Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

These Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect blend of chewy gingerbread and creamy cheesecake filling. Ideal for holiday gatherings, these cookies stand out with their spiced sugar coating, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Every gingerbread lover will appreciate their unique twist on traditional flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spiced gingerbread and rich cheesecake creates an irresistible taste experience.
• Festive Appeal: These cookies make a great addition to holiday trays and cookie exchanges, impressing family and friends alike.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can whip up these cookies without hassle, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them during Christmas or any festive gathering; they’re a year-round favorite!
• Cheesecake Surprise: The creamy filling offers a delightful surprise in every bite, elevating your cookie game.

Tools and Preparation

To successfully create these Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies, having the right tools is essential. Gather the following equipment to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when blending ingredients, ensuring a smooth cheesecake filling.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows for efficient mixing of dry and wet ingredients separately.

Ingredients

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

For the Cookie Dough

• 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

Additional Ingredients

• 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 Cheesecake Filling

Combine cold cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Blend until smooth. Chill until ready to use.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In another bowl, whisk together flour, spices, salt, and baking soda. In a separate bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg yolks and vanilla. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop out small portions of dough, flatten them in your palm, and place a teaspoon of cheesecake filling in the center. Fold the dough around the filling to seal it completely.

Step 4: Roll in Spiced Sugar

Roll each filled cookie in a mixture of granulated sugar and spices before placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for about 11 minutes or until edges are firm but centers are still soft. Allow cooling on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies!

How to Serve Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

These Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are delightful on their own, but they can be served in various ways to enhance the experience. Consider these serving suggestions to impress your guests during the holiday season.

Festive Platter

• Arrange cookies on a decorative platter with festive decorations, such as holly or cinnamon sticks, for a beautiful presentation.

Pair with Hot Beverages

• Serve alongside hot cocoa, spiced tea, or coffee. The warm drinks complement the spiced flavors of the cookies perfectly.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or ginger ice cream between two cookies for a delicious dessert twist.

Gift-Worthy Treats

• Package cookies in festive bags or boxes. They make wonderful homemade gifts for friends and family during the holidays.

Cookie Bar Display

• Create a cookie bar with different treats, including your Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies, allowing guests to mix and match their favorites.

How to Perfect Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

To achieve the ultimate Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your baking technique.

• Use cold cream cheese: Starting with cold cream cheese helps maintain the cheesecake filling’s texture and prevents it from becoming too runny.

• Chill dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances flavor.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into measuring cups rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents overly dense cookies due to excess flour.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on baking time. The cookies should be soft in the center when you remove them from the oven; they’ll continue cooking on the tray.

Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

Pairing side dishes with Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies can create a delightful dessert spread. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that complements the rich flavors of the cookies beautifully.

2. Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote made from apples or cranberries provides a tangy contrast that balances sweetness perfectly.

3. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some chocolate sauce over cookies for an indulgent touch that chocolate lovers will appreciate.

4. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add a crunchy element that pairs well with chewy gingerbread texture and enhances flavor complexity.

5. Cheesecake Dip: Serve an easy cheesecake dip made from cream cheese and powdered sugar as an additional treat alongside your cookies.

6. Candied Citrus Peel: Candied orange or lemon peel offers a zesty flavor that refreshes your palate after each bite of cookie goodness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking gingerbread cheesecake cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Boldly skip the chilling: Not chilling your dough can make it difficult to handle. Always refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before shaping.
• Boldly overlook the measurement: Using incorrect measurements can ruin your cookies. Ensure you spoon and level flour accurately for best results.
• Boldly ignore room temperature ingredients: Cold ingredients can affect texture. Make sure your butter and egg yolks are at room temperature before mixing.
• Boldly rush the baking: Baking too long or too short can lead to hard or undercooked cookies. Keep an eye on them and take them out when they’re just set.
• Boldly forget about the filling: Skipping the cheesecake filling will take away the unique flavor. Don’t skip this step for that creamy goodness!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Reheating Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individually on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Warm in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes, ensuring they don’t dry out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies?

Gingerbread cheesecake cookies are soft, chewy cookies filled with a creamy cheesecake mixture, perfect for holiday celebrations.

Can I use different spices in my Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste, adding more or less ginger, cinnamon, or other warming spices.

How do I ensure my Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies stay soft?

To keep them soft, avoid overbaking and store them properly. Use airtight containers and consider adding a slice of bread to maintain moisture.

Are there any substitutions I can make in this recipe?

You can use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based butter for a vegan option without compromising flavor.

Final Thoughts

These gingerbread cheesecake cookies combine the beloved flavors of gingerbread with a creamy surprise inside. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of year, they offer versatility through customization options like different spices or fillings. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these delightful cookies!