Description
These Orange Cardamom Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies offer a delightful blend of warm gingerbread spices, bright citrus, and creamy cheesecake filling. Perfect for the holidays or a special treat!
Ingredients
Scale
- 150g (5.3oz) All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb.
- 1 tsp (5g) Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread.
- 2 tsp (6g) Ground Ginger: Adds warmth and spice.
- 1 tsp (2g) Ground Cinnamon: Adds sweetness and complexity.
- ½ tsp (1g) Ground Cardamom (for dough): Adds a floral, citrusy note.
- ¼ tsp (0.5g) Ground Cloves: Adds depth and warmth.
- ¼ tsp (0.5g) Ground Nutmeg: Contributes a warm, nutty flavor.
- ¼ tsp (1.2g) Salt: Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
- 80g (3 Tbsp) Unsalted Butter, Softened: Provides richness and tenderness.
- 80g (1/3 cup) Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and caramel flavor.
- 40g (2 Tbsp) White Sugar: Contributes to sweetness and crispness.
- 1 Large Egg (≈50g): Binds ingredients and adds richness.
- 2 Tbsp (30ml) Molasses: Key ingredient for authentic gingerbread flavor.
- 1 tsp (5ml) Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor.
- 200g (7oz) Cream Cheese, Softened: Provides a creamy, tangy base.
- 60g (½ cup) Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling.
- 1 Large Egg Yolk: Adds richness and creaminess.
- 1 tsp (5ml) Orange Zest: Infuses with bright citrus flavor.
- ½ tsp (2.5ml) Orange Blossom Water: Adds a delicate floral aroma.
- ½ tsp (2.5ml) Ground Cardamom (for filling): Complements orange and adds aromatic complexity.
- 1 Tbsp (15ml) Heavy Cream: Adds moisture and creaminess.
- 60g (2oz) Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa): Provides a rich drizzle.
- 1 tsp (5ml) Neutral Oil: Thins chocolate for drizzling.
- 1 Tbsp (15g) Toasted Almond Slivers: Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
- Pinch of Flaky Sea Salt: Enhances sweetness and adds contrast.
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- Cream Butter & Sugars: Beat butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in egg, molasses, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill Dough: Divide, flatten, wrap, and chill dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then add egg yolk, zest, blossom water, cardamom, and cream.
- Roll & Cut Dough: Roll dough to ¼ inch thickness and cut out circles.
- Assemble Cookies: Place cookie circles, top with filling, leaving a border.
- Seal & Crimp: Top with another circle and press edges to seal.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 12-14 minutes, until golden.
- Cool Cookies: Cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then on a rack.
- Melt Chocolate: Melt chocolate with oil in bursts, stirring until smooth.
- Drizzle & Garnish: Drizzle with chocolate, sprinkle with almonds, and add sea salt.
Notes
For a smoother cheesecake filling, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened. Don’t overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: cookies, gingerbread, cheesecake, orange, cardamom, holiday, dessert, baking