Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies – A Creamy Fall Treat
Fall is here, and nothing captures the cozy essence of the season like the aroma of pumpkin spice and baked treats wafting through your kitchen. If you’re looking for a dessert that combines soft, chewy cookies with a rich, creamy filling, these Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies are your new go-to recipe. They are indulgent yet approachable, perfect for weekday treats, weekend baking sessions, or festive holiday gatherings.
Why These Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies Are a Must-Try
There’s something magical about pairing pumpkin with cream cheese. The pumpkin provides a naturally moist, flavorful base, while the cheesecake adds a velvety, tangy contrast. Unlike traditional pumpkin cookies that can sometimes be dry or crumbly, these cookies stay soft and chewy thanks to the cream cheese swirls.
Imagine biting into a cookie that melts in your mouth with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and all the warmth of fall—this is exactly what these cookies deliver. They’re perfect for cozy afternoons by the fireplace, a special treat for kids, or even a gift for friends and neighbors during the fall season.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. 🎃
- In a bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add pumpkin puree and egg; mix until smooth. 🍂
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add to wet ingredients until just combined. 🥄
- Prepare cheesecake filling: beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. 🧀
- Form cookies: scoop cookie dough onto baking sheet, flatten slightly, and place a small amount of cheesecake filling in the center. Fold edges over or top with another cookie dough scoop. 🍪
- Bake 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool on wire racks before serving. ❄️
Notes
Ingredients You’ll Need
These cookies are made with simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients:
- Pumpkin puree – the star of the cookie, adding moisture and rich flavor
- Cream cheese – softened for the cheesecake swirl
- All-purpose flour – forms the soft cookie base
- Brown sugar & granulated sugar – balance sweetness and add depth
- Butter – softened, to create a tender texture
- Egg – binds the ingredients together
- Vanilla extract – enhances the flavor profile
- Baking powder & baking soda – ensures the cookies rise perfectly
- Pumpkin pie spice & cinnamon – infuse the cookies with seasonal warmth
- Salt – balances sweetness and enriches the flavors
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep your oven and baking sheet
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the cookie dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Step 3: Combine dry ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
Step 4: Prepare the cream cheese swirl
In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese with a little sugar until smooth. This mixture will create the luxurious cheesecake pockets in your cookies.
Step 5: Assemble the cookies
Scoop a tablespoon of pumpkin dough and flatten it slightly. Add a small dollop of the cream cheese mixture in the center, then gently fold the edges over to partially cover the cheesecake. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space for spreading.
Step 6: Bake to perfection
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking, as this will make the cookies dry.
Step 7: Cool and enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. The cookies firm up slightly as they cool but remain soft and chewy.
Tips for Bakery-Quality Cookies at Home
- Use room temperature ingredients – ensures smooth mixing and even baking.
- Do not overmix – overmixing the dough can make cookies tough.
- Chill the dough – for thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30–60 minutes before baking.
- Experiment with add-ins – chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or dried cranberries can elevate the flavor.
- Proper storage – store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies – fold mini chocolate chips into the pumpkin dough for a sweet surprise.
- Nutty Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies – sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking for a satisfying crunch.
- Spiced Cream Cheese – mix cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice into the cream cheese for extra flavor.
- Vegan Option – use a dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based butter to make these cookies vegan-friendly.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:
- With a hot beverage – pumpkin spice latte, hot cocoa, or chai tea
- As a dessert platter – perfect for fall gatherings and holiday parties
- Gift-wrapped treats – put them in a decorative tin or box to share with friends and family
- Frozen treat – enjoy slightly chilled with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Why Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies Are Perfect for Fall
The beauty of these cookies is how they encapsulate everything you love about fall in a single bite:
- Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice
- Comforting textures – soft cookie exterior with creamy cheesecake centers
- Rich flavors – pumpkin, cream cheese, and brown sugar harmonize perfectly
Baking these cookies not only fills your kitchen with the sweet aroma of fall but also gives you a treat that feels indulgent without being overly sweet. They are simple enough for weekday baking yet elegant enough to impress guests during holiday celebrations.
Whether you are a seasoned baker or just looking for a cozy fall recipe, these Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies are guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite. The combination of soft pumpkin cookies with tangy cheesecake swirls is irresistible, making every bite a little celebration of autumn.
