Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
These pumpkin cheesecake cookies are the perfect fall treat, combining the warm spices of pumpkin pie with the creamy richness of cheesecake.The soft, chewy pumpkin cookie base is filled with a tangy cream cheese mixture, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
For the cookie dough:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the cheesecake filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparing the cookie dough:
- Cream together butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined.
Creating the cheesecake filling:
- Beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Mix in sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Assembling and shaping the cookies:
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough.
- Make an indentation in each ball and fill with a teaspoon of cheesecake mixture.
- Gently fold the cookie dough around the filling, sealing it inside.
Baking tips:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place cookies on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Remember, the key to perfect texture is not to overbake! The cookies should be soft and slightly underbaked when you take them out - they'll firm up as they cool.