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Let me share my absolute favorite fall cookie recipe that combines two incredible treats into one amazing dessert - Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies. I created these when I wanted something special for a fall gathering and they've become a seasonal sensation. Imagine biting into a soft pumpkin spiced cookie filled with creamy cheesecake it's pure autumn magic.
Why You'll Love These
What makes these cookies so special is that perfect combination of textures - the cookie itself is incredibly soft and tender while the cheesecake center adds this amazing creamy surprise. That pumpkin spice sugar coating just takes them over the top. Trust me these disappear fast at any gathering.
What You'll Need
- Pumpkin Puree: The real stuff not pie filling, give it a quick pat with paper towels.
- Brown Sugar: Makes these cookies extra soft and rich.
- Butter: Melt it and let it cool completely.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: For that perfect fall flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Room temperature for the smoothest filling.
- Egg: Helps bind everything together.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash makes everything better.
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Let's Bake Together
- Start With The Filling
- Mix up that cream cheese filling first and pop it in the fridge to firm up.
- Cookie Time
- Get your melted butter and sugars together, add pumpkin, egg, vanilla, then mix in those dry ingredients just until combined.
- Chill Out
- Give that dough an hour in the fridge, it'll be much easier to work with.
- Assembly Magic
- Roll your dough balls in that spiced sugar, make a little well, and fill with cheesecake goodness.
- Into The Oven
- Space them out nicely, six per tray, and let them bake until just set.
My Best Tips
After making these countless times I've learned a few tricks. A kitchen scale is your friend for perfect cookies every time. Don't overwork that dough, we want them tender. And those light colored baking sheets with parchment? They're the secret to perfectly baked bottoms.
Mix It Up
Sometimes I'll make them extra big, just increase the baking time a bit. Want some crunch? Add chopped pecans or chocolate chips. You can even play with your own spice blend if you're feeling creative.
Keep Them Fresh
These beauties need to live in the fridge, they'll stay perfect for about three days. Want to prep ahead? Make your dough and filling separately, keep them chilled, then assemble when you're ready to bake.
Freezer Friendly
I love having a stash of these ready to go. Freeze the dough balls without filling, they'll keep for a month. When the craving hits, just thaw, roll in sugar, fill, and bake. Easy peasy.
What Makes These Special
There's something magical about how these cookies bring together all those cozy fall flavors. The combination of tender pumpkin cookie and creamy cheesecake filling just works. They're different enough to be exciting but familiar enough to be comforting.
Perfect For Fall Fun
Whether you're hosting a Halloween party, need something special for Thanksgiving, or just want to make a regular autumn day feel festive, these cookies are your answer. They look beautiful, taste amazing, and fill your kitchen with the most incredible fall aroma while they bake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why remove moisture from the pumpkin puree?
Removing excess moisture ensures the cookies have the right texture and don't spread too much while baking. Blot with paper towels until no more liquid transfers.
- → Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead?
Yes, you can replace all the individual spices with 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice in the cookies and 1½ teaspoons in the sugar coating.
- → Why chill the dough?
Chilling the dough for an hour helps prevent spreading and ensures the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- → Can I make these ahead?
Yes, prepare the dough and filling separately and store in the fridge. Assemble and bake when ready. Let cookies cool completely before storing.
- → Why use room temperature butter?
The melted butter needs to cool to room temperature to ensure proper cookie texture and prevent the dough from being too soft to work with.
Conclusion
These indulgent cookies combine soft pumpkin spice dough with a creamy cheesecake filling, all rolled in aromatic pumpkin spice sugar. They're the ultimate fall treat that perfectly balances spices and cream cheese filling.