Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

If you’re a fan of culinary fusion, you’ll love this recipe that combines Polish and British baking traditions into a single delightful treat: Gingerbread Cookies with Cheesecake fillings. These cookies merge the deep, spiced flavors of Christmas Gingerbread cookies with the creamy indulgence of Polish-style cheesecake. The result? A perfect marriage of tradition and innovation.

Practical Tips & Recipe Notes!

For a festive touch:

1. Enhance decorations: Drizzle the cookies with a glaze made from powdered sugar and a hint of vanilla, or sprinkle with cinnamon.
2. Add Spice: Customize the gingerbread spice blend to your liking—include cardamom or allspice for added flavor.
3. Cheesecake Twist: To make the filling tangier, incorporate a small amount of lemon juice into the cream cheese mixture.
4. Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The cheesecake filling remains creamy, ensuring these cookies are delicious even after several days.

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📖 Recipe

Ingredients

Gingerbread Cookie Base:

• 250g all-purpose flour
• 150g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 100g brown sugar
• 50g granulated sugar
• 100g cooking molasses
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Cheesecake Filling:

• 125g cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 75g powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Additionally:

• 50 g granulated sugar

Instructions

Gingerbread Cookie Base:

1. Place parchment paper on a cutting board.
2. Mix the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and beat it until it is very creamy.
4. Beat in the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is creamy and fluffy.
5. Add the molasses and continue beating until well mixed.
6. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract on low speed until combined.
7. Combine the flour mixture with the creamy mixture, mixing on low speed until mostly blended.
8. Finish mixing with a spatula to prevent overmixing.
9. Use a tablespoon or a cookie scooper to portion the cookie dough.
10. Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared board.
11. Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 2 hours or overnight until firm.

Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a small mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until it becomes creamy.
2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix on low speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Line a plate or baking tray with parchment paper.
4. Use a small spoon to scoop and drop small portions of cheesecake onto the prepared plate.
5. Freeze the cheesecake portions for at least 1 hour until they are firm. They won’t be completely solid, but they should be firm enough to maintain their shape.

Baking:

1. Set the oven to 180°C.
2. Pour granulated sugar for rolling into a shallow dish.
3. Flatten the cookie dough with your fingers until it forms a sheet.
4. Place the frozen cheesecake portion in the center and fold the cookie dough around it.
5. Roll the dough into a ball with your hands, then coat it in granulated sugar.
6. Position the dough ball on a lined baking sheet, ensuring about 5cm of space between each ball for spreading.
7. Bake the cookies for approximately 10 minutes, until the edges are firm and the tops are puffed and slightly cracked.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
9. Move the slightly cooled cookies to a wire rack to cool fully.

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The Perfect Occasion

These Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are ideal for holiday gatherings, cozy winter evenings, or simply as a special treat for yourself. They combine the heartwarming nostalgia of British gingerbread with the rich indulgence of Polish cheesecake, making them a standout dessert that bridges two beautiful culinary cultures.

Give this recipe a try, and let the flavors transport you to a winter wonderland where Polish and British traditions meet in the most delicious way!

Happy baking! 🍪