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+ servings

Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies are a fork-free version of classic pumpkin pie, sans all the time and effort it takes to make pie crust!
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings 24 cookies

Ingredients  

For the cookies:

  • 1 sleeve graham crackers (See Kelly's Note)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg

For the cheesecake filling:

  • 5 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin purée
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • Homemade or store-bought whipped cream, for topping

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat.
  • In the bowl of a food processor, blend the graham crackers until they are finely crushed and are the consistency of flour. Transfer the crushed graham crackers to a large bowl then stir in the flour and baking powder.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter with the brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg and beat until well combined then add the graham cracker mixture and beat just until combined.
  • Using a small ice cream scoop or two spoons, scoop about 2-tablespoon mounds of the dough onto the cookie sheet, spacing the mounds about 2 inches apart. Press your thumb (or use the back of a spoon) into the top of each mound to form a small indentation.
  • Clean out the stand mixer bowl then add the cream cheese, egg yolk, pumpkin purée, sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice and beat until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag or sealable plastic bag then pipe about 1 1/2 teaspoons of the mixture into the center of each cookie. Bake the cookies for about 12 minutes or until the cheesecake is set.
  • Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes on the cookie sheet before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Top each cooled cookie with a dollop of whipped cream and serve immediately.

Notes

  • One sleeve of graham crackers is equal to 9 crackers, which will yield 1.25 cups of crumbs.
  • Crush graham crackers to a flour-like consistency for an even and cohesive cookie base.
  • Creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes) is important because it incorporates air into the mixture, which means your cookies will be soft and tender.
  • Because this recipe contains cream cheese, I recommend storing the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge; they’ll keep for up to 5 days. Just be sure to let them come to room temp for a few minutes before serving to enhance their flavor and texture.
  • ★ Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to give it a star rating below!