Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies | Creamy Fall Dessert for Thanksgiving

Olivia
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There’s something magical about fall baking when the aroma of pumpkin spice fills the kitchen and cozy desserts take center stage. These Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies Easy recipe captures that seasonal comfort perfectly—soft, spiced pumpkin flavored cookies with a smooth cream cheese filling that melts in every bite. Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving spread or simply craving a warm treat on a crisp autumn day, this recipe delivers indulgence without the fuss. In this guide, you’ll discover the essential ingredients, step-by-step method, clever baking tips, and storage solutions for delightful Pumpkin Cookies with Cheesecake Filling fit for every festive table.

Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies Creamy Fall Dessert for Thanksgiving

Why These Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies Are a Thanksgiving Favorite

How My Love for Pumpkin Cheesecake Inspired These Cookies

My journey to creating these Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies began one blustery November afternoon at a local fall fair. I remember being drawn to a tray of pumpkin cheesecake scones—aromatic, golden, and swirled with creamy sweetness. That first bite was pure autumn comfort: spiced, tender, and decadent all at once. The memory stayed with me through many Thanksgivings, fueling my love for pumpkin flavored cookies and all things cozy. Determined to recreate that same magic, I decided to transform the classic cheesecake into a handheld treat—something soft and sweet, yet portable. The result? Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies that combine everything I adore about fall desserts in one irresistible bite.

These cookies are the essence of the season—each one blending the gentle warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin with a velvety cheesecake core. The cookie dough bakes into a soft, cake-like texture that yields slightly at the edges but stays moist in the center, while the filling adds just the right amount of creamy tang to balance the sweetness. Their orange hue glows like fall leaves, and the scent that wafts from the oven fills your home with holiday nostalgia. From the first bite to the last crumb, these Pumpkin Flavored Cookies embody what makes Thanksgiving desserts so special: comfort, joy, and the cozy taste of togetherness.

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Golden pumpkin cheesecake cookies topped with cream cheese swirls on a festive autumn background.

Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies | Creamy Fall Dessert for Thanksgiving


  • Total Time: 34 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Description

Soft, spiced pumpkin cookies filled with creamy cheesecake for a cozy Thanksgiving treat. These handheld delights blend autumn flavors with simple baking steps for a fuss-free dessert.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

    2. Beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy, about 2 minutes.

    3. Mix in egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

    4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

    5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.

    6. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth, then chill for 10 minutes.

    7. Scoop one tablespoon of pumpkin dough onto the baking sheet, top with a dollop of chilled cheesecake filling, cover with another tablespoon of dough, seal edges, and flatten slightly.

    8. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until edges are golden and centers are just set.

    9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

    • Prep Time: 20 minutes
    • Cook Time: 14 minutes
    • Category: Dessert
    • Method: Baking
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 cookie
    • Calories: 150
    • Sugar: 10
    • Sodium: 120
    • Fat: 8
    • Saturated Fat: 4
    • Unsaturated Fat: 3
    • Trans Fat: 0.2
    • Carbohydrates: 18
    • Fiber: 1
    • Protein: 2
    • Cholesterol: 25

    Keywords: easy pumpkin cheesecake cookies, pumpkin flavored cookies, pumpkin cheesecake cookies easy, pumpkin cookies with cheesecake filling, easy desserts pumpkin, foods for thanksgiving

    Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies Easy Recipe

    Ingredients You’ll Need for This Cozy Dessert

    Creating Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies Easy starts with a well‑balanced list of simple pantry staples and creamy favorites. Each ingredient plays a role in building that signature soft texture and cheesecake surprise. Below is an organized list so you can gather everything before you start.

    CategoryIngredientsNotes & Substitutes
    Wet Ingredients1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
    ¾ cup brown sugar
    ½ cup granulated sugar
    1 large egg
    1 cup pumpkin puree
    1 tsp vanilla extract
    For lighter results, swap half the butter with coconut oil or dairy‑free butter sticks.
    Dry Ingredients2 ¾ cups all‑purpose flour
    1 tsp baking soda
    ½ tsp baking powder
    ½ tsp salt
    1 ½ tsp cinnamon
    ¼ tsp nutmeg
    ¼ tsp ginger
    Use gluten‑free 1:1 baking blend if needed. Add extra spice for a bolder pumpkin flavored cookies taste.
    Cheesecake Filling6 oz cream cheese (softened)
    ¼ cup sugar
    ½ tsp vanilla extract
    Try low‑fat or dairy‑free cream cheese for a lighter filling.

    These ingredients are easy to find, making your Pumpkin Cookies with Cheesecake Filling both approachable and impressive.

    Tools & Step‑by‑Step Preparation

    Before you mix, line up your essentials so baking flows smoothly:

    • Two medium mixing bowls
    • Hand or stand mixer
    • Rubber spatula and whisk
    • Cookie scoop or tablespoon
    • Baking sheet and parchment paper
    • Wire rack for cooling
    1. Preheat & Prepare – Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
    2. Cream Butter and Sugars – Beat butter and sugars until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
    3. Add Wet Ingredients – Mix in egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until smooth.
    4. Combine Dry Ingredients – Whisk flour, leaveners, salt, and spices. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until dough forms.
    5. Create the Cheesecake Filling – Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Chill 10 minutes.
    6. Assemble Cookies – Scoop dough, add a teaspoon of filling, cover with more dough, seal edges, and flatten slightly.
    7. Bake to Perfection – Bake for 12–14 minutes until edges set and centers soft.
    8. Cool Completely – Rest 5 minutes on the sheet before moving to a wire rack.
    • Chill sticky dough 20–30 minutes to prevent spreading.
    • Fold gently after adding dry ingredients to keep texture tender.
    • Pull cookies when edges just turn golden to preserve creamy centers.

    This ensures Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies Easy every time—minimal stress and maximum autumn flavor.

    Baking & Serving Pumpkin Flavored Cookies for Thanksgiving

    Baking Technique for the Perfect Texture

    When baking these Pumpkin Flavored Cookies, success lies in balancing moisture and structure. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes, just until edges turn golden and centers barely set. This keeps the Pumpkin Cookies with Cheesecake Filling tender inside while holding their shape. If dough feels sticky, chill 20–30 minutes before baking. Skip chilling for a thinner, softer style. Use parchment to prevent over‑browning and monitor closely—the pumpkin base bakes fast. For bakers who love Easy Desserts Pumpkin, this forgiving dough stays luscious even slightly underbaked, filling your kitchen with nostalgic autumn aroma.

    Creative Ways to Serve and Decorate

    Presentation elevates these treats into standout foods for Thanksgiving. Dust cooled cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel or white‑chocolate glaze. Add whipped cream for a mini‑cheesecake vibe. To make bite‑sized treats, use a smaller scoop and shorten baking time. Double them into sandwich cookies with a touch more filling for indulgent flavor. Enjoy with hot cider, chai, or pumpkin‑spiced lattes to complement the cozy spices. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator up to two days or freeze between parchment sheets for up to two months; thaw overnight before serving. Every version delivers the creamy comfort of Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies Easy.

    FAQs & Conclusion

    Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

    Can I make Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies ahead of time?
    Yes. Prepare dough and filling up to two days early, or bake fully and chill; they stay soft for several days, ideal for foods for Thanksgiving.

    How do I store Pumpkin Cookies with Cheesecake Filling?
    Keep refrigerated once cooled. Layer with parchment in airtight containers. Rest at room temperature 15 minutes before serving. Freeze up to two months if needed.

    Can I use canned pumpkin puree or fresh pumpkin?
    Both work well. Canned offers consistent texture for Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies Easy. Fresh puree must be well‑strained to prevent watery dough.

    How do I prevent my cookies from getting soggy?
    Cool completely before storing and line containers with paper towels to absorb moisture. Use about one teaspoon of filling per cookie to maintain structure and chew.

    Bringing Holiday Joy to Every Bite

    From the first whiff of cinnamon to the last creamy crumb, these Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies embody everything wonderful about fall baking. Combining the gentle spice of pumpkin pie and the tang of cheesecake, they’re the ultimate pumpkin flavored cookies for gatherings or quiet evenings. Simple, versatile, and warmly nostalgic, they bring the spirit of Easy Desserts Pumpkin to every kitchen.

    Serve them fresh, gift them warmly, or savor them by the fireplace—the creamy surprise center will make these Pumpkin Cookies with Cheesecake Filling a cherished holiday tradition for years to come.

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