Nothing captures the essence of fall quite like the comforting flavors of pumpkin and warm spices. This pumpkin cheesecake cookies recipe combines the rich taste of pumpkin spice with a creamy, decadent cheesecake center—creating the ultimate fall treat. These soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese filling are perfect for cozy weekends, afternoon coffee breaks, or festive foods for Thanksgiving. In this post, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, baking tips, and serving ideas to help you make these irresistible cookies at home. Let’s dive into how to bake these crowd-pleasing, perfectly spiced cookies everyone will ask for again and again.
The Cozy Fall Memory That Inspired These Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
Every fall, as soon as the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to scatter across the lawn, my kitchen transforms into a haven of warm aromas. I still remember the first time I baked this pumpkin cheesecake cookies recipe—a stormy October afternoon when all I wanted was something sweet, soft, and comforting. The smell of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice drifted through the house, wrapping everyone in a cozy autumn hug.
Family members soon followed the scent to the kitchen, where trays of soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese filling were cooling on the counter. Each bite was tender, gently spiced, and hiding a creamy surprise inside. We brewed a fresh pot of coffee and gathered around the table as the rain tapped against the windows—a small but perfect moment of warmth and connection.
These cookies quickly became a staple in our fall baking lineup and a must-have at every family gathering. During Thanksgiving, they stand out among the usual pies and cakes as a fun, hand-held dessert option. There’s something special about offering a plateful of freshly baked pumpkin cheesecake cookies—each one a reminder of togetherness, gratitude, and the comforting flavors of the season. Whether you’re preparing foods for Thanksgiving or simply craving a sweet slice of autumn, these cookies capture everything there is to love about fall baking.
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Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies Recipe | Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
This pumpkin cheesecake cookies recipe combines the rich taste of pumpkin spice with a creamy cheesecake center, creating a soft, moist, and flavorful fall treat perfect for Thanksgiving or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spoon or pipe 1 teaspoon portions onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 30 minutes.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice in a medium bowl.
3. Cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Cover the dough and chill for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop, flatten a portion of dough, place a frozen cheesecake filling in the center, and cover with another portion of dough, sealing the edges.
6. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until set but still soft. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
Keywords: pumpkin cheesecake cookies, soft pumpkin cookies, cheesecake filling cookies, easy pumpkin desserts, thanksgiving cookies, fall recipes, pumpkin cookies, cream cheese cookies, holiday baking
Why Pumpkin Cookies with Cheesecake Filling Are a Seasonal Favorite
What makes pumpkin cookies with cheesecake filling so irresistible is the way they balance textures and flavors. The outer layer is soft, moist, and delicately spiced, while the center holds a smooth swirl of tangy-sweet cream cheese. It’s like enjoying pumpkin pie and cheesecake in one hand-held dessert—a treat that feels both familiar and delightfully new.
These cookies fit perfectly into the world of easy desserts pumpkin lovers swear by. They’re rich but not heavy, festive without being fussy, and simple enough for bakers of all levels. The cheesecake filling bakes into the cookie just right, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that pairs beautifully with coffee, mulled cider, or a cool autumn breeze.
It’s no wonder these pumpkin cookies with cheesecake filling have become a seasonal favorite. They capture the cozy essence of fall in each bite, offering the sweetness of tradition and the excitement of a creative twist. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or tucked into a dessert platter, these cookies promise to bring a little extra warmth and joy to your autumn and holiday celebrations.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before you start baking, gather everything you need for this pumpkin cheesecake cookies recipe. Having ingredients prepped and measured will make the process smooth and enjoyable. Below is a simple table dividing what you’ll need for the cookie dough and the cheesecake filling. Substitutions are also listed for various dietary needs, so everyone can enjoy this fall favorite.
| Cookie Dough Ingredients | Quantity | Notes & Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups | Use a 1:1 gluten-free blend if desired |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | Helps the cookies rise and stay soft |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon | Balances acidity from the pumpkin |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon | Adjust to taste for warmth |
| Ground nutmeg | ¼ teaspoon | Optional but adds depth |
| Pumpkin pie spice | 1 teaspoon | Combine with cinnamon for signature flavor |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | Enhances sweetness and spice |
| Unsalted butter, softened | ½ cup (1 stick) | Substitute with plant-based butter for dairy-free |
| Brown sugar | ¾ cup | Adds moisture and soft texture |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup | Sweetens and balances spices |
| Pumpkin puree | ¾ cup | Not pumpkin pie filling |
| Egg yolk | 1 | Adds richness without too much moisture |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Flavor enhancer |
| Cheesecake Filling Ingredients | Quantity | Notes & Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Cream cheese, softened | 8 oz | Use dairy-free cream cheese if needed |
| Powdered sugar | ¼ cup | For sweetness and smooth texture |
| Vanilla extract | ½ teaspoon | Adds flavor to the filling |
This simple pumpkin cheesecake cookies recipe doesn’t require fancy ingredients—just everyday pantry staples transformed into festive, creamy, and soft cookies. Once everything is ready, the fun begins with mixing, chilling, filling, and baking.
Step-by-Step Method for Baking Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until silky and thick. Pipe small dollops onto parchment and freeze 30–45 minutes.
- Make the Pumpkin Cookie Dough: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugars till fluffy, then blend in pumpkin purée, egg yolk, and vanilla. Mix dry and wet ingredients just until combined.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate 30–45 minutes to firm it up, preventing spreading and leaks.
- Assemble the Cookies: Scoop dough, flatten, enclose frozen filling, and roll into sealed balls.
- Bake the Cookies: Arrange 2 inches apart on lined trays and bake 13–15 minutes at 350°F, until set but not browned.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let rest on the pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack, revealing velvety soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese filling.
- Use precise pumpkin measurements.
- Never skip chilling.
- Remove when slightly underbaked for tender centers.
Perfectly baked pumpkin cookies with cheesecake filling are tender outside with a luscious creamy middle. They’re the ultimate easy desserts pumpkin for any autumn gathering or foods for Thanksgiving menu.
Baking Tips for Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
To achieve bakery-quality soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese filling, follow these expert tips. Use room‑temperature ingredients for smooth blending. When mixing, stop as soon as flour disappears to avoid tough texture. For consistent shape, use a cookie scoop, and chill all dough portions thoroughly to preserve structure and keep filling intact. Always line pans with parchment, and avoid overbaking—slightly pale tops mean perfectly soft insides. Once cool, store in airtight containers to maintain moisture.
How to Serve & Store Pumpkin Cookies with Cheesecake Filling
After baking, let pumpkin cookies with cheesecake filling cool before stacking. For short-term storage, refrigerate up to five days; for longer storage, freeze on trays, then in containers up to two months. Thaw overnight and bring to room temperature before serving. For beautiful holiday presentations, pair with cider, coffee, or lattes, or add to a Thanksgiving dessert spread. These easy desserts pumpkin will impress as hand‑held, mess‑free portions of classic fall flavor—perfect foods for Thanksgiving and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use canned pumpkin purée? Yes, use pure pumpkin, not sweetened pie filling.
- How do I stop filling from leaking? Freeze the filling and seal dough completely before baking.
- Can I freeze baked cookies? Yes, they keep up to two months; thaw overnight for fresh taste.
- Are these good make‑ahead desserts? Absolutely—they’re ideal for Thanksgiving preparations.
- Can I use gluten‑free flour? Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten‑free blend containing xanthan gum.
- How long do they stay fresh? In the fridge five days or in the freezer two months.
- How to reheat before serving? Microwave 10–15 s or warm briefly at 300°F for a soft gooey center.
Conclusion
There’s something magical about combining the comforting spices of pumpkin with the rich tang of cheesecake—this pumpkin cheesecake cookies recipe captures that harmony in every bite. Each cookie is soft, spiced, and filled with creamy sweetness that’s simple to make yet impressive enough for the holidays.
Whether baking soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese filling for a weekend treat or sharing as part of your easy desserts pumpkin collection for Thanksgiving, they’re sure to delight. So preheat your oven, grab your favorite spices, and let these cookies bring cozy warmth and joy to your table, one pumpkin‑spiced bite at a time.
