Pumpkin Cheesecake Thumbprints

Name: Pumpkin Cheesecake Thumbprints
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (100% pure); 4 oz cream cheese (softened); 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (plus extra for topping); 1 egg yolk; 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Published: August 5, 2025

by william castellanos

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Thumbprints are easy to prepare and require simple ingredients you likely already have at home
Their rich flavor profile captures the essence of fall in every bite
Visually, they are stunning with their golden hue and creamy topping, making them a hit at any gathering
Perfect for dessert tables, potlucks, or cozy nights in with a good book

I vividly recall the day I served these at my annual autumn gathering last year; everyone was raving about them!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for better flavor; it also helps achieve that perfect cookie texture.
Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter creates a creamier dough; don’t skip this step!
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the cookies perfectly without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned or homemade works well; just ensure it’s 100% pumpkin for the best taste.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives that rich cheesecake texture we all love.
Cinnamon: A key spice in this recipe; it adds warmth and depth to both cookies and filling.
Egg Yolk: This adds richness and helps bind everything together beautifully.
Powdered Sugar: Perfect for achieving that sweet and smooth cheesecake topping.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Create the Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until creamy and light. Add egg yolk and mix well.

Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in all-purpose flour and cinnamon into the butter mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Scoop Your Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Press your thumb gently into the center of each cookie to create an indention.

Make the Cheesecake Filling: In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Mix in pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and blend until creamy.

Fill Each Cookie: Spoon or pipe generous amounts of cheesecake filling into each thumbprint indentation on the cookies. For more inspiration, check out this Oreo Chocolate Cake recipe.

Bake Until Golden: Bake in preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown. Allow cooling on wire racks before serving.

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Thumbprints will fill your home with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone into your kitchen! Enjoy them warm or chilled – either way, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “pumpkin spice”. mini pumpkin pie crescent rolls.

Happy baking!

You Must Know

Pumpkin Cheesecake Thumbprints are an irresistible blend of creamy cheesecake and spiced pumpkin flavors
These delightful bites are perfect for fall gatherings, and their charming appearance will make them a hit with friends and family
Plus, the aroma while baking is simply heavenly!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To ensure your Pumpkin Cheesecake Thumbprints come out perfectly, bake the cookie base first while preparing the cheesecake filling. This way, you’ll save time and have a delicious treat ready without any wait.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap traditional cream cheese for mascarpone for a richer taste. Adding chocolate chips or nuts can also elevate these thumbprints to new flavor levels that your guests will love.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Pumpkin Cheesecake Thumbprints in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For a warm treat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds before serving.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Ensure your butter is at room temperature for smooth mixing; cold butter makes a lumpy dough
When measuring flour, spoon it into the cup instead of scooping to avoid dense cookies
Let the thumbprints cool completely before adding the cheesecake filling for best results

Creating these delightful Pumpkin Cheesecake Thumbprints brings back memories of my childhood kitchen filled with laughter as we baked together during autumn. The warmth from those moments always makes every bite taste sweeter.

FAQ

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is a convenient option and works perfectly in these thumbprints.

How long do these thumbprints last?

These delectable treats can be stored in the fridge for up to five days without losing flavor.

Can I freeze Pumpkin Cheesecake Thumbprints?

Yes, you can freeze them! Just store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor.