Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of pumpkin and cream cheese into a chewy cookie. Perfect for fall gatherings, cozy evenings, or as a festive dessert, these cookies are sure to impress your family and friends. With their warm spices and creamy topping, they stand out as a seasonal favorite that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin spice and cream cheese creates a flavor explosion that is both comforting and indulgent.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies can be whipped up in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Whether for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or just an afternoon snack, these cookies fit any occasion perfectly.
• Perfectly Textured: Enjoy the delightful balance between chewy and cakey with every bite.
• Impressive Presentation: The creamy cheesecake filling topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon makes these cookies visually appealing.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. Gather your kitchen essentials to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and ensures your cream cheese filling is smooth and well-combined.
• Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet helps cookies bake evenly without sticking.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, ensuring easy removal.

Ingredients

These pumpkin cheesecake cookies are a cross between a chewy and cakey pumpkin cookie. Perfectly fall spiced, they are topped with a generous helping of pumpkin cheesecake filling and dusted with cinnamon or nutmeg. These are the perfect fall cookie!

For the Cookie Base

• 2 1/2 cups (320 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• ¾ cup (168 grams) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) brown sugar (packed)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (122 grams) pumpkin puree

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz (224 grams) cream cheese (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) pumpkin puree
• 1 ¼ cups (150 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

How to Make Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for cookie placement.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Pumpkin pie spice

Whisk together until well mixed. Set this dry mixture aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In another large bowl, beat together:
1. Melted butter and brown sugar until creamy.
2. Add in the egg and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
3. Stir in the pumpkin puree.

Gradually add the dry mixture to this wet mixture until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Scoop and Bake Cookies

Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each cookie as they will spread while baking.

Bake for about 12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl:
1. Beat together room temperature cream cheese with pumpkin puree until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix until light and fluffy.

Step 6: Assemble Cookies

Once cookies have cooled completely, spread or pipe a generous amount of cream cheese filling on top of each cookie. Dust lightly with cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra touch.

Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

These pumpkin cheesecake cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply indulging at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee: Pair your cookies with a warm cup of coffee for a comforting combination.
• Tea: A spiced chai or herbal tea complements the flavors beautifully.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy a rich hot chocolate alongside these cookies for a sweet treat.

As Party Desserts

• Cookie Platter: Arrange them on a platter with other seasonal cookies for an inviting dessert table.
• Gift Boxes: Package them in festive boxes to share with friends and family during the holidays.

Topped with Extras

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for added creaminess and texture.

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How to Perfect Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

To achieve the best results with your pumpkin cheesecake cookies, keep these tips in mind. They will ensure your cookies are perfectly chewy and flavorful.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and egg are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother filling.
• Do Not Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and avoid toughness.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This enhances the flavor and texture.
• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should be set around the edges but slightly soft in the center.
• Store Properly: Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

These pumpkin cheesecake cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Cinnamon Roll Casserole: A warm, sweet casserole that matches perfectly with the spices in your cookies.
2. Apple Crisp: The tartness of baked apples contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and balance to the soft texture of the cookies.
4. Cheese Board: Include cheeses like brie or aged cheddar for a savory touch against the sweet cookie flavor.
5. Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup can make for a delightful seasonal pairing, echoing cookie flavors.
6. Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate after each bite of cookie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making pumpkin cheesecake cookies, avoiding common pitfalls can make all the difference. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or cream cheese can lead to a lumpy filling. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smooth texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method to ensure accurate measurements.
• Skipping the chilling step: If you skip chilling the dough, cookies may spread too much while baking. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for better shape and texture.
• Overbaking the cookies: Overbaked cookies will become hard. Bake just until the edges are lightly golden for a chewy center.
• Neglecting spices: Pumpkin spice adds warmth and flavor. Don’t skip it; adjust according to your taste preference.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store pumpkin cheesecake cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about pumpkin cheesecake cookies:

What are Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies?

Pumpkin cheesecake cookies combine the best of both worlds, featuring soft pumpkin cookies topped with creamy cheesecake filling, spiced perfectly for fall.

How do I make my cookies more flavorful?

To enhance flavor, consider adding extra spices like nutmeg or cloves. You can also mix in chocolate chips or nuts for variety.

Can I use canned pumpkin puree?

Yes! Canned pumpkin puree works great and is convenient. Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin without added ingredients.

How do I store leftover cookies?

Store leftover pumpkin cheesecake cookies in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin cheesecake cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Their warm spices and creamy topping make them perfect for any fall gathering or cozy evening at home. Feel free to customize with different toppings or mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to suit your taste!