If you love the warmth of gingerbread and the creamy richness of cheesecake, then you are going to absolutely adore this Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a perfect harmony of soft, spiced dough wrapped around a luscious cheesecake center, crowned with a fragrant spiced sugar coating that adds just the right amount of crunch and spice. They are festive, comforting, and downright irresistible—ideal for cozy afternoons, holiday gatherings, or any time you want to spoil yourself with a truly special treat. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll fast become your go-to holiday favorite.

The image shows a stack of two brown cookies with white snowflake icing on top, and a third cookie with a bite taken out of it resting on top of the stack, showcasing a soft, slightly crumbly texture inside. The middle cookie is sandwiched with a creamy white frosting that looks smooth and thick. Around the stack, there are more similar cookies laid out, some with the same white snowflake icing, placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a cinnamon stick and a small festive sprinkle ball with red, green, and white colors. The overall look is warm and cozy, perfect for a holiday treat. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for the Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is simple but essential to achieving that perfect balance of spice and creamy sweetness. Each component plays a crucial role in the final flavor, texture, and appearance of these decadent cookies.

Cream cheese (6 oz, cold): The star of the cheesecake filling, providing smoothness and a rich tang.
Granulated sugar: Used both in the filling and the spiced sugar coating to add sweetness and texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
Ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves: This blend of warm spices delivers that unmistakable gingerbread flavor throughout the cookie and coating.
All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): Forms the base of the cookie dough, giving structure and tenderness.
Salt and baking soda: Balance sweetness and help the cookies rise perfectly.
Unsalted butter (3/4 cup, softened): Creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and richness.
Light brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Adds moisture and deep caramel notes.
Egg yolks (2, room temperature): Bind ingredients while adding richness to the dough.
Unsulphured molasses (1/3 cup): Brings that classic, robust gingerbread bitterness and color.

How to Make Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Start by mixing cold cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and fluffy. This filling is the creamy surprise inside each cookie, so be sure it’s well combined. Scoop out small balls, about two teaspoons each, and freeze them until firm. Freezing ensures the filling holds its shape through the baking process, giving you that gooey cheesecake center you’re craving.

Step 2: Mix the Spiced Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar with ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves. This spiced sugar coating will coat each cookie with a delightful crunch and burst of aromatic spice, perfectly complementing both the softness of the cookie and the richness inside.

Step 3: Make the Gingerbread Cookie Dough

Whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, salt, and baking soda in one bowl, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed, which is key for consistent flavor. In another large bowl, beat softened butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy—this step is crucial for that tender cookie texture. Add the egg yolks, molasses, and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, forming a thick, spiced dough ready to be shaped.

Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

Divide the dough into eighteen balls, roughly two tablespoons each. Flatten each dough ball and carefully place a frozen cheesecake ball in the center. Gently wrap the dough around the cheesecake filling, rolling it into a smooth ball so the filling is completely enclosed. This step is the magical moment where these cookies transform into their gooey, flavorful selves.

Step 5: Coat and Bake

Roll each dough ball in the spiced sugar mixture to give a festive sparkle and a subtle crunch to the outside. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them to allow for some spreading. Bake at 350°F for 11 to 12 minutes, working in batches of six cookies. After baking, let them cool on the sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling. The warm spices, creamy center, and crispy coating will have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Serve Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra ground cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch. You could also drizzle a thin glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk to add a glossy shine and a hint of sweetness that complements the spices.

Side Dishes

Pair these wonderful cookies with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or a frothy latte for a cozy pairing. They also go beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience, or even a simple glass of cold milk to balance the warm spices.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe on a festive platter lined with evergreen sprigs or cinnamon sticks for holiday gatherings. You could package them individually in clear bags tied with ribbon for charming edible gifts, sure to impress family and friends alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their soft texture and flavorful center. If you want to extend their life, refrigeration is an option but may slightly firm up the cheesecake filling.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully and can be prepared ahead of time. Freeze the fully assembled but unbaked cookies on a sheet tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time, so you can enjoy fresh cookies anytime you crave them.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, gently heat in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes just to take the chill off and soften the cheesecake center again. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the filling to become too runny and affect the cookie’s texture.

FAQs

Can I use full eggs instead of just egg yolks?

Using whole eggs will add extra moisture and may slightly change the cookie texture. The recipe calls for yolks to keep the dough rich and tender, but you can experiment if necessary, just expect a slightly softer dough.

Do I have to freeze the cheesecake filling balls before baking?

Yes, freezing the filling balls helps them stay intact inside the dough during baking so you end up with that delightful molten cheesecake center rather than a melted mess.

Can I substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup?

Molasses provides a deep, robust flavor that defines gingerbread. Honey or maple syrup will change the flavor profile and sweetness, but if you don’t have molasses, they can work in a pinch.

How long do the cookies keep their freshness?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the cookies stay fresh and soft for about 3 to 4 days. Beyond that, the cheesecake filling might start to lose its ideal texture.

Is this recipe suitable for making ahead for holiday parties?

Absolutely! You can make and freeze these cookies ahead of time. Assemble them, freeze, then bake right before your event to serve fresh, warm cookies with minimal effort.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about this Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe that captures the very essence of cozy, festive indulgence. From its perfectly spiced dough to the luscious cheesecake surprise inside, every bite feels like a warm hug. I can’t wait for you to try making these cookies and share them with loved ones; they may just become your new seasonal tradition.

Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe