Small Batch Levain-Style Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

If fall baking had a signature cookie, this would be it. These Small Batch Levain-Style Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies combine everything you love about cozy autumn flavors with the indulgence of bakery-style cookies. Think: thick, gooey pumpkin-spiced cookies stuffed with a creamy cheesecake center and (if you like) a handful of melty white chocolate chips. They’re rich, decadent, and perfect when you want just a few cookies without making a giant batch.

These cookies are meant to be chunky and gooey in the middle, just like the famous Levain cookies in NYC, but with a festive pumpkin cheesecake twist. Bake a couple for yourself, share one with a friend, or stash them in the freezer for when your sweet tooth calls.

Before You Get Started

• Blot your pumpkin puree with a paper towel to remove extra moisture—this keeps the cookies thick and prevents spreading.
• Chill the cheesecake filling in the freezer before stuffing—it makes shaping so much easier.
• Keep the cookie dough balls tall and chunky for that classic Levain-style look.
• Don’t overbake! The centers should look slightly underdone when you pull them out—they’ll finish setting as they cool.

What You Need to Make Small Batch Levain-Style Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

Here’s the ingredient lineup (exact amounts are in the recipe card below):

• Butter and avocado oil (for fudgy texture)
• Brown sugar, granulated sugar
• Pumpkin puree
• Egg yolk and vanilla
• Flour, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice
• White chocolate chips (optional, but highly recommended!)
• Cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla for the filling

How to Make Small Batch Levain-Style Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

Start by mixing the cheesecake filling and popping it in the freezer to firm up.

Cream together butter, oil, and sugars until light, then mix in egg yolk, vanilla, and pumpkin puree.

Combine dry ingredients with the wet, then fold in white chocolate chips.

Divide the dough into 2 or 3 big cookies. Flatten each one, add a spoonful of cheesecake filling, and wrap the dough around to seal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just multiply everything by two and bake in batches.

Do I need to use white chocolate chips?

Nope, but they really enhance the cheesecake flavor. You could also swap for dark chocolate or skip them entirely.

How should I store these cookies?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-oven gooeyness.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes! Shape and stuff the cookies, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add a couple extra minutes to the bake time.

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Small Batch Levain-Style Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

Small Batch Levain-Style Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies are thick, gooey bakery-style cookies stuffed with creamy cheesecake filling and spiced with pumpkin pie flavor. The perfect fall treat when you only want a few indulgent cookies

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Ingredients

  

For the Pumpkin Cookie Dough:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter cold and cubed
• 2 tbsp avocado oil or melted butter for extra fudginess
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp pumpkin puree blot with paper towel to reduce moisture
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour 75g
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 cup white chocolate chips optional, for cheesecake vibe

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 2 oz cream cheese softened
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

 

1. Make the Cheesecake Filling:?In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Chill in the freezer while you make the dough (this helps it stay thick in the center).

Make the Cookie Dough:

1. In a small bowl, cream together the cold butter, avocado oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (use a fork or hand mixer).
2. Mix in the egg yolk, vanilla, and blotted pumpkin puree.
3. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
4. Combine dry with wet ingredients until just mixed. Fold in white chocolate chips if using.

Shape the Cookies:

1. Divide dough into 2 or 3 large balls (Levain-style).
2. Flatten each ball, place a spoonful of cheesecake filling in the center, and wrap dough around to seal.
3. Place on a lined baking sheet, keeping cookies tall and chunky.
4. Chill:?Chill dough balls in the freezer for 20–30 minutes (this helps them stay thick).
5. Bake:?Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake cookies for 11–13 minutes, until edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked.?Let cool on the pan for at least 10 minutes—they’ll firm up as they cool but stay gooey inside.

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