Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

why make this recipe

Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful blend of two beloved desserts: traditional gingerbread and creamy cheesecake. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread during the holiday season. The creamy cheesecake filling adds a rich, smooth contrast to the spiced cookie exterior, making each bite a delightful experience. Furthermore, these cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make. They can bring warmth and comfort to your home, evoke cherished memories, and impress your friends and family, making them an ideal treat for gatherings, potlucks, or holiday dessert tables.

how to make Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

Ingredients :

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions :

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

To start, grab a large mixing bowl and add the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, cream these together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key as it creates a light texture for the cookies. Next, crack in the large egg and pour in the molasses, mixing until everything is well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Ensure these dry ingredients are well mixed. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix! This can toughen the cookies. Once combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate your cookie dough for at least an hour. Chilling the dough helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to handle when you shape the cookies.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

While the cookie dough chills, you can prepare the cheesecake filling. Take another bowl and beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue to mix until everything is well incorporated and creamy. This filling will be the perfect creamy center for your cookies.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

Now it’s time to bring it all together! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough is sufficiently chilled, take it out of the refrigerator. Roll tablespoon-sized scoops of dough into balls with your hands and place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space between the balls, as they will spread slightly while baking.

Next, make an indent in the center of each dough ball using your thumb or the back of a spoon. This will create a little pocket for the delicious cheesecake filling. Spoon some of the cheesecake mixture into each indent. Don’t be stingy; a generous amount will enhance the flavor of each cookie!

Step 4: Bake

Now, pop the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’ll want them to be lightly browned on the edges but still soft in the center. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on wire racks. These cookies are best served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.

how to serve Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are great on their own, but if you really want to impress, consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream on top or a dusting of additional powdered sugar. You can also pair them with a warm cup of spiced hot chocolate or coffee for a cozy treat. These cookies can be arranged beautifully on a festive plate as a centerpiece for your holiday gatherings.

how to store Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

To keep your Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. If you prefer, you can separate layers of cookies with wax paper to prevent them from sticking together. They should stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them. Place the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with wax paper, and they can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature, or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked taste.

tips to make Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

1. Use Fresh Spices: Spices can lose their flavor over time. Using fresh ground ginger, cinnamon, and other spices will give these cookies their distinctive and delicious flavor.

2. Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! This greatly improves the texture of your cookies. If you’re short on time, you can chill them for at least 30 minutes, but an hour is ideal.

3. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They are done when the edges are set and lightly browned, but the centers should still appear soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

4. Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with the cheesecake filling! Add a bit of lemon zest for a citrus twist or a splash of caramel syrup for a sweet variation.

5. Make It Ahead: Prepare the cookie dough and cheesecake filling the day before. The flavors will deepen, and it will save you time on the day you plan to serve the cookies.

variation

If you’re looking for variations, consider using different spice blends. You might want to replace some of the spices with pumpkin spice for a different seasonal flavor or add chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a sweet surprise in every bite. You can also change the cheesecake filling; try adding crushed peppermint candies for a refreshing minty twist, particularly fun during the holiday season.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can use granulated sugar instead of brown sugar. However, brown sugar adds moisture and a slightly different flavor, giving the cookies a richer taste.

Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the cream cheese filling a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container and give it a good stir before using it to fill your cookies.

What if I don’t have molasses?

If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with dark corn syrup or honey. However, the flavor will be slightly different. If you can, stick with molasses for the best results in this recipe.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the cookies?

Certainly! You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough before chilling. Chocolate chips could also be a delicious addition, adding a sweet contrast to the spiced flavors of the gingerbread cookie.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges are firm and lightly browned. The centers may appear soft, but they will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven. Don’t worry if they look a bit underdone; they will set as they cool.

These delicious Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are not only simple to make but are sure to be a hit at gatherings or family celebrations. With their rich flavors and contrasting textures, they embody the spirit of the season and can bring brightness to any occasion. Happy baking!

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