Description
Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate fall stuffed cookie—soft, chewy pumpkin cookies filled with a tangy cream cheese center and rolled in warm spiced sugar. With rich autumn flavors and a surprise creamy bite, these bakery-style treats are perfect for seasonal gatherings, cozy weekends, or edible gifting.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Filling:
6 oz cream cheese, cold (170 g)
3 tbsp granulated sugar (38 g)
½ tsp vanilla extract (2.5 ml)
Spiced Sugar:
¼ cup granulated sugar (50 g)
½ tsp pumpkin pie spice (1 g)
Pumpkin Cookies:
½ cup canned pumpkin purée, well-drained (122 g before drying)
1¾ cups all-purpose flour (219 g)
1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice (2 g)
½ tsp baking powder (2.5 g)
½ tsp baking soda (2.5 g)
½ tsp salt (2.5 g)
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened (168 g)
1 cup light brown sugar (220 g)
2 egg yolks, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract (10 ml)
Instructions
Prepare Cheesecake Centers: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Scoop into 16 small balls and freeze for at least 30–60 minutes.
Make Spiced Sugar: Combine granulated sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside.
Dry the Pumpkin: Press pumpkin purée between paper towels until moisture is removed and reduced to under ¼ cup.
Mix Dough: In a bowl, whisk flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla, then dried pumpkin. Stir in dry ingredients until just combined.
Assemble Cookies: Flatten 2 tbsp dough portions, wrap around a frozen cream cheese ball, seal, and roll smooth. Coat in spiced sugar.
Bake: Bake 6 cookies at a time at 350°F (175°C) for 12–13 minutes. Cool on baking sheet 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
Drying the pumpkin is essential for texture and spread.
Freezing the cream cheese filling helps it hold its shape while baking.
Cookies can be chilled before baking to help them maintain shape.
Store in the fridge due to the cream cheese center.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 30–60 min freezing time)
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American