Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Fall is here, and what better way to celebrate the season than with these delicious Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies? These cookies are a delightful combination of soft, spiced pumpkin cookies filled with a creamy cheesecake center and topped with a crunchy streusel. Perfect for anyone who loves the flavors of pumpkin spice and cheesecake, these cookies are a must-try for your next baking adventure!

Ingredients Overview

Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at the key components that make these cookies so irresistible. From the creamy cheesecake center to the spiced pumpkin cookie dough, each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Cream Cheese Center

• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Streusel Topping

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 6 tbsp all-purpose flour
• Pinch of kosher salt

Pumpkin Cookies

• 2 1/2 cups (330g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup (220g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (115g) pure canned pumpkin
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

this RECIPE

How to Make the Cream Cheese Center

To create the creamy filling for these cookies:

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
2. Scoop and Freeze: Use a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon) to portion out the cream cheese mixture onto a plate lined with wax paper. You should get around 16 scoops. Freeze these scoops for 30 minutes to an hour, or until they are solid.

Preparing the Streusel Topping

The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch to these cookies:

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the butter, sugar, cinnamon, flour, and a pinch of kosher salt. Use your fingers to crumble the mixture together until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Chill: Place the streusel in the refrigerator while you prepare the pumpkin cookies.

Creating the Soft Pumpkin Cookie Dough

The base of these cookies is a soft, spiced dough that complements the cheesecake filling:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the cold, cubed butter with the brown and granulated sugars until smooth and well combined.
3. Add the Pumpkin and Vanilla: Mix in the canned pumpkin and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. It may look slightly curdled, but this is normal – the flour will help to smooth it out.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Chill the Dough: Using a large ice cream scoop or a 1/3 measuring cup, scoop the cookie dough and place it on a baking sheet. Chill the dough in the fridge for 1-2 hours to make it easier to handle.

Assembling and Baking the Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. Form the Cookies: Take a portion of chilled cookie dough and press a frozen cream cheese scoop into the center. Mold the dough around the cream cheese, ensuring it is fully covered and smooth out any seams.
3. Add the Streusel Topping: Sprinkle a small mound of the prepared streusel topping on top of each cookie.
4. Bake: Place 4-5 cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-23 minutes or until the tops are no longer shiny. The edges will not brown significantly, so be careful not to overbake.
5. Cool and Repeat: Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and repeat the process with the remaining dough and cream cheese centers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix the dough until the ingredients are just combined.
• Skipping the Chilling Step: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking and makes the dough easier to handle.
• Not Freezing the Cream Cheese Centers: The cream cheese centers should be frozen solid to avoid melting too quickly while baking.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

For a beautiful presentation, serve these cookies on a decorative plate with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for extra color and flavor.

Recipe Swaps and Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter for the regular versions.
• Add-ins: Try adding mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the cookie dough for a delightful twist.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes to regain their freshly baked texture.

FAQ Section

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked dough balls or the baked cookies. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag.

What should I do if my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to not chilling the dough long enough. Ensure the dough is well-chilled before baking.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the flavors of fall. With their soft pumpkin base, creamy cheesecake center, and crunchy streusel topping, they are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your results with friends and family. If you loved this recipe, please share it and subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes!

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