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Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.1 from 54 reviews

These Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect festive treat combining spicy gingerbread flavors with a creamy cheesecake filling. Soft, chewy cookies with a sweet and tangy surprise center, coated in a warm blend of spiced sugar, make these cookies irresistible and ideal for holiday baking or cozy dessert moments.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cheesecake Filling

  • 6 oz cream cheese, cold
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Spiced Sugar Coating

  • 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

For the Gingerbread Cookies

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 egg yolks, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup unsulphured molasses

Instructions

  1. Make cheesecake filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cold cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and fluffy to ensure the filling is creamy and well incorporated.
  2. Freeze cheesecake balls: Using a small scoop or spoon, portion out the cheesecake filling into 18 small balls, about 2 teaspoons each. Place on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm, which helps the filling hold shape when encased in cookie dough.
  3. Prepare spiced sugar coating: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the granulated sugar with ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves. Set this aromatic mixture aside to coat the cookies later.
  4. Make cookie dough dry mix: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, salt, and baking soda. This combination forms the spiced base of the gingerbread cookie dough.
  5. Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and light brown sugar on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
  6. Add wet ingredients: Add the egg yolks, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until everything is fully combined, giving the dough its rich flavor and moisture.
  7. Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour and spice mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a thick dough forms. Be sure not to overmix to maintain a tender cookie texture.
  8. Form cookies with filling: Scoop the cookie dough into 18 balls, about 2 tablespoons each. Flatten each dough ball slightly, place a frozen cheesecake ball in the center, then wrap the dough completely around the filling, rolling gently to form a smooth ball.
  9. Coat cookies: Roll each filled cookie ball in the prepared spiced sugar mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated for added flavor and texture.
  10. Bake cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, baking 6 at a time. Bake for 11 to 12 minutes until cookies are set and lightly golden around the edges.
  11. Cool cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to allow them to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • Freezing the cheesecake filling balls prior to assembly is essential to prevent leakage during baking.
  • Do not overbake the cookies; slightly underbaking ensures a soft and chewy texture.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • If you prefer a milder spice flavor, reduce the ground ginger and cinnamon by half.
  • Using room temperature egg yolks helps the dough come together more smoothly.

Keywords: gingerbread cookies, cheesecake cookies, holiday cookies, spiced cookies, molasses cookies, creamy filled cookies

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/gingerbread-cheesecake-cookies-recipe/