If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, then you’ve come to the right place! These Best Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies: Soft, Chewy & Flavorful! are not just cookies; they’re a warm hug in dessert form. Imagine biting into a soft, spiced pumpkin cookie and discovering a rich, creamy cheesecake swirl nestled inside. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these cookies bring everyone together with their comforting flavors and inviting aroma. Plus, they’re so easy to make that you’ll want to bake them all season long!

Whether you’re hosting friends for an autumn get-together or just craving something sweet on a cozy evening at home, these cookies will surely impress. They are a wonderful way to enjoy the classic flavors of pumpkin and cheesecake without the fuss of a traditional pie. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, baking these cookies is a breeze!
Family-Friendly: Everyone loves pumpkin spice! These cookies are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch for your next potluck or holiday gathering—they’re sure to disappear quickly!
Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prep the dough ahead of time and bake when you’re ready for fresh cookies.
Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of spiced pumpkin and rich cheesecake filling creates an unforgettable taste experience.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies come together with some simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

170 g cream cheese, softened
38 g granulated white sugar
0.5 tsp vanilla extract
168 g unsalted butter, softened
50 g granulated white sugar
220 g light brown sugar
2 egg yolks, at room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
122 g pumpkin puree
219 g all-purpose flour
0.5 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it to your liking! Here are some fun variation ideas:

Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra layer of sweetness, fold in some chocolate chips before baking.
Nuts for Crunch: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
Spice It Up: If you love spices, consider adding a pinch of ginger or nutmeg for deeper warmth.
Frosting Finish: Top each cookie with a light drizzle of icing made from powdered sugar and milk for added sweetness.

How to Make Best Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies: Soft, Chewy & Flavorful!

Step 1: Prepare Cheesecake Filling

In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated white sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This step is essential as it creates the luscious cheesecake filling that contrasts beautifully with the soft pumpkin cookies. Once ready, transfer it to a piping bag and set aside—this will make filling the cookies so much easier!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated white sugar, and light brown sugar on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, ensuring your cookies will be soft and chewy.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring in the wet ingredients! Beat in room temperature egg yolks along with vanilla extract until just combined. Then gently mix in the pumpkin puree on low speed until fully incorporated—this adds moisture and that beloved fall flavor.

Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In another medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and both measurements of pumpkin pie spice until well combined. This ensures that your leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.

Step 5: Combine Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stopping as soon as no dry streaks remain will give you tender cookies.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier!

Step 7: Scoop Dough and Create Wells

Using a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop, drop mounds of dough onto your prepared sheets about 2 inches apart. With the back of a spoon or your thumb, gently create small wells in each mound—that’s where our delicious cheesecake filling will go!

Step 8: Pipe Cheesecake Filling

Snip off a corner of your piping bag filled with cheesecake mixture (or use a zip-top bag) and pipe about 1 tablespoon into each well you’ve created in the cookie dough. This step is what makes these cookies extra special!

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Place one baking sheet at a time into your preheated oven. Bake for about 10–14 minutes until the edges are lightly golden brown and the cheesecake filling is set but slightly puffed up.

Step 10: Cool and Store

Once baked, let them cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days or freeze them if you’d like to save some for later!

Enjoy these delightful cookies with a cup of tea or coffee—trust me; they’re perfect for any autumn day!

Pro Tips for Making Best Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies: Soft, Chewy & Flavorful!

Baking can be an adventure, and with these tips, you’ll master the art of creating delightful pumpkin cheesecake cookies that everyone will rave about!

Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your cream cheese, butter, and eggs are at room temperature helps them blend more easily, resulting in a smoother dough and cream cheese filling.
Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined prevents the cookies from becoming tough. This way, they remain soft and chewy—exactly how we want them!
Chill the dough if necessary: If your kitchen is warm or the dough feels too soft to scoop, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and helps maintain their shape while baking.
Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary quite a bit. Start checking your cookies at the lower end of the baking time to avoid overbaking; they should be set but still soft in the center.
Experiment with spices: While pumpkin pie spice is perfect for these cookies, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a unique flavor twist that can make your cookies stand out even more!

How to Serve Best Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies: Soft, Chewy & Flavorful!

These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Presenting them in a charming way can take your cookie game to the next level.

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar: Lightly sprinkle some powdered sugar on top before serving for an elegant touch that adds sweetness without overpowering.
Cinnamon sugar sprinkle: Combine equal parts cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle over the cookies right after baking for an extra layer of flavor.
Chocolate drizzle: For a fun twist, melt some dairy-free chocolate chips and drizzle them over cooled cookies for added richness.

Side Dishes

Warm spiced apple cider: The sweet and spicy notes of cider perfectly complement the flavors of pumpkin, making it an ideal beverage pairing.
Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside these cookies creates a delightful contrast between warm and cold textures.
Maple whipped cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream flavored with pure maple syrup provides a festive touch that enhances each bite.
Caramel sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each cookie or serve it on the side for dipping to elevate this treat into something truly special.

Enjoy serving up these Best Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies at your next gathering or cozy night in! They are sure to become a favorite with family and friends alike.

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Make Ahead and Storage

These Best Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time, ensuring you have a delightful treat ready to enjoy whenever you want. Here’s how to store and prepare them for later!

Storing Leftovers

Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Ensure the cookies are completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
For best flavor, enjoy within the first few days!

Freezing

Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
They can be frozen for 1-2 months without losing flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10-15 seconds.
Alternatively, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

FAQs

Got questions? No problem! Here are some common inquiries about these delightful treats.

What makes these Best Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies: Soft, Chewy & Flavorful?

The combination of soft pumpkin cookie dough with a creamy cheesecake swirl creates a unique texture. The blend of spices enhances the pumpkin flavor, making every bite soft, chewy, and flavorful!

Can I use canned pumpkin puree in these cookies?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is perfect for this recipe and saves time. Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin without added ingredients.

How do I know when my Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies are done baking?

Look for lightly golden edges and slightly puffed cheesecake filling. The centers will firm up as they cool, giving you that perfect chewy texture!

Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?

Yes! You can use dairy-free cream cheese if you prefer nondairy options. Additionally, coconut sugar can replace brown sugar for a different flavor profile.

How many servings does this recipe yield?

This recipe makes approximately 24 delicious cookies, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these Best Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies! Their soft and chewy texture combined with that delightful cheesecake swirl makes them a truly special treat for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them at gatherings or indulging during cozy evenings at home, these cookies are sure to bring comfort and happiness. Enjoy making them as much as you’ll enjoy eating them—happy baking!