Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

If there’s one cookie that deserves a spot on every holiday table this year, it’s these Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies. Picture this: soft, chewy gingerbread spiced to perfection, with a surprise creamy cheesecake center hiding inside. These cookies are festive, flavorful, and honestly pretty magical. And whether you’re baking for your annual Christmas party, cookie swap, or just for your own midnight snacking needs (no judgment), this is the recipe to beat.

At Virilerecipes, we’re all about recipes that spark joy and bring people together. And when it comes to holiday baking ideas, these cookies might just be our favorite creation yet. They combine the warmth of traditional gingerbread with the indulgence of cheesecake. Trust us, these are not your average cookies.

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Why You’ll Love These Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

Chewy Meets Creamy

These Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies deliver everything you want in a holiday treat: chewy on the outside with a melt-in-your-mouth cheesecake center. They’re the perfect balance of texture, thanks to rich molasses and soft brown sugar. Each bite has that soft, chewy gingerbread base with a luscious, slightly tangy cream cheese filling. It’s like two desserts rolled into one.

All the Holiday Spices

You’ve got your ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice—aka the dream team of holiday flavors. This spiced cookie dough is what gives the cookies that deep, cozy flavor that screams winter.

Perfect for the Holidays

These cookies are festive, fun, and 100% share-worthy. They’re an easy gingerbread cookie recipe with a twist that makes them stand out. Bring them to your holiday potluck, wrap them up as gifts, or make a double batch and freeze some for later.

If you’re into more creamy, dreamy desserts, check out our Holiday Cheesecake Desserts collection too.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

These cookies are made up of three delicious components: the cheesecake filling, the spiced sugar, and the gingerbread cookie dough.

Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

This cream cheese cookie filling is what gives these cookies their signature center. Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing—it makes a big difference!

Spiced Sugar Coating:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Pinch of cloves and allspice

You’ll roll the dough balls in this mix before baking to add sparkle and extra flavor to your spiced Christmas cookies.

Gingerbread Cookie Dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/3 cup unsulphured molasses
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

This dough is soft but sturdy enough to hold the cheesecake filling without falling apart. The molasses gives it that classic flavor you’d expect in the best gingerbread cookies.

How to Make Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies (Step-by-Step Guide)

Ready to bake? Here’s how to pull off these show-stopping cheesecake-filled treats.

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a medium bowl, whip the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Scoop into 1-inch balls (about 18 total), place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and freeze for 30–45 minutes. This is crucial to keeping the filling from melting during baking.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and all the spices. This dry mix is going to make your whole kitchen smell like Christmas.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks, vanilla, and molasses. Mix until combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be pliable and fragrant with spice.

Step 5: Fill the Cookies

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough, flatten it in your palm, and place a frozen cheesecake ball in the center. Wrap the dough around the filling, sealing completely. Roll the cookie ball between your hands to smooth it out.

Step 6: Coat in Spiced Sugar

Roll each cookie ball in the spiced sugar coating until fully covered. This step gives that signature sparkle and just a bit of crunch on the outside.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F for 11–12 minutes. They should be puffed, lightly cracked on top, and soft in the center. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

For best results, let them cool completely before biting in. That cheesecake center needs a little time to settle.

FAQs: Troubleshooting Your Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Center Cookies

• Spoon and level your flour. Don’t scoop it right from the bag or you’ll pack in too much.
• Fully freeze the filling. If it’s even slightly soft, it’ll melt into the cookie instead of staying creamy.
• Shape cookies immediately after baking. Use a spoon or glass to gently nudge the edges into perfect circles while they’re still warm.
• Double up. You’ll be mad you only made 18 of these.

Want more cheesecake magic? Try our Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies next.

Related recipes

If these Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies have you in a festive mood, here are a few more holiday dessert ideas from Virilerecipes you might love:

• Christmas Cookie Bars: Easy, sliceable, crowd-pleasing.
• Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake: Breakfast? Dessert? You decide.
• Valentine’s Day Cookies: Perfect for gifting year-round.
• Dutch Apple Pie: A slice of comfort with a crumbly top.
• Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake: Over-the-top in the best way.

Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

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• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 18 cookies

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Description

Soft and chewy gingerbread cookies filled with a creamy cheesecake center — the ultimate festive treat for the holidays.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger (for coating)
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (for coating)
• Pinch of cloves and allspice (for coating)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/3 cup unsulphured molasses
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whip cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Scoop into 1-inch balls (about 18) and freeze for 30–45 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and all spices.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg yolks, vanilla, and molasses. Mix to combine.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet and mix until soft dough forms.
5. Flatten 2 tbsp dough in your palm, place a frozen cheesecake ball in center, wrap and seal. Roll into a smooth ball.
6. Mix sugar and spices for coating in a small bowl. Roll each dough ball in spiced sugar until fully coated.
7. Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheet, 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F for 11–12 minutes.
8. Cool on pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Let cool completely before serving.

Notes

Freeze the cheesecake filling thoroughly to maintain shape while baking. For best flavor, enjoy once cookies have fully cooled.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 130mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Final Thoughts

Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a whole holiday experience. From the spiced aroma that fills your kitchen to that first creamy bite, these cookies are guaranteed to wow. Whether you’re baking with kids, gifting them to neighbors, or hoarding them for yourself (again, no judgment), this recipe brings serious joy.

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