As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting flavors of gingerbread combined with the creamy richness of cheesecake. This gingerbread cheesecake cookie recipe is a delightful twist on traditional cookies, offering a perfect balance of spicy gingerbread and smooth, tangy cheesecake filling.
Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or just craving a unique treat, these cookies are sure to impress.
These cookies bring together the best of both worlds — a soft, flavorful gingerbread cookie base topped with a luscious cheesecake dollop, baked to perfection. The aroma alone will fill your kitchen with holiday cheer, and the taste will have everyone asking for seconds.
Get ready to add this crowd-pleasing recipe to your holiday baking repertoire!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser because it offers a unique flavor combination that is both comforting and festive. The gingerbread cookie is perfectly spiced with warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, while the cheesecake adds a creamy contrast that melts in your mouth.
Not only are these cookies delicious, but they are also easy to make. With straightforward ingredients and clear instructions, even beginner bakers can create a stunning holiday treat.
Plus, they store well, making them perfect for gifting or prepping ahead of time.
Finally, these cookies are versatile. You can customize the cheesecake filling, tweak the spices to your liking, or even add toppings like chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- For the Gingerbread Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cooling racks
- Spoon or piping bag for cheesecake filling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the egg and molasses: Beat in the egg until combined, then mix in the molasses thoroughly.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Form the cookies: Using a tablespoon or medium cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of gingerbread dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Add the cheesecake dollop: Using a small spoon or piping bag, place a small dollop (about 1 teaspoon) of cheesecake filling on top of each cookie dough mound, gently pressing it down slightly.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cheesecake filling is slightly puffed and just beginning to brown.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and enjoy: Once cooled, these cookies are ready to enjoy or store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips & Variations
For extra flavor, chill the gingerbread dough for at least an hour before baking. This helps the spices to deepen and the dough to firm up, making it easier to handle.
You can swap molasses for dark corn syrup or honey if desired, but molasses gives the classic gingerbread depth of flavor. Feel free to add a pinch of ground black pepper or cardamom for a subtle twist on the spice profile.
If you want to make the cheesecake filling more festive, try folding in some finely chopped crystallized ginger or a touch of orange zest. For a fun texture contrast, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cheesecake dollop before baking.
To make these cookies dairy-free, substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use a dairy-free cream cheese. Adjust baking time as needed.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Cookie (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 150 |
Total Fat | 8g |
Saturated Fat | 4.5g |
Cholesterol | 30mg |
Sodium | 120mg |
Carbohydrates | 18g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sugars | 12g |
Protein | 2g |
Serving Suggestions
These gingerbread cheesecake cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience with a few serving ideas. Enjoy them alongside a cup of hot cocoa or spiced chai tea for a cozy treat.
For holiday parties, arrange them on a festive platter with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. You can also pair them with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
These cookies make wonderful edible gifts — package them in a pretty tin or box with a holiday ribbon for friends, family, or coworkers.
Conclusion
This gingerbread cheesecake cookie recipe is a delicious and festive way to celebrate the season. The combination of spicy gingerbread and creamy cheesecake creates a unique and indulgent treat that’s sure to become a holiday favorite.
These cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones at gatherings or enjoying as a special personal treat.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible to bakers of all levels. Plus, the versatility of the spices and filling means you can customize it to your taste.
Whether you’re new to holiday baking or a seasoned pro, these gingerbread cheesecake cookies will bring warmth, flavor, and joy to your kitchen this season.
Looking for more festive baking inspiration? Check out our other favorite recipes like Classic Sugar Cookies, Peppermint Bark Brownies, and Spiced Apple Crisp for even more holiday cheer!
📖 Recipe Card: Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookie
Description: A delightful fusion of spicy gingerbread cookies and creamy cheesecake filling. Perfect for holiday treats or any festive occasion.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup molasses
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in egg and molasses until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix well.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheet; bake for 10-12 minutes. Cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread cheesecake filling on cooled cookies and sandwich with another cookie.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 9 g | Carbs: 22 g
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