Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Cozy Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe for Winter Magic

Sweet winter memories dance through my kitchen whenever I mix these delightful gingerbread cheesecake cookies that blend creamy richness with warm spices.

Cozy aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg swirl through the air, promising something magical.

Traditional holiday flavors merge into an unexpected dessert that feels both familiar and surprising.

Soft cream cheese mingles with molasses, creating a luscious texture that melts perfectly.

Baking these treats brings comfort and joy, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Each bite connects you to cherished moments of celebration and warmth.

Whip up this recipe and watch smiles spread across eager faces.

Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies That Pack Holiday Flavor

  • Combine the warm, spicy notes of gingerbread with the creamy richness of cheesecake, creating a unique and irresistible cookie that captures the essence of holiday baking.
  • Freeze the cheesecake centers in advance, allowing you to prep ahead and have fresh, homemade cookies ready in no time when cravings hit or guests arrive.
  • Impress family and friends with these sophisticated yet approachable cookies that blend familiar flavors in an unexpected and delightful way.

Everything You Need for Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Soft, rich base for the creamy cheesecake center, best when at room temperature.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, spreadable texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a classic, warm flavor that complements the cheesecake mixture.
Cookie Base and Spices:
  • Flour, Baking Soda, Salt: Standard dry ingredients for creating the cookie structure and balance.
  • Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Classic warm spices that give traditional gingerbread flavor and aroma.
Binding and Moisture Ingredients:
  • Butter, Brown Sugar: Provide rich flavor, moisture, and help bind the cookie dough together.
  • Egg: Acts as a binding agent and adds moisture to the cookie base.
  • Molasses: Gives deep, dark sweetness and signature gingerbread color and taste.

How to Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Just Right

Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Filling

  • Grab cream cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Beat all ingredients in a small bowl until the mixture becomes silky smooth and completely blended. Ensure there are no lumps for a perfect texture.

Prepare a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet for the next step.

Carefully scoop tiny dollops of the cheesecake mixture, using about 1/2 teaspoon for each cookie spot. The portions should be neat and uniform.

Pop the plate into the freezer and let the cheesecake drops chill for half an hour. This freezing process helps the filling firm up and become easier to handle.

The cold cheesecake drops will transform into delightful little creamy centers ready for the next stage of your cookie adventure.

Pro Tips for Filling and Baking These Cookies

  • Chill for Success: Freeze the cheesecake filling for exactly 30 minutes to ensure it holds its shape when stuffed into cookies, preventing messy leaks during baking.
  • Control Portion Size: Use a precise 1/2 teaspoon measure for consistent cheesecake centers, guaranteeing even filling in every single cookie.
  • Smooth Cream Cheese Trick: Beat the cream cheese mixture thoroughly at room temperature to eliminate lumps and create a silky, creamy filling that blends seamlessly.
  • Parchment Paper Protection: Always line your plate or baking sheet with parchment paper when freezing filling to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
  • Temperature Matters: Work with softened cream cheese to achieve a smooth mixture, avoiding cold cream cheese that can create unwanted lumpy textures in your filling.

How to Store Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Properly

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container layered between parchment paper for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing sticking.
  • Carefully place cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers, where they'll maintain quality for 2-3 weeks.
  • Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving, allowing them to soften gently.
  • Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 5-10 seconds if you prefer a slightly melted texture, but avoid overheating to prevent cream cheese filling from separating.

Drinks That Go Great with Gingerbread Cookies

  • Complement the gingerbread cookies with a mulled wine featuring cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest, which echoes the warming spices in the dessert.
  • Balance the rich cheesecake filling with a smooth vanilla latte, creating a delightful harmony between the cookie's spicy notes and the drink's sweet creaminess.
  • Enhance the gingerbread flavor profile with a robust chai tea topped with a drizzle of caramel, highlighting the cookie's complex and comforting spice blend.
  • Cut through the cookie's sweetness with a bold espresso shot and dark chocolate square, providing a sophisticated contrast to the dessert's rich texture.

Unique Twists on Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Ginger Delight: Swap wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly cookies that maintain rich flavor and soft texture.
  • Dairy-Free Cream Alternative: Replace cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese or coconut cream cheese for lactose-intolerant bakers seeking similar creamy consistency.
  • Vegan Spice Cookie: Use plant-based cream cheese, maple syrup instead of powdered sugar, and add ground flaxseed as egg replacement to create compassionate version of classic recipe.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while preserving traditional gingerbread warmth and cheesecake smoothness.
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Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe


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4.5 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Festive gingerbread cheesecake cookies blend classic holiday warmth with creamy indulgence. Spiced cookie perfection delivers comforting Christmas magic that will make seasonal celebrations deliciously memorable.


Ingredients

Scale

Flour and Spices:

  • 2 ¼ cups (560 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Butter, Sugars, and Binding Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (110 grams) brown sugar, packed
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) molasses
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cheesecake Filling and Optional Topping:

  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (30 grams) powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

  1. Whip the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until achieving a silky, uniform consistency that’s free of lumps.
  2. Create small, uniform dollops of the cheesecake mixture onto a parchment-lined surface, carefully measuring each portion to ensure consistent size.
  3. Transfer the prepared dollops to the freezer, allowing them to solidify and become firm for approximately half an hour, which will help maintain their shape during the next preparation stages.
  4. While the cheesecake centers are chilling, prepare the cookie dough, ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal blending.
  5. Craft the gingerbread cookie dough, incorporating warm spices like ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg to develop a rich, aromatic flavor profile.
  6. Once the cheesecake centers have hardened, carefully wrap each frozen dollop with a thin layer of gingerbread cookie dough, completely encasing the creamy center.
  7. Shape the cookie dough-wrapped centers into uniform balls, gently pressing to seal and create a smooth exterior.
  8. Arrange the prepared cookies on a baking sheet, leaving adequate space between each to allow for slight spreading during baking.
  9. Bake in a preheated oven until the gingerbread exterior turns a deep golden brown and develops a slight crackle on the surface.
  10. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to complete cooling.
  11. Optional: Dust the cooled cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle with a delicate vanilla glaze for added visual appeal and sweetness.

Notes

  • Freeze the cheesecake filling beforehand to create a stable, easy-to-handle center that won’t leak during baking.
  • Experiment with different spice blends like adding extra cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the traditional gingerbread flavor profile.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother mixing and ensure no lumps remain in the cheesecake filling for a silky texture.
  • Consider chilling the cookie dough for 15-20 minutes before stuffing with the frozen cheesecake center to prevent spreading during baking.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 140
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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