Name: Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 2 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, cold; 3 tbsp (38 g) granulated white sugar; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 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 extract; 1/3 cup (113 g) unsulphured molasses

Jump to Recipe

If you adore the warm, cozy flavors of gingerbread paired with the creamy tang of cheesecake, the Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite holiday treat. These cookies are a delightful twist on traditional gingerbread, boasting a rich cream cheese center that melts in your mouth, all wrapped in the perfect spiced cookie dough. Whether you’re baking to impress guests or looking for a special treat to savor with a mug of tea, this recipe hits every note of festive comfort and indulgence in each bite.

A stack of three brown cookies with a rough sugar-coated surface, each broken to show a soft, white cream layer inside, sits in the center on a brown base. Around the stack are whole cookies of the same type, with one that has a raised dome shape. Behind the cookies, the background shows blurred colorful festive decorations in red and green. The scene is lit warmly, highlighting the texture of the cookies and the creamy filling photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients come together beautifully in this recipe, where each one plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and creaminess. From aromatic spices to creamy butter and luscious cream cheese, every element contributes to the delicious harmony of tastes and textures in these cookies.

Cream cheese (6 oz, cold): Provides a rich, creamy filling that balances the spices and adds luscious moisture.
Granulated white sugar (3 tbsp + 6 tbsp): Used both in the cheesecake filling and spiced sugar coating to add sweetness and surface texture.
Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp + 1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
Ground ginger (1/2 tsp + 2 1/2 tsp): Delivers that essential spicy warmth that defines gingerbread.
Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp + 2 1/2 tsp): Offers sweet and woody undertones, enriching every bite.
Ground allspice (1/8 tsp + 1/4 tsp): Adds complexity with a hint of clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg flavors.
Ground nutmeg (1/8 tsp + 1/2 tsp): Brings a subtle nutty spice that livens the flavor profile.
Ground cloves (1/8 tsp + 1/4 tsp): Provides a potent, slightly sweet spice enhancing the festive feel.
All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The base that gives structure to the gingerbread cookie dough.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavors.
Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Ensures the cookies rise properly with the perfect soft bite.
Unsalted butter (3/4 cup, softened): Adds richness and tenderness to the cookie dough.
Light brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Imparts a deep caramel flavor and chewy texture to the cookies.
Egg yolks (2, room temperature): Provide binder and contribute to tender crumb and richness.
Unsulphured molasses (1/3 cup): The signature ingredient that delivers the classic robust molasses flavor and dark color.

How to Make Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Begin by lining a small cookie sheet with parchment paper—this will be where your cheesecake centers chill. Whip together cold cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl using an electric mixer on medium-high until the mixture is fluffy and smooth, about 2 minutes. Then, portion out the filling into 18 small spoonfuls (roughly 2 teaspoons each) and place them on the prepared sheet. Pop them straight into the freezer until they are rock solid and easy to handle.

Step 2: Mix the Spiced Sugar

This little bowl of magic adds sparkle and spice! Combine granulated sugar with ginger, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves. Whisk thoroughly and set it aside—this will be used to coat your cookies before baking, giving them a beautiful, fragrant crust.

Step 3: Get Cookie Dough Ready

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment. In one bowl, whisk together flour with the rest of your spices, baking soda, and salt—this dry mixture will carry all the gingerbread flavor. In another large bowl, cream softened butter with brown sugar until fluffy and light, then add egg yolks, molasses, and vanilla, mixing until beautifully smooth and creamy. Slowly combine your dry ingredients into the wet until just mixed—this dough is ready for a delicious transformation.

Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

Use a 2-tablespoon scoop to portion out dough balls, then slightly flatten each ball. Place a frozen cream cheese ball in the center, then carefully wrap the dough around it, sealing it completely. Roll the stuffed cookie ball in the spiced sugar for a festive, crackled finish. Keep your cream cheese centers frozen until you’re ready to assemble each batch to prevent melting.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Arrange your cookies on the baking sheets and bake 6 at a time for 11 to 12 minutes. The cookies should look set but still tender in the middle. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to firm up before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the anticipation of biting into that gooey cheesecake center hidden inside a spicy, chewy gingerbread hug.

How to Serve Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

A close-up view shows several round, soft cookies with a light brown, slightly rough, sugar-coated surface. One cookie is in the center with a bite taken out of it, revealing a white creamy filling inside. The cookies are placed directly on a white marbled surface, surrounded by a small gingerbread cookie decorated with white icing and a shiny red ornament. A decorative green and red plaid ribbon lies at the bottom right corner. The lighting highlights the texture and sugar crystals on the cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a festive touch by dusting these cookies lightly with powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate. A sprinkle of crushed crystallized ginger also pairs wonderfully, enhancing the ginger notes and adding a sparkly bite sensation.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies with a warming cup of chai tea or a creamy hot chocolate to complement the gingerbread spices perfectly. Vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream make for an indulgent side treat, turning these bites into an exquisite dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking a few cookies with a generous spread of cream cheese frosting in between for a cookie sandwich that looks irresistible. Arrange them on a holiday platter with fresh cranberries and cinnamon sticks for a stunning centerpiece at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to maintain their softness and flavor. If you want to preserve the cream cheese center’s texture, refrigerate stored cookies and allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully! Place baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep fresh in the freezer for up to two months without losing their delightful texture and taste.

Reheating

When you want to enjoy them again, warm frozen or refrigerated cookies in a low oven (around 300°F) for about 5 minutes. This gentle heat will revive their softness and coax the cheesecake center back to delicious gooeyness without drying out the spiced dough.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese or should it be full-fat?

Full-fat cream cheese is best for this recipe as it provides the richest and creamiest filling, giving your cookies that indulgent cheesecake texture and flavor.

Why do we freeze the cheesecake filling before baking?

Freezing the cheesecake filling prevents it from melting into the cookie dough during baking. It helps keep a distinct, creamy center that contrasts beautifully with the spicy cookie.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free or vegan?

While the original recipe relies on butter and cream cheese, you can try substituting plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives. Keep in mind texture and flavor may vary slightly, but they should still be delicious!

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly, these cookies taste best within 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freezing is ideal to maintain freshness and texture.

Can I add nuts to the gingerbread cheesecake cookies?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts can be folded into the dough for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the spices beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up this Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is like wrapping your taste buds in a cozy holiday hug. The perfect balance of spiced gingerbread and dreamy cheesecake makes these cookies a memorable treat that’s sure to become a beloved tradition. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to bake batch after batch to share all season long!