Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies are a perfect fall-inspired treat combining soft, spiced pumpkin cookie dough with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling. Every bite delivers a cozy blend of pumpkin spice and tangy sweetness—ideal for holiday baking, festive dessert tables, or an indulgent seasonal snack. These cookies are easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Cookie Dough:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

For the Cheesecake Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.
In another bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth to make the cheesecake filling.
Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough onto the baking sheet. Make an indentation in the center and fill it with 1 teaspoon of cheesecake mixture.
Top with another tablespoon of dough, sealing the edges to encase the filling completely.
Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
Bake for 15–17 minutes until lightly golden.
Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking for extra flavor.

Nutrients (per cookie, approx.)

Calories: 143
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 27mg
Sodium: 82mg

The Appeal of Pumpkin and Spice

Pumpkin-based desserts have become synonymous with fall, and for good reason. The natural sweetness and subtle earthiness of pumpkin puree lend themselves wonderfully to warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. In this recipe, pumpkin pie spice brings that comforting, unmistakable autumnal aroma and taste to life.

What makes these cookies truly special is their soft, cake-like texture. The pumpkin puree keeps the dough moist, while the butter adds richness and depth. Together with sugar and vanilla, the base of the cookie is flavorful on its own—even before the decadent cheesecake surprise is added. Each bite offers a nostalgic taste of pumpkin pie, but with the handheld convenience and satisfaction of a cookie.

A Creamy Cheesecake Center

The cheesecake filling is what elevates these cookies from delightful to downright unforgettable. Made with cream cheese, sugar, and a touch of vanilla, the filling is smooth, tangy, and just sweet enough to balance the spiced cookie dough. Once baked, the cheesecake center remains soft and slightly gooey, providing a luscious contrast to the surrounding cookie.

Because the filling is enclosed within the dough, each cookie becomes a little treasure—breaking one open reveals the creamy white center, creating an irresistible visual and sensory appeal. It’s this unexpected core that surprises and delights anyone lucky enough to try them.

Perfect for Holiday Baking and Fall Celebrations

Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies are tailor-made for the holiday season. They look beautiful on a dessert tray, travel well in cookie tins, and pair beautifully with warm drinks like spiced cider, hot cocoa, or pumpkin lattes. Whether served at Thanksgiving, brought to a Halloween party, or gifted during the holiday season, they make a thoughtful and delicious offering.

These cookies also lend themselves to customization. Sprinkle the tops with cinnamon sugar before baking for a little crunch and sparkle, or drizzle with white chocolate after cooling for an elegant touch. You can even add a dash of espresso powder to the dough for a pumpkin spice latte-inspired twist.

Because the recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s accessible for bakers of all skill levels. You don’t need special tools or equipment—just a bowl, a spoon, and a love for baking. This makes them a great choice for family baking days, school events, or weekend projects where flavor and fun are top priorities.

Moisture, Texture, and Structure

Pumpkin puree does more than just add flavor—it also contributes to the cookie’s tender texture. While many cookies strive for crisp edges and chewy centers, these aim for a pillowy softness that complements the creamy filling. The flour, baking soda, and egg work together to provide lift and structure, ensuring that the cookies hold their shape without spreading too thin in the oven.

The baking process gently firms the outer layer while keeping the filling soft and rich. As they cool, the flavors continue to meld, and the cookies become even more aromatic. They’re delicious fresh from the oven but arguably even better a few hours later, once they’ve had time to settle and soften.

A Balanced Nutritional Treat

While these cookies are definitely a dessert, they’re a relatively balanced one in terms of portion size and satisfaction. With around 143 calories per cookie, they offer a sweet treat that doesn’t overdo it. The inclusion of real pumpkin adds a small dose of fiber and vitamin A, while the cream cheese provides calcium and a bit of protein.

They’re sweet enough to satisfy a dessert craving without being overly rich, and their moderate fat content helps deliver that melt-in-your-mouth experience without excess. Because they’re baked and not fried or overly sugary, they fit into a wide range of holiday menus with ease.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies can be made ahead of time and store well in both the refrigerator and freezer. Because of the cream cheese filling, it’s best to refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container, where they’ll keep for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies individually and thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.

You can also freeze the assembled, unbaked cookie dough balls and bake them directly from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time. This makes them an excellent make-ahead dessert for entertaining or unexpected guests.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Serve these cookies slightly warm for the best texture and flavor—either straight from the oven or gently reheated in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The warmth enhances the spices and softens the center, making the cheesecake filling extra creamy.

Pair them with hot drinks for a cozy dessert moment. They go especially well with spiced chai tea, cappuccinos, or warm milk. You can also turn them into an indulgent dessert plate by serving them with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

These cookies are also great for gifting. Stack a few in a clear treat bag tied with a ribbon, or include them in a festive cookie box with other seasonal favorites like snickerdoodles, gingerbread men, or cranberry shortbread.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful blend of autumn flavor and indulgent texture. With soft, spiced pumpkin cookie dough encasing a smooth cheesecake filling, they bring the best of fall baking into one irresistible treat. Easy enough for everyday enjoyment but special enough for holiday gatherings, they’re a standout dessert that’s sure to earn a spot in your seasonal baking lineup.

From their cozy aroma to their creamy centers, every aspect of these cookies is designed to delight. Whether you’re baking them for a party, packing them in lunchboxes, or simply savoring a quiet moment with coffee and a warm cookie, Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies offer the perfect bite of fall comfort.