Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake-Stuffed Sugar Cookies – The Ultimate Fall Dessert

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake-Stuffed Sugar Cookies are the perfect way to embrace the cozy flavors of fall. These cookies combine the warm spices of pumpkin pie with the creamy decadence of cheesecake, all wrapped in a soft, chewy sugar cookie shell. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast—crisp edges, a tender cookie center, and a luscious cream cheese filling bursting with pumpkin spice.

This recipe is not just a treat; it is a celebration of seasonal flavors. Whether you are baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or simply indulging in something sweet with your coffee, these cookies never fail to impress. They offer all the charm of classic sugar cookies but with a creative twist that makes them extra special. Best of all, they are surprisingly simple to prepare, making them an ideal choice for both beginner bakers and seasoned home cooks.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour – The base of the cookies, flour provides structure while keeping the cookies soft and chewy.

Baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a light texture.

Salt – A small amount enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.

Granulated sugar – Used both in the cookie dough and for rolling, sugar gives these cookies their sweet, crisp exterior.

Unsalted butter – Provides richness and moisture while creating the tender crumb sugar cookies are known for.

Egg – Acts as a binder and adds richness to the cookie dough.

Vanilla extract – Deepens the flavor of both the cookie dough and cheesecake filling.

Cream cheese – The star of the filling, cream cheese adds tanginess and a creamy contrast to the cookie.

Pumpkin purée – Brings natural sweetness and that signature fall flavor to the cheesecake filling.

Pumpkin pie spice – A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that defines the cozy, autumnal flavor.

Brown sugar – Used in the filling to add richness and depth alongside the pumpkin and cream cheese.

Egg yolk – Adds creaminess and helps set the cheesecake filling inside the cookie.

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another large bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Chill dough for 20 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in pumpkin purée, brown sugar, pumpkin spice, egg yolk, and vanilla until creamy. Chill for 15 minutes to firm up.
5. Scoop out portions of cookie dough and flatten them into disks. Place a small spoonful of the pumpkin cheesecake filling in the center, then cover with another disk of dough, sealing the edges.
6. Roll the stuffed cookies in granulated sugar and place on prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake for 12–14 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 18–20 cookies. Prep time is approximately 30 minutes, while baking takes 12–14 minutes per batch. Total time is around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Storage/reheating

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, as the cheesecake filling requires refrigeration. To serve warm, reheat briefly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, though they are also delicious straight from the fridge. Cookies may also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Variations and Customizations

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake-Stuffed Sugar Cookies are wonderfully versatile, and you can easily adapt them to suit different preferences.

For a more indulgent version, drizzle the cooled cookies with white chocolate or caramel sauce. This adds a decorative finish and an extra layer of sweetness. If you enjoy a stronger spice profile, increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice or add a pinch of cardamom for a unique twist.

To make the cookies more festive, roll them in cinnamon sugar instead of plain granulated sugar. This enhances the warm, cozy flavor while giving them an extra sparkle. You could also add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough for a nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the cheesecake filling.

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cut back slightly on the sugar in the filling. If you prefer a non-pumpkin alternative, try replacing the pumpkin purée with sweet potato or butternut squash purée for a similar texture and flavor.

These cookies can also be adapted for special diets—use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version or dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives for a plant-based twist. No matter how you choose to customize them, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Do I need to chill the filling?

Yes, chilling the filling makes it easier to handle and prevents it from leaking during baking.

Can I freeze the cookies before baking?

Yes, assemble the stuffed cookies, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the baking time.

What type of pumpkin should I use?

Use 100% pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking helps the cookies hold their shape.

Can I use homemade pumpkin spice?

Absolutely—combine cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for a homemade version.

Are these cookies very sweet?

They are sweet but balanced by the tangy cheesecake filling and warming spices.

Can I make mini versions?

Yes, use smaller scoops of dough and filling to create bite-sized stuffed cookies.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake-Stuffed Sugar Cookies are a festive and indulgent treat that capture the essence of fall in every bite. With their soft sugar cookie shell and creamy pumpkin cheesecake center, they are perfect for holidays, gatherings, or simply savoring with a cup of coffee or tea. Easy to make yet impressive enough to serve guests, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen.

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