Looking for a dish that wows your guests without stressing you out? These New York Cheesecake Cookies are the answer to your dessert cravings. They bring all the indulgence of a fancy bakery right into your kitchen.
You will love how the buttery graham cracker base melts in your mouth. This recipe delivers a thick, soft cookie that feels like a warm hug. It is the perfect treat for a cozy winter evening with your family.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This recipe is a winner because it gives you bakery-quality results at home. You do not need a plane ticket to New York to enjoy this flavor. It uses simple pantry staples to create something truly special for your loved ones.
The combination of crunchy graham cracker and smooth frosting is simply irresistible. It is perfect for holiday entertaining when you want to impress a crowd. Everyone will think you spent all day in the kitchen, but it is surprisingly easy to make.
Simple Cooking Steps
Making these cookies is a straightforward process that any beginner can master. You start by mixing a soft, fragrant dough that smells like autumn. The secret is the large cookie size which keeps the centers soft and tender.
Once the cookies cool, the fun part of frosting begins. You can use a simple piping bag to create a beautiful spiral. Even if you are not an artist, these cookies will look stunning on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely already sitting in your pantry or fridge. Using fresh cream cheese makes all the difference for the topping.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (for topping)
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (approx. 2-3 minutes).
- Add eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, 1 cup graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Using a 1/3 cup measure, scoop dough and roll into balls. Place on baking sheets 3 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the frosting by beating 8 ounces cream cheese and 1/4 cup butter until smooth.
- Slowly add powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is stiff and smooth.
- Pipe the cream cheese frosting in a spiral onto the cooled cookies.
- Garnish with the remaining graham cracker crumbs before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these cookies slightly chilled for the best cheesecake experience. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. You can set them on a platter for a stunning holiday dessert display.
For a special date night, serve one cookie with a drizzle of strawberry sauce. Light a candle, turn on some music, and enjoy this decadent treat together. Your family will keep coming back for just one more bite.
Storage & Reheating
Because of the cream cheese frosting, you must store these in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container for up to five days. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
You can freeze the unfrosted cookie bases for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before adding the fresh frosting. This is a great make-ahead tip for busy holiday schedules.
Recipe Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip chilling the frosting if your kitchen is very warm.
- Avoid overbaking the cookies to keep the centers soft and chewy.
- Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a perfectly smooth frosting.
- Measure your flour with a spoon and level it for accuracy.
- Add a pinch of lemon zest to the frosting for a bright twist.
- For a holiday look, add a few fresh raspberries on top.
- Make sure the cookies are completely cool before you start frosting.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap the graham crackers for chocolate sandwich cookies for a different crust.
- Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-friendly.
- Replace the vanilla in the frosting with almond extract for a nutty flavor.
- In the summer, top with fresh blueberries for a seasonal touch.
Common Questions
Can I make these cookies smaller?
Yes, you can use a smaller scoop for bite-sized treats. Just remember to reduce the baking time to about 8 or 9 minutes. These are great for potlucks when made smaller.
Do I have to refrigerate these?
Yes, the frosting contains cream cheese which is a dairy product. Keep them in the fridge to stay safe and keep the frosting firm. They taste wonderful when served cold!
I hope these New York Cheesecake Cookies bring a little extra joy to your kitchen. They are truly a family favorite that makes every occasion feel special. Happy baking!
— Lidia
Crumbl New York Cheesecake Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large egg s
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all -purpose flour
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sal t
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (approx. 2-3 minutes).
- Add eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, 1 cup graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Using a 1/3 cup measure, scoop dough and roll into balls. Place on baking sheets 3 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the frosting by beating 8 ounces cream cheese and 1/4 cup butter until smooth.
- Slowly add powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is stiff and smooth.
- Pipe the cream cheese frosting in a spiral onto the cooled cookies.
- Garnish with the remaining graham cracker crumbs before serving.
