Description
These Pumpkin Cheesecake Thumbprints combine soft pumpkin cookies with a creamy cheesecake filling for the perfect fall dessert. Each bite is filled with cozy spices, rich pumpkin flavor, and a smooth, sweet cream cheese center.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- Cooking spray
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, plus more for sprinkling
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
For the filling:
- 4 Tbsp butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and pumpkin puree; mix until smooth.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Chill dough for 20–30 minutes if too soft to handle.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just set. Allow to cool completely before filling.
- For the filling, beat butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until creamy.
- Spoon or pipe filling into each cookie center. Lightly dust with extra pumpkin pie spice and serve.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Allow cookies to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Try adding a drizzle of caramel sauce or crushed pecans on top for an extra treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American