Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies | Easy Holiday Treat

There’s something magical about December afternoons when the house smells like ginger, cinnamon, and butter. These Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies fill the kitchen with cozy holiday warmth and the scent of spice. Each batch of Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies brings that perfect mix of chewy gingerbread and creamy cheesecake — a holiday classic you’ll crave all season. Chewy spiced cookies wrapped around creamy cheesecake centers — this is the kind of sweet that makes the season feel real.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Each Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookie has a soft, chewy bite with a creamy cheesecake center that melts slightly as you bite in. These Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies capture everything you love about Christmas baking — spice, sweetness, and warmth in every bite.
The sugar coating gives a festive sparkle, while the bold ginger and molasses bring that unmistakable holiday flavor.

They’re freezer-friendly, easy to make ahead, and look beautiful on a Christmas cookie platter. These cookies also make thoughtful edible gifts that feel both nostalgic and special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cheesecake Filling

• 6 oz (170 g) cold cream cheese
• 3 tbsp (38 g) granulated white sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla

Spiced Sugar

• 6 tbsp (75 g) granulated white sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground allspice
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves

Gingerbread Cookie Dough

• 2 1/2 cups (313 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (165 g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 egg yolks, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/3 cup (113 g) unsulphured molasses

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy.
2. Scoop into 18 small balls and freeze until firm. This helps them stay creamy during baking.

Prepare the Gingerbread Cookie Dough

1. In a bowl, whisk flour, spices, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add egg yolks, molasses, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
4. Slowly add the dry mix and stir until a soft dough forms.

Assemble and Fill the Cookies

1. Scoop 18 balls of dough and flatten slightly.
2. Place one frozen cheesecake ball in the center.
3. Wrap the dough around it, sealing the edges, and roll into a smooth ball.

Coat in Spiced Sugar and Bake

1. Mix the spiced sugar ingredients in a shallow bowl.
2. Roll each cookie ball in the sugar mixture.
3. Place six cookies on a parchment-lined sheet.
4. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 11–12 minutes, until puffy and slightly cracked.
5. Let cool on the sheet for 10 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool fully.

The aroma as they bake is everything you want Christmas to smell like — sweet molasses, warm spice, and a hint of cream cheese.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies

• Always weigh your flour (1 cup = 125 g) for accurate texture.
• Freeze the cheesecake filling completely before wrapping.
• Use a large round cutter to “scoot” cookies right after baking for perfect circles.
• Let them cool completely; the centers set beautifully this way.
• Beat butter, sugar, eggs, and molasses until truly fluffy. This gives a chewy, tender crumb.

Storage & Freezing

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Let thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• For best texture, serve them slightly chilled — the cheesecake center feels like frosting.

FAQs

Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies Recipe Card

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More Such Recipes

If you love these Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies, you’ll also enjoy my classic chewy gingerbread cookies for a simpler take.
You can also try these festive red velvet blossom cookies or bake cranberry pistachio shortbread for the holidays.
And don’t miss my cozy fruitcake cookies perfect for Christmas — each one tastes like a warm memory.

Final Thoughts

These Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are the kind of treat that makes people smile before they even take a bite. They’re chewy, creamy, and just spiced enough to taste like Christmas morning.

Bake a batch for a cookie exchange or gift box, or simply enjoy them with a mug of cocoa while the lights twinkle nearby.

For more festive baking inspiration, follow along on Pinterest or join our cozy baking community on Facebook.