The Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the warm spices of gingerbread with a rich and creamy cheesecake filling. These cookies are perfect for Christmas gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying at home with family. With their chewy texture and spiced sugar coating, they offer a unique flavor experience that gingerbread lovers will adore!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spiced gingerbread and creamy cheesecake creates a delightful taste sensation.
- Perfect for Celebrations: These cookies are a festive addition to any holiday spread or dessert table.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up these treats even if you’re short on time.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a festive dessert or pack them up as gifts for friends and family.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Saves time and ensures your cheesecake filling is smooth and creamy.
- Baking sheets: Provide a sturdy surface for your cookies to bake evenly.
Ingredients
To make these delicious Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, cold
- 3 tbsp (38 g) granulated white sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
For the Gingerbread Cookies
- 6 tbsp (75 g) granulated white 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
- 1/3 cup (113 g) unsulphured molasses
How to Make Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cold cream cheese, granulated white sugar, and vanilla. Use an electric mixer to beat until smooth. Set aside while you prepare the dough.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In another large bowl, mix together the granulated white sugar, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, flour, salt, baking soda, and remaining spices. In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter and light brown sugar until fluffy. Add in the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and molasses; mix until combined.
Step 3: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined.
Step 4: Assemble Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a scoop of cookie dough, flatten it in your hand, place about a teaspoon of cheesecake filling in the center, then fold dough around it to seal. Roll into balls and coat in spiced sugar before placing on prepared baking sheets.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for about 11 minutes or until edges are set. Remove from oven and let cool before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies!
How to Serve Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies
These delightful gingerbread cheesecake cookies are perfect for any festive occasion. Their unique blend of flavors and textures makes them a favorite for holiday gatherings and family celebrations.
With Hot Beverages
- Coffee or Espresso: The rich flavors of coffee enhance the spiciness of gingerbread.
- Hot Chocolate: A sweet pairing that complements the creamy cheesecake filling perfectly.
- Spiced Tea: The warmth from spiced tea elevates the holiday spirit when served alongside these cookies.
As Party Favors
- Gift Boxes: Present these cookies in cute boxes tied with ribbons for a thoughtful gift.
- Cookie Platters: Arrange them on a decorative platter for an eye-catching centerpiece at your gathering.
With Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic flavor pairs well with the spicy notes of the cookie.
- Ginger Ice Cream: For an extra kick, serve with ginger-flavored ice cream to enhance the gingerbread taste.
How to Perfect Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies
To ensure your gingerbread cheesecake cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough before baking. This helps maintain the cookie shape and enhances flavors.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow cream cheese and butter to reach room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into measuring cups instead of scooping to avoid dense cookies.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies from the oven when they are slightly underbaked for that chewy texture.
Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies
Complement your gingerbread cheesecake cookies with delightful side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some excellent options:
- Pumpkin Pie: A classic dessert that embodies the essence of fall and winter festivities.
- Apple Crisp: Warm, spiced apples paired with a crunchy topping create a comforting side dish.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness balances the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
- Cheesecake Bars: Add another layer of creamy sweetness; cut into small squares for easy serving.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie in melted chocolate for a fun and interactive dessert experience.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit medley adds brightness to your dessert table, enhancing flavors without overwhelming them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making gingerbread cheesecake cookies can be fun, but there are some common mistakes that can affect your results.
- Skipping the chilling time: Chilling the dough is important for shaping. If you skip this step, your cookies may spread too much while baking.
- Not measuring flour properly: Always spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly. This prevents too much flour from making the dough dry.
- Using cold ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can result in a lumpy filling and hard dough.
- Overbaking the cookies: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. Overbaked cookies will become hard instead of chewy and soft.
- Ignoring ingredient substitutions: If you need to make swaps, like using a different gelling agent or sugar type, make sure they work well together for taste and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Use a freezer-safe container or wrap individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a zip-top bag.
Reheating Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat for about 2 minutes, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about gingerbread cheesecake cookies.
What are Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies?
Gingerbread cheesecake cookies are chewy gingerbread cookies filled with a creamy cheesecake mixture, rolled in spiced sugar. They make a delightful holiday treat!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and fill it with cheesecake filling ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to bake.
How do I customize my Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies?
Feel free to add your favorite spices like cardamom or nutmeg, or mix in chocolate chips for extra sweetness!
Are Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! These cookies are perfect for gifting during the holiday season. Package them nicely in a decorative box for friends and family.
How long do these cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months if frozen.
Final Thoughts
These gingerbread cheesecake cookies bring together the rich flavors of gingerbread with a creamy filling that is simply irresistible. They not only make wonderful holiday treats but also allow room for creativity through various flavor additions. Try making them your own by experimenting with spices or fillings!
Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies
Indulge in the festive delight of Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies, a perfect blend of spiced gingerbread and creamy cheesecake filling. These cookies are an irresistible holiday treat, ideal for gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying at home with loved ones. Their chewy texture and spiced sugar coating create a unique flavor experience that will charm any gingerbread lover. With straightforward preparation steps and common ingredients, these cookies are easy to make, making them a wonderful addition to your holiday baking repertoire.
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, cold
- 3 tbsp (38 g) granulated white sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 6 tbsp (75 g) granulated white 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
- 1/3 cup (113 g) unsulphured molasses
Instructions
- Prepare the cheesecake filling by mixing cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- For the cookie dough, combine dry ingredients: granulated sugar, spices, flour, salt, and baking soda in one bowl. In another bowl, beat softened butter with light brown sugar until fluffy; add egg yolks, vanilla extract, and molasses.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop cookie dough, flatten it in your hand, place cheesecake filling in the center, fold dough around it to seal, roll into balls and coat in spiced sugar.
- Bake for about 11 minutes until edges are set; cool before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Chill the dough before baking to maintain shape. Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing. Experiment with additional spices like cardamom for a personal touch.