Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies: A Sweet and Spiced Holiday Treat

Introduction

The holidays are the perfect time to indulge in delicious treats that capture the warmth and comfort of the season. One such treat that combines rich, spiced flavors with a creamy, decadent filling is the Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookie. These cookies feature the perfect balance of soft, spicy gingerbread and a velvety cheesecake center that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re looking for a festive dessert for a holiday party, a unique gift idea, or a comforting snack, these Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies will be a hit with everyone who tastes them.

The gingerbread cookie dough is infused with warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, while the cheesecake filling adds a creamy, tangy contrast. The result is a cookie that delivers the best of both worlds—spiced, chewy gingerbread and smooth, indulgent cheesecake in every bite. These cookies are easy to prepare, yet sophisticated enough to impress guests at your next holiday gathering.

In this article, we’ll explore why these Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are a must-try for the season, provide you with an easy-to-follow recipe, and share tips and variations to help you make this dessert your own. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive and Flavorful: These cookies perfectly capture the flavors of the holiday season with their spiced gingerbread base and creamy cheesecake filling.
• Unique and Impressive: The combination of gingerbread and cheesecake makes these cookies stand out from traditional holiday treats, offering a delightful twist that will impress your friends and family.
• Perfect for Holiday Gifting: These cookies make an excellent gift for friends, neighbors, or coworkers. Their beautiful presentation and delicious flavor will surely be appreciated by anyone who receives them.
• Easy to Make: Despite their sophisticated flavor profile, these cookies are surprisingly simple to prepare. The ingredients are easy to find, and the steps are straightforward.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These cookies can be made in advance and stored, making them a great option for holiday meal prep and parties.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (30 minutes for prep, 20 minutes for baking, plus cooling)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 18 cookies.
• Nutrition Facts (per cookie): Calories: 180, Protein: 3g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 9g.

Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Cookie Dough:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough. Be sure to spoon and level the flour for accurate measurements.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become soft and chewy.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger: The signature spice in gingerbread cookies.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and sweetness to the dough.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A small amount adds depth to the spice profile.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Softened, to ensure easy mixing and a tender texture.
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar: Adds moisture and a rich, molasses-like flavor to the dough.
• 1/4 cup molasses: Essential for that classic gingerbread taste.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind the dough together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor of the dough.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese: Softened, to ensure a smooth, creamy filling.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla flavor complements the richness of the cheesecake filling.
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps to stabilize the filling and prevent it from becoming too runny.
• 1 egg: Adds structure and creaminess to the cheesecake filling.

Optional Garnish:

• Powdered sugar: For dusting the cookies once baked, adding a beautiful finish and a little extra sweetness.
• Cinnamon or ground ginger: For a festive sprinkle on top before serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

FIRST STEP: MAKE THE CHEESECAKE FILLING

Start by preparing the cheesecake filling so it has time to firm up a bit before you assemble the cookies.

1. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and flour. Mix until fully combined.
3. Finally, beat in the egg until the filling is smooth and well incorporated.
4. Set the cheesecake mixture aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the gingerbread dough. This step ensures the filling firms up, making it easier to work with.

SECOND STEP: MAKE THE GINGERBREAD COOKIE DOUGH

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
2. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.

THIRD STEP: ASSEMBLE THE COOKIES

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, scoop out small balls of gingerbread dough (about 1 inch in diameter) and roll them into balls.
3. Make a small indentation in the center of each dough ball with your finger or the back of a spoon. This will create space for the cheesecake filling.
4. Spoon a small amount (about a teaspoon) of the chilled cheesecake filling into the center of each dough ball.
5. Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling, encasing it completely. Roll the dough into a ball again, ensuring the cheesecake is sealed inside. If the dough becomes too sticky to handle, you can lightly dust your hands with flour.

FOURTH STEP: BAKE THE COOKIES

1. Place the filled cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the gingerbread dough is set and slightly firm to the touch. The cheesecake filling will stay soft and creamy inside.
3. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

FINAL STEP: GARNISH AND SERVE

Once the cookies have cooled, dust them with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or cinnamon for a festive touch. Serve immediately, or store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

How to Serve Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

These cookies are perfect for any occasion, but they really shine during the holiday season. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:

1. As a Holiday Dessert

Serve these cookies as part of a holiday dessert spread. They pair beautifully with other festive treats like sugar cookies, peppermint bark, or pumpkin pie. A warm cup of mulled cider or hot cocoa would also complement them perfectly.

2. As a Gift

Package these cookies in a cute holiday tin or gift box to give as a thoughtful homemade gift. Add a little note or tag to let the recipient know you made them with care.

3. At a Cookie Exchange

These Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are sure to stand out at any holiday cookie exchange. Their unique combination of gingerbread and cheesecake filling is something different from the usual sugar cookies or shortbreads.

4. For Snacking

These cookies are perfect for an afternoon snack with a hot beverage, whether it’s tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. The combination of soft gingerbread and creamy cheesecake will satisfy your sweet tooth without being overly heavy.

Recipe Variations

While the basic Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are already delicious, you can easily customize the recipe to suit your tastes. Here are some fun variations to try:

1. Chocolate-Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the gingerbread dough for a chocolatey twist. The rich chocolate flavor pairs wonderfully with the spicy gingerbread and creamy cheesecake filling.

2. Caramel Cheesecake Filling

For an extra indulgent touch, swirl in some caramel sauce into the cheesecake filling before baking. The sweet caramel adds a luxurious flavor to the cookies that’s perfect for those who love a sweet contrast to the spices.

3. Vegan Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

To make these cookies vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter, the egg with a flax egg, and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. You can also swap the molasses for maple syrup if preferred.

4. Peppermint Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the cheesecake filling for a refreshing holiday twist. You can also sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for extra flavor and a festive touch.

5. Nutty Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

Mix in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the gingerbread dough for added texture and flavor. Nuts complement the spicy gingerbread perfectly.

Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

1. Don’t Overstuff the Filling: Make sure to use just enough cheesecake filling to fill the center of the cookie.

Too much filling could cause it to spill out during baking.

2. Chill the Dough and Filling: If the dough is too sticky to work with, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before shaping. This makes it easier to handle.
3. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, cream cheese, and egg are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother dough and filling.
4. Store Properly: To keep these cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Print

Conclusion

Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the best of both worlds: warm, spiced gingerbread and creamy, tangy cheesecake. These cookies are easy to make, impressive to serve, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday party, gifting them to friends and family, or simply enjoying them on a cozy afternoon, these cookies will surely become a favorite holiday tradition. Try them out and enjoy the sweet, spiced magic of the season!