone first to prevent lumps.
- Then mix in powdered sugar gradually. This helps combine everything smoothly.
- Mix in the vanilla extract last for the best flavor.
Why Should I Chill My Cookie Dough?
Chilling the dough is important because it firms up the butter, allowing the cookies to keep their shape while baking. If you skip this step, the cookies might spread too much and lose that nice texture.
- Chill the dough for at least an hour, but overnight works too if you’re prepping in advance!
- When you’re ready to bake, you can work with small batches for even better control.
With these tips and ingredient swaps, you’ll be on your way to making delicious Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies that are perfect for the holiday season! Enjoy baking!
Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Gingerbread Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Drizzle and Garnish:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons milk or cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Coarse sugar or sanding sugar, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe requires about 20 minutes of active prep time and an hour for chilling the dough. Additionally, you’ll need 10-12 minutes for baking. Overall, plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours to make these delicious cookies from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Gingerbread Cookie Dough:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until it feels light and fluffy. Then, mix in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until everything is blended together. Gradually, add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined. Now, cover the dough and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or until it’s firm enough to handle!
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
In another medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is nice and smooth. Cover this filling and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it!
3. Assemble and Bake the Cookies:
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten it gently in your palm to about 1/4 inch thick. Place a small dollop of the chilled cheesecake filling in the center and carefully fold the edges of the dough over to cover the filling, rolling it back into a ball. Roll this filled cookie ball in granulated sugar before placing it on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart, then lightly press the tops to flatten them slightly. Bake these for 10-12 minutes until the edges set but the centers remain soft. Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Icing Drizzle:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. This drizzle will add a lovely finish to your cookies, so don’t skip it!
5. Garnish and Serve:
Once the cookies are fully cooled, drizzle your icing over them and sprinkle a bit of coarse or sanding sugar on top for a sweet crunch and sparkle. Let the icing set for a few minutes before serving these delightful treats.
Enjoy these soft, spiced gingerbread cookies with a luscious cheesecake center—a festive treat that’s sure to impress everyone around!
Can I Use Store-Bought Cookie Dough Instead?
While you could use store-bought cookie dough for convenience, the flavor and texture will vary. Homemade dough gives you that distinct gingerbread flavor that complements the cheesecake filling. If you’re short on time, look for gingerbread dough with similar spices to get a closer result!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just place them in a freezer-safe container after they cool completely, separate layers with parchment paper, and they’ll be good for up to 2 months!
Can I Use Different Fillings?
Absolutely! While the cheesecake filling is classic, feel free to experiment with flavored cream cheese, such as chocolate or peppermint, for a twist on this recipe. Just keep the measurements similar for best results.
Why Do I Need to Chill the Dough?
Chilling the dough firms it up, which helps the cookies maintain their shape in the oven. It also allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more delicious cookie! For a quicker chill, ensure the dough is well-formed before refrigerating.