Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

These Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate festive treat! Combining the warmth of gingerbread with a rich cheesecake filling, these cookies are sure to impress at any holiday gathering. Perfect for sharing at Christmas parties or enjoying with family, their chewy texture and delightful spices make them a standout dessert that every gingerbread lover will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of warm spices and creamy filling creates a unique taste that’s perfect for the holidays.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies without hassle.
• Impressive Presentation: Their beautiful appearance will wow your guests and make for an Instagram-worthy treat.
• Versatile Treats: Great for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or simply indulging at home.
• Cheesecake Twist: The cream cheese filling adds a decadent touch to traditional gingerbread cookies.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing these Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies requires some essential tools to make the process smoother. Ensure you have everything ready before you start baking!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes mixing the cream cheese and sugars easy, ensuring a smooth cheesecake filling.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect cookie texture.

Ingredients

These are the best gingerbread cheesecake cookies! They are chewy gingerbread cookies, stuffed with a creamy cheesecake filling and rolled in spiced sugar. They’re the perfect Christmas treat that every gingerbread lover will adore!

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 Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the cold cream cheese, granulated white sugar, and vanilla. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Once done, cover this mixture and set it aside in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In another large bowl, mix together 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and remaining spices. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until combined.

Step 3: Forming the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take about one tablespoon of dough in your hand and flatten it slightly. Place about one teaspoon of chilled cheesecake filling in the center. Wrap the dough around it to form a ball. Roll each ball in spiced sugar before placing it on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for approximately 11 minutes or until edges are firm but centers are soft. Let cookies cool on sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Enjoy your Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies as delightful festive treats that everyone will love!

How to Serve Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

These Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate your serving experience with a few creative ideas. Whether for a festive gathering or a cozy family night, here are some serving suggestions.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee for a comforting treat.
• Tea: Enjoy with spiced chai or herbal tea to complement the ginger flavors.
• Hot Cocoa: The sweetness of hot cocoa balances perfectly with the spiced cookies.

As a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment: Combine with other holiday cookies for a colorful dessert display.
• Cheese Board Addition: Add these cookies to a cheese board for an unexpected sweet element.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies alongside vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.
• Ginger Ice Cream: Enhance the ginger flavor by pairing with ginger-flavored ice cream.

How to Perfect Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

To ensure your Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps in achieving the right texture and prevents spreading during baking.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easy mixing and smooth filling.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies; overmixing can lead to dense results.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to prevent dense cookies.

Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

These Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies pair well with various side dishes that enhance their festive flavor. Here are some top choices:

1. Spiced Pear Compote: A warm, sweet addition that complements the spices in the cookies.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn: A crunchy snack that adds texture and sweetness to your spread.
3. Roasted Nuts: Choose spiced or sweet roasted nuts for a contrasting crunch.
4. Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing side that balances the richness of the cookies.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with fruits and granola for a wholesome accompaniment.
6. Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites echo the flavors found within the cookies themselves, perfect for dessert lovers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies can be fun, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Boldly skip the chilling step: Failing to chill the dough makes it harder to handle and can affect the texture. Always refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Incorrect ingredient measurements: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups correctly. This ensures balanced flavors and proper cookie texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Combine until just incorporated for a soft, chewy result.
• Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can hinder the mixing process. Let them sit out for about 30 minutes before starting.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven can alter baking times and results. Always preheat your oven to ensure even cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat individually on low power for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overdo it!
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan on low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies?

Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are delightful treats combining chewy gingerbread with a creamy cheesecake filling, perfect for holiday celebrations.

Can I customize the filling of my Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies?

Yes! You can add flavors like lemon or chocolate to the cheesecake filling or incorporate different spices into the gingerbread dough.

How do I make my Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies more festive?

Try rolling them in colored sugar or adding festive sprinkles on top before baking!

Can I use gluten-free flour for these cookies?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

Final Thoughts

These Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that combines rich flavors and textures, making them perfect for any occasion. Their versatility allows you to customize them according to your taste, making every batch uniquely yours. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and enjoy these sweet delights!