Best Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies: Soft, Chewy & Flavorful!

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn, you’ve come to the right place! These Best Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies: Soft, Chewy & Flavorful! are a true favorite in my kitchen. They combine the warmth of spiced pumpkin cookies with a luscious cheesecake swirl, creating a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these cookies bring comfort and joy, making them an irresistible treat.

I love how these cookies are not only delicious but also easy to whip up. They offer that cozy fall flavor we all crave without the hassle of baking an entire pie. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing with friends or stashing away for an afternoon pick-me-up!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can bake these cookies without any fuss.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves the combination of pumpkin and cheesecake, making these cookies a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for gatherings: These cookies are great for potlucks, parties, or just enjoying at home with loved ones.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it for later, ensuring fresh cookies whenever you want!
• Deliciously unique: The blend of soft pumpkin cookie and creamy cheesecake filling makes each bite a special treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. No fancy items here—just good old-fashioned baking essentials!

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 170 g cream cheese, softened
• 38 g granulated white sugar
• 0.5 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cookie Dough

• 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

Feel free to get creative with these Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies! They are quite flexible and can adapt to your taste preferences.

• Add chocolate chips: Mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Use different spices: Experiment with chai spice or cinnamon instead of pumpkin pie spice for a unique twist.
• Try different fillings: Swap out the cheesecake filling for a vegan cream cheese alternative if you’re looking for plant-based options.
• Top them off: Drizzle some maple syrup or caramel sauce over the cooled cookies for added decadence.

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 it’s completely smooth and creamy. This step is important because it ensures your cheesecake filling will be rich and luscious when piped into the cookies. Once ready, transfer this mixture into a piping bag and set it aside.

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 the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step adds air into your dough, which helps create those soft and chewy textures we love in cookies!

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the room temperature egg yolks and vanilla extract until just combined. It’s essential to use room temperature eggs so they incorporate smoothly into your dough. Next, mix in the pumpkin puree on low speed until everything is fully blended—you want that lovely fall flavor to shine through!

Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In another medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, one-half teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and one tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice. Properly mixing these dry ingredients ensures even distribution throughout your cookie dough.

Step 5: Combine Dough

Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to your wet mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined. Make sure not to overmix; as soon as you see no dry flour streaks remaining, stop! The dough will be very soft at this point—that’s just how we want it!

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking—this will help ensure perfectly baked cookies without any mess.

Step 7: Scoop Dough and Create Wells

Using a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop, drop mounds of pumpkin cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Gently create a small indentation or well in each mound using the back of a small spoon or your thumb—this is where your cheesecake filling will go.

Step 8: Pipe Cheesecake Filling

Snip a small opening from the corner of your piping bag containing the cheesecake filling (or use a zip-top bag). Pipe about one tablespoon of creamy cheesecake filling into each well you created earlier—it’s okay if it spills slightly over; that just means more deliciousness!

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Place one baking sheet at a time into your preheated oven to bake for about 10-14 minutes or until you see lightly golden brown edges on your pumpkin cookies while the cheesecake filling puffs slightly. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake!

Step 10: Cool and Store

Once baked, remove both sheets from the oven and let them cool on the sheets for about five minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store these delicious cookies in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to three or four days—or freeze them for one to two months if you’d like some treats ready-to-go!

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

Making these cookies is a delightful experience, and with a few extra tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your cream cheese, butter, and eggs to room temperature helps them blend more smoothly into the dough, resulting in a better texture.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing just until combined prevents your cookies from becoming tough. A gentle hand creates that soft and chewy texture we all love!

• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavors and make rolling easier.

• Check Oven Temperature: Ovens can often be off by a few degrees. Using an oven thermometer ensures that you’re baking at the correct temperature for perfectly baked cookies.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice based on your personal preference. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon can give your cookies an even deeper autumn flavor.

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

These cookies are not only delicious but also beautiful! Presenting them well can turn an everyday treat into a festive delight. Here are some ideas to serve them up:

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a creamy, sweet touch that complements the tangy cheesecake filling beautifully.
• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Lightly sprinkle some cinnamon sugar over the warm cookies right after they come out of the oven for an extra hint of sweetness and spice.

Side Dishes

• Hot Apple Cider: A warm cup of apple cider with spices is perfect for sipping alongside these cookies during chilly evenings.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy coolness of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the soft, chewy texture of pumpkin cheesecake cookies.
• Fall Fruit Salad: A mix of sliced apples, pears, and pomegranate seeds tossed with a hint of honey and lemon juice provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
• Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage like spiced chai or freshly brewed coffee enhances the cozy vibes and makes for a comforting snack time.

Enjoy sharing these delightful Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies with friends and family—they’re sure to be a hit this fall!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies are a fantastic choice for meal prep! They store well, making them perfect for quick snacks or desserts whenever you crave something sweet.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Layer cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be kept frozen for 1-2 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• For a crispier texture, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe:

Can I make the Best Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and cheesecake filling ahead of time. Just refrigerate the components separately until you’re ready to bake.

How do I ensure my Best Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies turn out soft?

To keep your cookies soft, avoid overmixing the dough and make sure not to bake them for too long. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.

What can I use instead of cream cheese in these cookies?

You can substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or even Greek yogurt for a different flavor profile, although it may alter the texture slightly.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to use plain pumpkin puree since pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sugars that could affect the taste and texture of your cookies.

Are these cookies suitable for freezing?

Yes! These Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies freeze beautifully. Just make sure they are stored properly in an airtight container or freezer bag to maintain their freshness.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up a batch of these delightful Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies! They’re not only easy to make but also bring together all those cozy fall flavors we love. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or enjoying them with a cup of tea at home, they are sure to be a hit. Enjoy baking, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences!