These Christmas Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful twist on classic holiday flavors. When my son, Jake, first tasted them, his eyes lit up like the Christmas tree! He said they were the best cookies ever, and I couldn’t agree more.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- They’re a fun mix of gingerbread and creamy cheesecake.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges.
- The spices fill your kitchen with a warm, festive aroma.
Pure Comfort
Biting into these cookies feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. The combination of spices and creaminess is pure comfort, making them a must-have during the holiday season.
What You Need
- 2 sticks 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Use room temperature butter for easier mixing.
- 200 g 1 cup granulated sugar – You can substitute with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- 1 1 large egg – Make sure it’s at room temperature.
- 1 tsp 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Pure vanilla extract is best for flavor.
- 360 g 3 cups all-purpose flour – Sifted flour helps to avoid clumps.
- 1 tbsp 1 tablespoon ground ginger – Fresh ginger can be used for a spicier kick.
- 1 tbsp 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – Cinnamon adds warmth to the cookies.
- 1 tsp 1 teaspoon baking soda – This helps the cookies rise.
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 1 package 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Use full-fat for the best texture.
- 60 g 1/2 cup powdered sugar – Adjust sweetness to your taste.
- 1 tbsp 1 tablespoon milk – This helps to smooth out the cream cheese.
Time to Cook
Prep: 30 minutes | Cook: 12 minutes | Total: 42 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and become lightly golden.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes, and you’ll notice a lovely pale color.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined, which will create a smooth and creamy batter.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the spices evenly throughout the dough.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky, but that’s perfect for cookies!
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth. This creamy filling will be the star of your cookies.
- Scoop out a tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling in the center, then fold the dough around it to form a ball.
- Place the cookie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set perfectly and keeps them from breaking.
Make It Perfect
- For even baking, rotate the baking sheet halfway through.
- If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
- You can sprinkle some extra cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a festive touch.
Mix It Up
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Try using pumpkin spice instead of ginger and cinnamon for a different flavor profile.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with a warm cup of cocoa or spiced cider.
- These cookies pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert.
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FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
They should be lightly golden around the edges and set in the center when done baking.
Conclusion
These Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite in your home. With their delightful blend of flavors and creamy filling, they truly are the best cookies ever for Christmas. Happy baking!
Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies for Festive Holiday Baking
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F to ensure even baking and lightly golden cookies.
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until smooth and creamy.
- Whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined to form a thick, slightly sticky dough.
- Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk together until smooth for the filling.
- Scoop a tablespoon of cookie dough, flatten it, and place a teaspoon of cream cheese filling in the center, then fold the dough around the filling into a ball.
- Place cookie balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to set.