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Festive Ginger Cheesecake Cookies Recipe | Holiday Delight

I have to tell you, making these Festive Ginger Cheesecake Cookies Recipe was an absolute delight. From the moment I mixed the spicy ginger dough to the creamy cheesecake filling, my kitchen smelled like a holiday wonderland. Each bite combines the warmth of ginger and molasses with the smooth, rich sweetness of cheesecake.

I couldn’t stop tasting them as I assembled the cookies! These are perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or just treating yourself on a cozy afternoon — or you can also enjoy similar festive treats like these delicious Baked Pears with Feta, Honey and Cranberries.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make 18 scrumptious cookies. I’ve included tips to get the best results.

For the Filling

6 ounces (170 grams) cream cheese, chilled – using cold cream cheese ensures a smooth, firm filling.
½ cup (62 grams) powdered sugar – provides sweetness without graininess.
1 large egg yolk – helps set the filling and adds richness.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – enhances flavor depth.

For the Dough

2½ cups (320 grams) all-purpose flour – measure carefully to maintain soft, chewy cookies.
1 tablespoon ground ginger – the main spice for that festive kick.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – balances the ginger with warmth.
1 teaspoon baking soda – ensures lightness and proper rising.
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – subtle heat that enhances the ginger flavor.
½ teaspoon kosher salt – brings out all the other flavors.
10 tablespoons (141 grams) salted butter, at room temperature – gives richness and tenderness.
1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar – adds sweetness and helps with browning.
1 large egg – binds ingredients together.
½ cup (62 grams) crystallized ginger, finely chopped – boosts texture and flavor.
⅓ cup (113 milliliters) unsulphured molasses – deep, rich sweetness that makes cookies chewy.
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh ginger – adds a bright, fresh zing.
White sanding sugar or granulated sugar, for rolling (optional) – gives a festive sparkle.

Note: This recipe yields 18 cookies, perfect for sharing or gifting.

Variations

You can easily customize this recipe for different dietary needs or flavor twists:

Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter to make it fully vegan.
Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute for a lower-glycemic option.
Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Sprinkle a little ground cardamom or nutmeg into the dough for a spiced twist.

If you love experimenting with creative combinations, you might also enjoy trying the rich and gooey Blackberry Balsamic and Brie Grilled Cheese Recipe for another comforting winter flavor idea.

Cooking Time

Here’s a quick overview of the time you’ll need:

Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour for freezing filling)
Cooking Time: 15–17 minutes per batch
Total Time: About 1 hour 50 minutes (including chilling and baking)

Equipment You Need

Mixing bowls – for dough and filling.
Electric mixer – ensures smooth cheesecake filling and fluffy dough.
Baking sheets – lined with parchment to prevent sticking.
Piping bag or resealable plastic bag – to pipe filling neatly.
Cooling racks – to let cookies cool completely without sogginess.

How to Make Festive Ginger Cheesecake Cookies

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating these irresistible cookies.

Prepare the Filling

Start by beating the cream cheese, powdered sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla in a large bowl using an electric mixer. Mix until completely smooth and creamy. Transfer the filling into a piping bag or resealable bag for easier handling.

Freeze the Filling

Pipe small dollops of the filling onto a parchment-lined sheet. Smooth them with a spoon and freeze until solid, at least one hour. This ensures the filling doesn’t melt while baking the cookies.

Make the Dough

Whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, black pepper, and salt in one bowl. In another, beat butter and sugar until fluffy, then add egg, molasses, crystallized ginger, and fresh ginger. Mix in the flour mixture slowly until fully incorporated.

Assemble the Cookies

Scoop dough into 2-inch balls, flatten slightly, and place a frozen filling piece in the center. Wrap the dough around the filling and roll into smooth spheres. Chill if the dough feels too soft.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the cookies in sanding sugar if desired and place them on parchment-lined sheets. Bake for 15–17 minutes, rotating halfway through. Let cool for 5 minutes on sheets, then transfer to racks.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my experience, a few tweaks make these cookies even more amazing:

I always chill the dough briefly before baking to prevent spreading.
Using freshly grated ginger gives a more vibrant, zesty flavor than pre-ground.
Don’t skip freezing the filling—it prevents oozing during baking.
I sometimes add a dusting of cinnamon sugar on top for extra festive flair.

How to Serve Festive Ginger Cheesecake Cookies

These cookies aren’t just tasty—they’re festive! Arrange them on a platter, dust lightly with powdered sugar, or drizzle with melted white chocolate. They pair beautifully with tea, coffee, or a glass of cold milk. For holiday gatherings, I like stacking them in a decorative tin lined with parchment.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick snapshot per cookie:

Calories: 220 kcal – a delightful treat without going overboard.
Protein: 3 grams – thanks to the egg and cream cheese.
Carbohydrates: 28 grams – mostly from sugar and flour.
Fat: 11 grams – rich and creamy from butter and cream cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Warm cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to refresh texture without melting the filling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are some reasons these cookies are a must-try:

Festive flavor combo: Spicy ginger with creamy cheesecake makes every bite memorable.
Perfect for holidays: Ideal for parties, gifting, or cozy winter treats.
Customizable: Dairy-free, sugar-free, or nutty variations are easy.
Fun to make: Piping and encasing the filling is a delightful hands-on activity.
Impresses guests: Looks elegant and tastes gourmet without fuss.

These Festive Ginger Cheesecake Cookies are chewy, creamy, and bursting with warm holiday spices. They’re a showstopper for the season and easy enough to make for any gathering or special treat. I can promise you’ll be sneaking bites while the rest are still baking!

Ben Carraoli