Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

Name: Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup molasses; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar

by Metasavory

Published on: December 9, 2025

Delicious Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies on a festive plate.

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Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat that combines the warm, spicy notes of gingerbread with a rich cheesecake filling, delivering an unforgettable experience in every bite. The golden-brown cookies, with their perfectly crisp edges and soft, creamy center, fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that speaks to the coziness of the season. These cookies are special not just for their delightful flavors, but also for their ease of preparation, making them a fantastic addition to festive gatherings or as a comforting snack on a chilly afternoon.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll want to make Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies for countless occasions—holiday parties, cozy family gatherings, or just to indulge in some comfort food during the colder months. They are convenient to whip up, versatile enough to impress guests or satisfy cravings, and full of flavor that is simply irresistible. With a festive appearance and a flavor that embodies the essence of the holiday season, these cookies are bound to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Seasonal Ingredients Spotlight

In making Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies, you’ll incorporate seasonal ingredients that burst with natural flavors and vibrant colors. The deep, earthy tones of ground ginger, warm cinnamon, and cloves complement the rich, dark hues of molasses—creating a true feast for the senses. The cookies’ golden exterior provides a wonderful contrast to the creamy white filling, while the aroma of spices wafting from the oven brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia. These ingredients are not only fresh but also sustainable, capturing the essence of local harvests that highlight the best of the season.

What You’ll Need

For these delightful cookies, gather the following ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar

These common pantry staples blend well to create a delightful texture and flavor profile. For a healthier option, consider substituting whole wheat flour or using coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar.

How to Make This Recipe

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup later. The scent of warm spices will soon fill your kitchen.

2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. This mix should have that comforting aroma that signals holiday baking is underway.

3. Cream the Sugars and Butter

In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth—this mixture should be fluffy and delightful.

4. Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture; mix until fully combined. The molasses adds depth and a hint of sweetness that’s quintessential to gingerbread.

5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the cookies to remain tender.

6. Prepare Cheesecake Filling

In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This filling will provide a luscious contrast to the spiced cookie.

7. Form the Cookies

Scoop a tablespoon of gingerbread dough, flatten it, and place a teaspoon of the cheesecake filling in the center. Encase the filling with the dough and roll it into a ball. Repeat for all the dough.

8. Bake

Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set. The cookies should look slightly golden but still soft in the middle.

9. Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy their warm, comforting aroma as they cool.

Essential Tools

To make Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies, you’ll need:

Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Electric mixer or whisk
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Cookie scoop (optional)

These basic tools make for an efficient and enjoyable baking experience. For added ease, consider using silicone baking mats instead of parchment paper.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the uncooked cookie balls; simply bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time. When storing, ensure the cookies are completely cooled to avoid sogginess.

Perfect Pairings

Serve your Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or chai tea to enhance their warm spices. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate ganache on the side for an extra touch of indulgence. Present them on a festive platter, alongside colorful holiday candies and fresh fruit, for an eye-catching dessert spread.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: ~180 kcal
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Protein: 3 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 14 g

Avoid These Common Pitfalls

Dough Too Dry

If your dough feels too dry, add a splash of milk until it’s pliable and holds together well.

Unevenly Shaped Balls

Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniformly sized cookie balls, which will bake evenly.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too sticky; it will be easier to handle.
Experiment with adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.

Recipe Variations to Explore

Chocolate Gingerbread Variation: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
Spiced Pumpkin Filling: Swap the cheesecake filling for a spiced pumpkin puree for a seasonal alternative.
Nut-Free Option: Omit any nuts or use sunflower seed butter for those with nut allergies.

Dietary Adaptations & Safety Info

To make this recipe suitable for everyone, consider these substitutions:

For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cream cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze the cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.

2. Can I use different spices?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with allspice or nutmeg for a different flavor profile.

3. What can I use instead of cream cheese?

Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative, though the flavor will be slightly different.

4. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The edges should be set, while the center remains slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.

5. Are these cookies suitable for a vegan diet?

To make these vegan, substitute the butter with vegan butter, use a flax egg in place of the egg, and vegan cream cheese for the filling.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are a festive delight that combines warm spices with creamy goodness, perfect for any occasion! We can’t wait to hear your thoughts and see your creations—share your cookie photos or let us know your favorite variations! Explore more delicious recipes in our dessert category here. Happy baking!