Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies – Easy Christmas Dessert Recipe

Ingredients

Cheesecake Filling

• 6 oz cold cream cheese
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Spiced Sugar Coating

• 6 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground allspice
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves

Gingerbread Cookie Dough

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 2 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 2 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 egg yolks, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsulphured molasses

Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Cheesecake Centers

1. Line a small cookie sheet with parchment.
2. Beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla together until light, creamy, and smooth.
3. Portion the mixture into 18 small scoops (about 2 teaspoons each) and place them onto the tray.
4. Freeze for at least 1–2 hours, or until completely firm. This prevents leakage during baking.

Step 2 — Make the Spiced Sugar

1. Whisk together sugar, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves.
2. Set aside for rolling the cookies later.

Step 3 — Mix the Gingerbread Cookie Dough

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking trays with parchment.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, spices, salt, and baking soda.
3. Cream the butter and brown sugar until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Add egg yolks, vanilla, and molasses. Beat until smooth and slightly airy.
5. Add dry ingredients and mix on low until a soft dough forms.

Step 4 — Shape the Cookies

1. Divide the dough into 18 scoops (about 2 tablespoons each) and roll into balls.
2. Flatten each ball slightly in your palm.
3. Place one frozen cheesecake center in the middle and wrap the dough fully around it.
4. Roll the dough ball in the spiced sugar mixture.

Step 5 — Bake

1. Arrange 6 cookies per tray to allow for spreading.
2. Bake for 11–12 minutes, until the edges are set and lightly golden.
3. Cool on the tray for 10 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool fully.
4. The centers will firm up as they cool.

Looking for more festive ideas?

• 🎄 Christmas Recipes
• 🍰 Dessert Recipes
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