Fall’s Coziest Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Autumn’s crisp breeze whispers of comfort and sweet delights, especially when baking these irresistible pumpkin cheesecake cookies that blend warm spices with creamy cheesecake goodness.

Soft, pillowy textures merge with rich fall flavors in each delectable bite.

The secret lies in perfectly balanced ingredients that dance together like a cozy seasonal symphony.

Tangy cream cheese swirls through pumpkin-infused dough, creating a luxurious treat that melts in your mouth.

Hints of cinnamon and nutmeg weave through each cookie, promising a nostalgic comfort that feels like a warm embrace.

These cookies aren’t just a dessert – they’re an experience that captures the essence of autumn’s magic.

Grab a plate and savor the season’s most decadent cookie creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 13 minutes

Total Time: 33 minutes

Calories: 185 kcal

Servings: 17

Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies: What You’ll Need

• Cream Cheese: Delivers creamy, tangy core that creates smooth swirls throughout the cookie, choose full-fat variety for richest texture.
• Granulated White Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the cheesecake filling, ensuring perfect balance of flavor.
• Vanilla: Enhances overall taste with warm, aromatic notes, select pure vanilla extract for best results.

• Granulated White Sugar, Pumpkin Pie Spice: Combine to create a warmly spiced coating that adds depth and autumn-inspired complexity to cookies.

• Canned Pumpkin Puree: Introduces moisture and signature fall flavor, select 100% pure pumpkin without added spices.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender crumb, sift to eliminate potential lumps.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Delivers classic seasonal warmth with blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Work together to help cookies rise and achieve perfect soft texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, tender base with deep buttery notes, ensure room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and complex caramel undertones.
• Egg Yolks: Contribute richness and help bind ingredients, bring to room temperature for even incorporation.
• Vanilla: Amplifies depth of flavor, use high-quality pure extract.

How to Make Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies Just Right

• Cookie Sheet Prep

Set up a parchment-lined baking surface for smooth cookie removal.

• Cheesecake Core

Whip cream cheese mixture into a silky, cloud-like texture that feels light and dreamy.

• Freezing Magic

Transform cream cheese scoops into solid nuggets by chilling them completely.

• Sugar Spice Blend

Create a fragrant coating of warm seasonal spices mixed with sweet granules.

• Oven Warmup

Heat kitchen companion to perfect baking temperature for golden treats.

• Pumpkin Moisture Control

Eliminate excess liquid from pumpkin to ensure perfect cookie consistency.

• Dry Ingredient Harmony

Combine flour and spices into a uniform powder that promises rich flavor.

• Butter Sugar Dance

Blend butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy, pale creation.

• Pumpkin Integration

Gently fold pumpkin into dry mixture, maintaining delicate cookie texture.

• Cookie Assembly

Wrap frozen cheesecake centers with tender dough, then roll in spiced sugar.

• Baking Finale

Bake until edges turn a gorgeous golden hue, signaling cookie perfection.

Tips and Flavor Ideas for Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

• Pat pumpkin puree completely dry using paper towels to prevent soggy cookies and ensure a perfect texture.
• Freeze cream cheese balls for at least 30 minutes to create a delightful cheesecake center that stays creamy during baking.
• Experiment with different spice blends like chai masala or apple pie spice for unique flavor profiles beyond traditional pumpkin pie spice.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for extended freshness up to a week.
• Swap regular flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.

Creative Ways to Serve Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange these pumpkin cheesecake cookies on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks and whole nutmegs for a stunning seasonal display that captures autumn's warmth.
• Dessert Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside hot spiced apple cider or a creamy cappuccino to complement the rich, decadent flavors of the cookies and create a delightful taste experience.
• Gifting Gourmet Treat: Package these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with autumn-colored ribbons for a homemade gift that looks professionally crafted and tastes absolutely delicious.
• After-Dinner Indulgence: Create a cozy dessert moment by placing two to three cookies on small vintage plates with a dollop of whipped cream and a light dusting of pumpkin pie spice for extra elegance.

How to Store Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper sheets. These delicate treats maintain peak freshness for 3-4 days when chilled, preventing texture changes and maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe containers. Frozen cookies remain delectable for up to 6 weeks, offering convenient make-ahead dessert options for spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Counter Storage Caution: Keep cookies away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Room temperature storage works best for 1-2 days maximum, ensuring optimal taste and preventing potential cream cheese spoilage.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough and cheesecake centers up to 2 days before baking. Refrigerate components separately, allowing flexible preparation that fits busy schedules without compromising quality or taste.

Tools to Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies Easily

• Mixing bowls: Large and medium sizes for combining ingredients.
• Electric mixer: Essential for beating cream cheese and creaming butter and sugar.
• Cookie sheet: Lined with parchment paper for baking cookies.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Whisk: For blending spices and dry ingredients smoothly.
• Paper towels: To dry pumpkin puree and remove excess moisture.
• Scoop or tablespoon: For portioning cheesecake mixture and cookie dough.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cookie removal.
• Cooling rack: Optional for cooling baked cookies.

Irresistible Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Homemade pumpkin cheesecake cookies merge classic fall flavors with creamy cheesecake goodness. Warm spices and rich textures invite bakers to savor autumn’s delightful sweet sensation.

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Ingredients

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• 1.75 cups (415 ml) all-purpose flour
• 0.75 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (240 g) light brown sugar
• 0.5 cup (120 g) canned pumpkin puree (Libby’s)
• 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
• 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, cold
• 2 tsps vanilla
• 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
• 3 tbsps granulated white sugar (for filling)
• 0.25 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar (for spiced sugar)
• 0.5 tsp vanilla (for filling)
• 0.5 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp pumpkin pie spice (for spiced sugar)

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Instructions

1. Prep Station: Line baking sheets with parchment paper for seamless cookie removal and optimal non-stick surface.
2. Cream Cheese Mixture: Whip cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla using an electric mixer until ethereally light and fluffy, creating a silky base.
3. Freeze Filling: Transform cream cheese mixture into 16 uniform spheres, then freeze until solidly firm, establishing the cookie’s core.
4. Spice Coating: Combine sugar and pumpkin pie spice in a shallow dish, reserving for final cookie embellishment.
5. Oven Calibration: Warm oven to 350°F, positioning additional parchment-lined trays for efficient baking.
6. Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, ensuring uniform ingredient distribution.
7. Butter Blend: Cream butter and sugar until pale and voluminous, integrating egg yolks and vanilla for rich, complex flavor profile.
8. Pumpkin Integration: Gently fold pumpkin puree into dry ingredient mixture, maintaining delicate dough consistency.
9. Assembly: Extract frozen cream cheese spheres, meticulously enrobe each with cookie dough, then roll in spiced sugar coating for aromatic enhancement.
10. Baking Finale: Position cookies on prepared sheets with strategic spacing, baking 12-13 minutes until edges transform to golden perfection.

Notes

• Freeze Cream Cheese Strategically: Completely solidify cream cheese balls before wrapping with cookie dough to prevent messy blending and ensure clean, defined cookie edges.
• Control Pumpkin Moisture: Gently remove excess liquid from pumpkin puree using paper towels to prevent soggy, dense cookie texture and maintain ideal consistency.
• Handle Dough Delicately: Mix dry ingredients minimally and fold pumpkin carefully to avoid tough, dense cookies; gentle techniques preserve soft, tender crumb.
• Sugar Coating Technique: Roll cookies in spiced sugar mixture just before baking to create a delightful crispy exterior and enhance overall flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 185
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg