Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Cookies with Caramelized Apples

Cookies, Desserts, Snacks, Sweet

if you’re looking for a dessert that screams cozy fall indulgence, these pumpkin spice cheesecake cookies with caramelized apples are everything.

they’re soft, buttery, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, filled with a luscious mascarpone and greek yogurt cheesecake center, and finished with warm, saucy caramelized apples that melt into every bite.

what makes these cookies truly special is the nielsen-massey vanilla extract woven through every layer — in the dough, in the cheesecake, and in the apple topping.

taste + texture

these cookies are like a mash-up of cheesecake, pie, and soft-baked cookies in one dreamy bite.

the base is rich and tender with that buttery, slightly crisp edge, and the filling adds a creamy, tangy sweetness that balances the spice perfectly.

the caramelized apples on top bring warmth, a little chew, and just the right amount of sauciness.

together, it’s cozy, nostalgic, and elevated — exactly the kind of dessert that makes you want to sit by a fire and eat two.

all about nielsen-massey vanilla extract

there’s vanilla, and then there’s nielsen-massey vanilla extract — the highest quality vanilla you can bake with.

every drop delivers hundreds of delicate flavor notes that create a rich, complex aroma and taste you can’t get anywhere else. i

it’s pure, smooth, and full-bodied — never bitter, never artificial.

nielsen-massey has been trusted by chefs and bakers for over a century and uses a proprietary cold-extraction process that protects those fragile flavor compounds for unmatched depth.

just one teaspoon elevates your baking, and in these cookies, it ties together the butter, pumpkin spice, and caramelized apple notes into something that feels like a bakery masterpiece.

✨ elevate your next bake with nielsen-massey — find it here

substitution options

flours: you can swap the gluten-free 1:1 flour for all-purpose if you don’t need these gluten-free.
mascarpone: cream cheese works perfectly in place of mascarpone for a tangier flavor.
greek yogurt: dairy-free yogurt works great if you want to make these lactose-free.
butter: use vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
apples: try pears or even sautéed peaches for a twist.

storage

store the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days — the cheesecake center and apple topping stay perfectly creamy and flavorful.

if you want a firmer texture, chill them before serving. to enjoy warm, heat one in the microwave for about 10 seconds — the apples get glossy again, and the cheesecake turns silky.

if you love Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Cookies with Caramelized Apples, then try these other recipes from upbeetandkaleingitblog!

Lightened Up Gluten Free Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Obsession-Worthy Gluten-Free Pumpkin Banana Bread

No Bake Healthy Autumn Bliss Cheesecake

Healthier Vanilla Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting and Miso Caramel (Gluten-Free!)

Gluten-Free Giant Banana Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Cookies

No Bake Swiss Rolls (Plant-Based!)

Nourishing Banana Date Cobbler With Homemade Ice Cream

YiaYia’s Loukomades (But Make Them Gluten-Free)!

Homemade Banana Protein Ice Cream Sandwiches (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Brookies

The Best Healthier Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake

are you going to make Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Cookies with Caramelized Apples?!

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Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Cookies with Caramelized Apples

Recipe by Mary

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

410

kcal

APPROXIMATE MACROS (9 large cookies)
410 calories
6g protein
45g carbs
24g fat

Ingredients

for the cookies
1 1/2 cups gluten-free 1:1 baking flour
1 cup almond flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup date sugar
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1 large egg
1 tsp nielsen-massey vanilla extract

for the cheesecake filling
3 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
6 oz plain greek yogurt (about 3/4 cup total)
1/3 cup powdered sugar (add more for sweeter, thicker filling)
1 tsp nielsen-massey vanilla extract
for the caramelized apple topping
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced small
1 tbsp butter
3 tbsp coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 cup coconut cream
1 tsp nielsen-massey vanilla extract

Directions

make the cookie dough
preheat oven to 350°f (175°c) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. in a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, almond flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and sea salt.
in a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, date sugar, and maple syrup until smooth and fluffy.
whisk in the egg and nielsen-massey vanilla extract. add the dry ingredients and mix until a soft, thick dough forms.
bake the cookies
scoop dough into about 4 tablespoon-worth sized balls and place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving room to spread. use the back of a spoon or your thumb to gently press a divot into the center of each cookie.
bake for 12 minutes, until the edges are golden and set. while still warm, press the centers again gently to maintain the divot. let cool completely before filling.
make the cheesecake filling
in a medium bowl, whisk or beat together the mascarpone, greek yogurt, powdered sugar, and nielsen-massey vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. chill the filling in the fridge until ready to use.
caramelize the apples
in a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. add apples, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. sauté for 6–8 minutes until soft and lightly caramelized. remove from heat and stir in the coconut cream and nielsen-massey vanilla extract until glossy and saucy. let cool slightly before assembling.
assemble the cookies
once cookies are completely cooled, spoon cheesecake filling into the center of each. top generously with caramelized apples and drizzle with a bit of the sauce. enjoy immediately or chill in the fridge for a firmer, cheesecake-like texture.