Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

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Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Treat

Introduction

When it comes to holiday baking, there’s nothing quite like combining the warm, spiced flavors of gingerbread with the creamy decadence of cheesecake. Enter: Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies—a dessert that feels festive, indulgent, and just the right amount of nostalgic.

These cookies feature soft and chewy gingerbread dough filled with a luscious cheesecake center. Each bite gives you the bold spices of molasses, ginger, and cinnamon balanced with smooth cream cheese filling. The result? A cookie that’s part spiced holiday comfort, part rich cheesecake indulgence.

Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or cozy nights by the fireplace, these cookies will quickly become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen. Plus, they’re make-ahead friendly and freezer-friendly, so you can prepare them ahead of time during the busy holiday season.

A Little Background

Gingerbread dates back hundreds of years, originating in Europe, where spiced bread and cookies were enjoyed during festivals and holidays. Over time, gingerbread evolved into many variations, from crisp gingerbread men to soft loaves flavored with molasses and spices.

Pairing gingerbread with cheesecake is a more modern creation but one that makes perfect sense. Cheesecake’s tangy creaminess cuts through the warmth of spices, giving balance and decadence. These cookies capture that classic-meets-modern holiday twist in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Holiday Perfect: A festive upgrade to traditional gingerbread cookies.
  • Unique: The cheesecake center surprises and delights guests.
  • Soft & Chewy: No dry cookies here—the molasses keeps them moist.
  • Customizable: Add toppings, drizzles, or different spices.
  • Freezer-Friendly: Bake ahead and freeze for easy holiday prep.

Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Cookie Dough

  • 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) molasses
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cheesecake Filling

  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Rolling

  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon (optional, for extra holiday flair)

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer
  • Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
  • Cookie scoop
  • Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Cheesecake Filling

  1. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  2. Scoop teaspoon-sized dollops onto a baking sheet lined with parchment.
  3. Freeze for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

2. Prepare the Gingerbread Cookie Dough

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  2. In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
  3. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla; mix until combined.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients until dough forms.
  5. Chill dough for 30 minutes to make shaping easier.

3. Assemble the Cookies

  1. Scoop about 2 tbsp of dough, flatten slightly, and place a frozen cheesecake dollop in the center.
  2. Wrap dough around filling, sealing edges.
  3. Roll in sugar (or cinnamon-sugar mixture).
  4. Place on prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

4. Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake cookies for 10–12 minutes, until set but still soft in the center.
  3. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

5. Serve

Enjoy warm or at room temperature. The cheesecake filling firms up as the cookies cool, creating the perfect bite.

Pro Tips for Success

  • Don’t Skip Freezing the Filling: Keeps cheesecake centers intact during baking.
  • Softened Butter & Cream Cheese: Makes mixing smoother.
  • Seal Dough Well: Prevents filling from leaking out.
  • Don’t Overbake: Cookies should be soft and chewy, not crispy.
  • Flavor Boost: Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate for extra holiday flair.

Variations to Try

  • Chocolate Drizzle: Top cooled cookies with melted dark or white chocolate.
  • Peppermint Twist: Add crushed candy canes to the sugar coating.
  • Cranberry Addition: Fold dried cranberries into the cookie dough for festive pops of flavor.
  • Mini Version: Make bite-sized cookies with smaller cheesecake centers for party trays.

Serving Ideas

  • Holiday Parties: Arrange on a platter with other cookies for variety.
  • Gift Giving: Package in festive tins or bags as edible gifts.
  • With Coffee or Tea: These cookies pair beautifully with spiced lattes, chai, or hot cocoa.
  • Dessert Table Star: Serve alongside eggnog, pies, or fudge for a complete spread.

Storage & Freezing

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer (Unbaked): Freeze assembled, unbaked cookies on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to cook time.
  • Freezer (Baked): Freeze cooled cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQ

Do these need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the cream cheese filling. Store in the fridge for best freshness.

Can I use store-bought gingerbread dough?
You can, though homemade gives better flavor and texture.

Can I make the filling flavored?
Absolutely—try adding lemon zest, maple syrup, or a touch of cinnamon to the cream cheese filling.

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of this recipe lies in balance. The chewy gingerbread cookie is rich with molasses and warming spices. The tangy cheesecake filling adds creamy contrast, preventing the spice from overwhelming the palate. Together, they create a festive cookie that feels indulgent yet perfectly seasonal.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the ultimate holiday cookie to impress friends, family, or even Santa himself, Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are the answer. They’re festive, flavorful, and just unique enough to stand out among sugar cookies and classic gingerbread men.

With their chewy spiced exterior and creamy cheesecake surprise, they’re sure to become a holiday tradition in your kitchen. Bake a batch, share the joy, and don’t be surprised if you’re asked for the recipe again and again.

So grab that molasses, stock up on cream cheese, and make these cookies part of your holiday baking lineup—you won’t regret it!

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