Description
These bakery-style cookies feature a spiced pumpkin dough wrapped around a hidden cheesecake filling, finished with a sugar coating for a sweet, crackly edge.
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Pumpkin Cookie Dough:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup light brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
2 egg yolks
2 tsp vanilla extract
2½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
For the Spiced Sugar Coating:
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Scoop into 2-teaspoon-sized balls, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and freeze for 30–60 minutes until firm.
Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in pumpkin puree, egg yolks, and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet and mix until just combined. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
Assemble the Cookies:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine sugar and pumpkin pie spice for coating.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough, flatten in your hand, place a frozen cheesecake ball in the center, and wrap the dough around it. Roll in spiced sugar and place on baking sheet.
Bake:
Bake cookies for 12–15 minutes or until edges are set and tops are slightly cracked. Let cool on pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
Use well-drained homemade pumpkin puree if substituting for canned.
Ensure cheesecake balls are completely frozen and dough fully covers them to prevent leaking.
Chilling the dough is essential for best texture and easy handling.
- Prep Time: 1 hour (includes chilling)
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes per batch
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
