Line a small cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Add the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla to a small bowl. Mix on medium-high speed with an electric mixer until fluffy and the sugar has dissolved, about 2 minutes.

Scoop the cheesecake filling into 16, 2 teaspoon portions onto the baking sheet.

Pop the cheesecake balls into the freezer until they are frozen and very firm.

Add the sugar and pumpkin pie spice to a small bowl. Whisk to combine then set aside.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Dry your pumpkin to get rid of excess moisture. Spread your pumpkin on a plate and place paper towels over the top. Lightly press to absorb the liquid. Repeat until hardly any liquid transfers to the paper towel. Then set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside the flour mixture.

In a large bowl cream the softened butter and brown sugar together with an electric hand mixer on high speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Add in the egg yolks and vanilla and mix for one minute on medium speed until pale and fluffy.

Add in the dried pumpkin and combine on medium speed.

Add in the dry ingredients and combine on low speed.

Scoop the dough into 16 portions with a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop, then roll into balls. Slightly flatten out each then place a frozen cheesecake ball in the center. Close the cheesecake ball in with the cookie dough and roll into a ball again.

Transfer the cookie dough balls to the prepared baking sheet. Bake 6 cookies at a time for 12-13 minutes.

Let the cookies cool for 10 minutes on the cookie sheet, then transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Then serve!