If you have a soft spot for holiday treats that marry the warm spices of gingerbread with the rich creaminess of cheesecake, you are going to fall head over heels for this Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together the tender crumb of gingerbread dough wrapped lovingly around a luscious, tangy cheesecake center, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels both nostalgic and delightfully new. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or sneaking a few for yourself on a cozy afternoon, these cookies are bound to become a treasured favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up top view of a single-layered bowl filled with thick, light brown cream that has a rough, whipped texture with swirls and peaks all around. The bowl is white with small dark specks and two handles, resting on a white marbled surface. Around the bowl, there are four decorated gingerbread men cookies with white icing details and little green and red accents, along with a red and green plaid ribbon and a small red ornament ball scattered nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe are wonderfully straightforward, yet every single one is crucial for hitting that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the spices that bring warmth and holiday cheer to the silky cream cheese that makes the filling decadently smooth, you’ll appreciate how intentional this list feels as you prepare each component.

Cream cheese, cold: Provides the luscious cheesecake filling that’s rich and creamy.
Granulated white sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth cheesecake texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with a subtle, sweet aroma.
Ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves: A blend of holiday spices that give the gingerbread its signature warm, fragrant kick.
All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation for a tender but structured cookie dough.
Salt and baking soda: Balances sweetness and helps the cookies rise just right.
Unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and helps achieve a soft, chewy texture.
Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note to the dough.
Egg yolks: Bind the dough ingredients and add richness.
Unsulphured molasses: Infuses the cookies with deep, complex sweetness and color.

How to Make Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

The magic starts with the cheesecake center, which brings that irresistible creamy surprise inside each cookie. Combine cold cream cheese with sugar and vanilla in a small bowl, and beat until everything is fluffy and well-blended. Spoon the mixture into small portions, freeze until firm, and you’ll have perfectly portioned cheesecake balls that are easy to work with when assembling your cookies.

Step 2: Make the Spiced Sugar

To give your cookies a festive sparkly finish and extra depth, mix granulated sugar with a pinch of your warming holiday spices. This spiced sugar will coat the dough and add a subtle sparkle with every bite, tying perfectly to the rest of the gingerbread flavors.

Step 3: Mix the Gingerbread Dough

Whisk together the dry ingredients – flour, a generous blend of ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, salt, and baking soda – and set aside. Cream softened butter with brown sugar until light and fluffy, then add egg yolks, molasses, and vanilla. Combine the wet and dry ingredients gently until you have a smooth but sturdy dough ready to be scooped.

Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

Now for the fun part: take your cookie dough and scoop out even portions, flatten each slightly, place a frozen cheesecake ball in the center, then carefully enclose it with dough. Make sure the cheesecake is fully covered, then roll the entire ball in that luscious spiced sugar mixture to get a beautifully textured exterior.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets, making sure they have some space to spread. Bake them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 11 to 12 minutes. Once out of the oven, let them rest on the pan before transferring to a cooling rack. This step is crucial so the cookies firm up just right without losing their tender crumb.

How to Serve Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

A close-up view of several round, soft-looking cookies with a cracked surface and coated in a cinnamon sugar mix, giving them a warm golden-brown color. One cookie is in the center with a bite taken out of it, revealing a soft, slightly chewy inside with a light tan color. The cookies are placed on a white marbled surface, surrounded by a small gingerbread cookie with white icing details and a small shiny red ornament ball, and a bit of a plaid ribbon in red, green, and gold colors peeking from the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These cookies shine on their own, but if you want to add a little extra flair, dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle a thin glaze made from powdered sugar and a touch of milk before serving. It adds a beautiful contrast and an elegant touch perfect for holiday gatherings or gift-giving.

Side Dishes

Pairing these cookies with a warm cup of spiced tea, rich coffee, or even a glass of cold milk creates a comforting and festive treat experience. For the adults, a splash of cinnamon-spiced liqueur or mulled wine complements the gingerbread and cheesecake flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies on a decorative platter, sprinkle with a few edible gold flakes, or serve them in festive cookie jars lined with parchment paper for gifting. Layer them in boxes separated by parchment for easy transporting and sharing during the holiday season.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies tightly sealed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to retain their softness and fresh flavor. Alternatively, refrigerate to extend their shelf life up to a week, but be aware cheesecake-filled cookies are best enjoyed sooner rather than later.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies for longer storage! Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a resealable bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you prefer your gingerbread cheesecake cookies warm, briefly reheat them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes, just until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to prevent the cheesecake center from becoming too soft or rubbery.

FAQs

Can I make the cheesecake filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! Preparing the cheesecake filling in advance and freezing it until firm will make the assembly process much smoother. You can freeze the cheesecake balls for several days before wrapping them with cookie dough.

What if I don’t have all the spices listed? Can I substitute?

The spice blend is iconic to this recipe, but you can adjust based on what you have. Ground ginger and cinnamon are the stars; if you’re missing some, just add a little extra of those. The other spices add complexity but aren’t absolutely mandatory.

Can I make smaller or bigger cookies?

Certainly! Just adjust the baking time slightly. Smaller cookies will bake faster and may require closer monitoring, while larger ones need a few extra minutes. The key is to watch for that perfect set edge and soft center.

Is it possible to use low-fat cream cheese?

While low-fat cream cheese can work in a pinch, full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor balance in these cookies. The richness makes the filling delightfully creamy and stable during baking.

How do I prevent the cheesecake from leaking during baking?

Freezing the cheesecake balls until very firm helps them stay intact when wrapped in cookie dough. Also, make sure to completely enclose the cheesecake in dough with no gaps so it bakes into a perfect surprise center.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about this Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe that makes any gathering feel extra festive and cozy. Perfectly spiced, soft gingerbread hugs a creamy, dreamy cheesecake center that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned gingerbread fan, these cookies are sure to warm your heart and delight your taste buds!