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Pumpkin Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies

Pumpkin Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies
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Pumpkin Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies combine tender, spiced pumpkin cookies with a luscious creamy cheesecake center, delivering the perfect balance of cozy autumn flavors and rich indulgence. Ideal for holiday baking, gifting, or enjoying a seasonal treat, these soft cookies feature a delightful thumbprint design filled with smooth cheesecake and warm pumpkin spice.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (substitute gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
  • ½ cup pumpkin puree
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (use plant-based butter for vegan option)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Cheesecake Filling

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (use dairy-free cream cheese for vegan option)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cookie dough: Start by creaming the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine. Stir in the pumpkin puree and spices until evenly blended. Gradually mix in the flour and baking powder until a soft dough forms. Chill the dough in the refrigerator to make it easier to handle.
  2. Make the cheesecake filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain for a perfect filling texture.
  3. Form the cookies: Roll the chilled dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press your thumb or the back of a spoon into the center of each ball to create an indentation for the filling.
  4. Add the filling and bake: Gently spoon the cheesecake filling into each thumbprint indentation, being careful not to overfill. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookie edges are golden and the filling is set but still soft. Allow cookies to cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • Chill the dough to prevent spreading and keep cookies thick and soft.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure smooth filling without lumps.
  • Avoid overfilling the thumbprints to prevent spillage during baking.
  • Measure flour carefully by spooning and leveling to avoid dry cookies.
  • Allow cookies to cool fully to let the filling set properly.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin, cheesecake, thumbprint cookies, fall, autumn, holiday baking, pumpkin spice, creamy filling, festive cookies

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/pumpkin-cheesecake-thumbprint-cookies/