Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies: Soft, Spiced Holiday Treats

Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies combine the warm, nostalgic spices of traditional gingerbread with the rich, creamy indulgence of cheesecake in one irresistible bite.

Picture this: it’s a snowy December evening, your kitchen is filled with the aroma of cinnamon and ginger, and you’re creating magic with every batch that emerges from your oven. These aren’t just ordinary holiday cookies – they’re a sophisticated twist on classic Christmas baking that will have your guests asking for the recipe before they’ve even finished their first cookie.

Last Christmas, I stumbled upon this incredible combination while experimenting in my kitchen, trying to merge two of my family’s favorite holiday treats. What started as a simple curiosity turned into the star of our holiday dessert table, with even my pickiest relatives declaring them “absolutely divine.” The beauty of this gingerbread cheesecake cookies recipe lies in its perfect balance – the spiced cookie dough provides warmth and comfort, while the cheesecake center adds an unexpected creamy surprise that elevates each bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These festive cheesecake cookie ideas are pure genius for busy holiday bakers. Unlike traditional cheesecake that requires hours of baking and cooling, these cookies deliver that same luxurious flavor in just 30 minutes from start to finish. I remember the first time I served these at our annual holiday party – watching people’s faces light up with that first bite was priceless. The combination creates an almost truffle-like center surrounded by perfectly spiced cookie dough.

What makes these Christmas dessert cookie recipes truly special is their make-ahead friendly nature. You can prepare the dough and cheesecake filling separately, store them in the refrigerator, and assemble fresh cookies whenever unexpected guests arrive. Plus, they’re stunning enough for gift-giving but simple enough for a cozy family baking session with the kids.

Explore more delicious dinner recipes here to complete your holiday menu planning.

Ingredients List

Component	Ingredient	Amount
Cheesecake Filling	Cold cream cheese	6 oz (170 g)
	Granulated white sugar	3 tbsp (38 g)
	Vanilla	1/2 tsp
Spiced Sugar	Granulated white sugar	6 tbsp (75 g)
	Ground ginger	1/2 tsp
	Ground cinnamon	1/2 tsp
	Ground allspice	1/8 tsp
	Ground nutmeg	1/8 tsp
	Ground cloves	1/8 tsp
Gingerbread Cookie Dough	All-purpose flour	2 1/2 cups (313 g)
	Ground ginger	2 1/2 tsp
	Ground cinnamon	2 1/2 tsp
	Ground nutmeg	1/2 tsp
	Ground allspice	1/4 tsp
	Ground cloves	1/4 tsp
	Salt	1/2 tsp
	Baking soda	1/2 tsp
	Unsalted butter, softened	3/4 cup (168 g)
	Packed light brown sugar	3/4 cup (165 g)
	Egg yolks, room temperature	2
	Vanilla	1 tsp
	Unsulphured molasses	1/3 cup (113 g)

Find more satisfying lunch ideas here for your holiday meal inspiration.

Step-by-Step Directions

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Start by beating the cold cream cheese with an electric mixer until completely smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. The mixture should be light and creamy without any lumps. Transfer to a small bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Make the Spiced Sugar: In a shallow bowl, whisk together all spiced sugar ingredients until evenly distributed. The aromatic blend of ginger, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves will coat your cookies beautifully. Set aside for rolling.

Create the Gingerbread Cookie Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, all spices, salt, and baking soda. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes. Beat in egg yolks one at a time, followed by vanilla and molasses until smooth.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the flour mixture into the butter mixture on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix, as this can make your Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies tough. The dough should be soft but manageable.

Assembly Process: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it in your palm. Place 1/2 teaspoon of chilled cheesecake filling in the center, then wrap the dough around it, sealing completely. Roll into a ball and coat in the spiced sugar mixture.

Baking: Place cookies 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but centers still look slightly soft. Don’t overbake – the cookies will continue cooking on the hot pan after removal.

Exact Timing to make Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

• Prep Time: 25 minutes (including 15 minutes chilling cheesecake filling)
• Active Assembly Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
• Cooling Time: 10 minutes on baking sheet
• Total Time: 60-70 minutes for 24 cookies

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Cookie (1 cookie)	% Daily Value
Calories	185	9%
Total Fat	8.5g	13%
Saturated Fat	5.2g	26%
Cholesterol	45mg	15%
Sodium	125mg	5%
Total Carbohydrates	26g	9%
Dietary Fiber	0.8g	3%
Total Sugars	15g	–
Added Sugars	12g	24%
Protein	3.2g	6%
Calcium	35mg	3%
Iron	1.1mg	6%
Potassium	95mg	2%

Nutritional data based on standard ingredient values and serving size of one medium cookie (approximately 30g). Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Healthier Alternatives

Original Ingredient	Healthier Substitute	Benefit	Taste Impact
All-purpose flour	Whole wheat pastry flour or almond flour (1:1 ratio)	Increases fiber and protein content	Slightly nuttier flavor, denser texture
Full-fat cream cheese	Neufchâtel cheese or Greek yogurt cream cheese	Reduces calories by 30%, maintains creaminess	Nearly identical taste
Butter	Coconut oil or avocado oil (3/4 amount)	Lower saturated fat, adds healthy fats	Subtle tropical notes with coconut oil
Brown sugar	Coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener	Lower glycemic index, reduces calories	Coconut sugar adds caramel notes
Egg yolks	Flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per yolk)	Vegan-friendly, adds omega-3s	Minimal taste difference

These modifications help create lighter Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies while preserving the essential holiday flavors. For gluten-free versions, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, though the texture may be slightly more crumbly.

Explore more delicious Desserts here for additional healthy holiday treat inspiration.

Serving Suggestions

Elegant Holiday Presentation: Arrange your Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies on a tiered serving stand dusted with powdered sugar for a snow-like effect. Pair them with hot spiced cider or eggnog for the ultimate holiday experience. The creamy centers complement warm beverages beautifully, creating a perfect balance of temperatures and textures.

Gift-Worthy Packaging: These cookies make exceptional holiday gifts when placed in decorative tins lined with parchment paper. Layer them carefully with wax paper between rows to prevent sticking. Include a handwritten recipe card for a personal touch that recipients will treasure.

Dessert Board Addition: Incorporate these cookies into a festive dessert charcuterie board alongside candied nuts, dried fruits, and dark chocolate pieces. The spiced flavors bridge beautifully with other holiday treats while the cheesecake filling adds a sophisticated element that elevates any dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Cookie Dough: The biggest mistake when making Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies is overmixing the dough after adding flour. This develops too much gluten, resulting in tough, dense cookies instead of the tender texture you want. Mix just until ingredients are combined, even if the dough looks slightly uneven.

Insufficient Chilling of Cheesecake Filling: Skipping the chilling step for the cream cheese mixture leads to messy assembly and filling that leaks out during baking. The filling needs to be firm enough to hold its shape when wrapped in cookie dough, so don’t rush this crucial step.

Incorrect Baking Time: Overbaking is the quickest way to ruin these delicate cookies. They should look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven, as they’ll continue cooking on the hot pan. The centers should still appear soft and pale while the edges are just set.

Storing Tips

Short-Term Storage: Store completely cooled Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent the cookies from sticking together, especially important due to the cream cheese filling.

Refrigerated Storage: For longer freshness, refrigerate the cookies in airtight containers for up to one week. The cool temperature actually enhances the cheesecake flavor and creates an almost fudgy texture that many people prefer over room temperature storage.

Freezing Instructions: These cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags with dates labeled. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving, or enjoy them slightly frozen for a unique texture that’s surprisingly delightful during warm weather.

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