Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

Name: Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground cloves; 1/4 tsp salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tbsp molasses; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Oh, the holidays! A time for joy, laughter, family gatherings, and—let’s be real—delicious treats. Ever found yourself torn between a slice of creamy cheesecake and a hearty gingerbread cookie? Well, struggle no more! Enter the Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies. These beauties combine all the warm spices we love in gingerbread with the creamy goodness of cheesecake. Are you drooling yet? Let’s dive into the world of these mouth-watering cookies that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance! 😋

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A Little About These Cookies

So, why would you want to whip up a batch of Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies? Simple: they’re the ultimate festive treat that’s easy to make but packs a flavor punch.

What Makes Them Special?

These cookies are not just your average baked good. What sets them apart?

Cheesecake Filling: Creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-addictive!
Spicy Kick: The ginger, cloves, and cinnamon will make your home smell like a cozy winter wonderland.
Versatile Texture: Soft and chewy on the outside, with a delightful creaminess inside. Trust me; they make a great alternative to traditional holiday cookies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you roll up your sleeves, let’s gather the essentials. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookies:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tbsp molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cheesecake Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Pro tip: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. You don’t want any lumpy surprises when you’re mixing!

Directions to Deliciousness

Ready to bring joy (and good scents) into your kitchen? Here’s how to make these delectable cookies step by step!

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Yep, we’re going to make your cleanup as easy as pie—err, cookie!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt. This is where the magic of gingerbread starts. Seriously, if you could bottle this scent, you’d be a millionaire.

Step 3: Cream It Up

In another large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Throw in the egg, molasses, and vanilla. Beat until everything is combined and delicious.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Gradually add in the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. It’s like a culinary slow dance—take your time to avoid any flour explosions. 😅

Step 5: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In yet another bowl, mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Now, you may want to taste it, but remember—you’ll need some for the cookies!

Step 6: Form the Cookies

Now comes the fun part! Use a cookie scoop (or just your hands) to create balls of cookie dough. Press your thumb into the center to make a little well, then fill it with a teaspoon of cheesecake filling. Cover with a little more dough on top, pinching it to seal.

Tip: Don’t overstuff! We want to keep the filling inside, not have a mini cheesecake explosion in the oven.

Step 7: Bake

Place your filled cookies on the parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be set but still soft in the center. They’ll harden a bit as they cool—good things come to those who wait!

Step 8: Let’s Cool

Once they’re out, allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Try not to eat them all at once. I know, it’s hard!

Serving Suggestions

Alright, you have a batch of these cookies cooling down, and you’re probably wondering how to serve them up like the holiday baking star you are!

Presentation Is Key

Powdered Sugar Dusting: Just a sprinkle on top gives them that extra holiday sparkle.
Plate Them Like a Pro: Arrange them on a festive plate (you know, the one you only bring out for special occasions).
Pair with Coffee or Tea: These bad boys go perfectly with a hot beverage.

Feeling extra? Serve them with whipped cream on the side for dipping. Trust me, your guests will be begging for the recipe. You might even turn into the Gingerbread Cookie Whisperer of holiday gatherings.

Make Them with a Twist

Do you want to get fancy or adventurous? Here are a few fun twists you can consider:

Chocolate Drizzle: Because everything is better with chocolate. Just melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies.
Nutty Crunch: Add crushed walnuts or pecans to the cheesecake filling for a delightful crunch.
Spice It Up: Some cayenne or chili powder can add a secret kick. Just a pinch—too much, and that might result in a totally different cookie vibe!

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it—your new favorite holiday treat: Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies. These cookies are guaranteed to impress and satisfy anyone in your vicinity (including yourself).

Enjoy the process, take your time, and make your kitchen smell like a dream. And if you feel like sharing (or not, no pressure), drop a cookie in the comments or tag me in your Instagram posts!

Happy baking, and just remember—calories don’t count during the holidays. At least, that’s what I keep telling myself. 😉

And hey, if you’ve made it this far, go treat yourself to a cookie—after all, you’ve earned it! 🍪