A Unique Twist on a Comfort Food Classic
If you love sweet potato pie and cheesecake, imagine combining the two into a delightful cookie. These Sweet Potato Cheesecake Cookies take the warmth and richness of spiced sweet potatoes and pair them with a creamy cheesecake filling, all wrapped in a soft, chewy cookie. Perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or whenever you’re in the mood for something indulgent and unique, these cookies are sure to impress!
Let’s dive into this creative recipe that brings together sweet potato, cheesecake, and cookie magic.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Unique and flavorful: A perfect blend of warm spices, sweet potato, and creamy cheesecake.
- Soft and chewy: The texture is moist and tender, with a gooey surprise in the center.
- Beautifully customizable: Add toppings or mix-ins to make them your own.
- Great for any occasion: Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday treats, or just because.
What Ingredients You’ll Need
For the sweet potato cookie dough:
- Cooked and mashed sweet potato (the star of the show, adding flavor and moisture)
- All-purpose flour (to create a soft, chewy texture)
- Butter (for richness)
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar (to sweeten and add depth)
- Eggs (to bind the dough)
- Vanilla extract (for warmth and flavor)
- Baking soda and baking powder (to help the cookies rise)
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger (for a warm, spiced flavor)
For the cheesecake filling:
- Cream cheese (softened, for a creamy center)
- Powdered sugar (to sweeten the filling)
- Vanilla extract (to complement the sweet potato flavor)
Optional toppings: A drizzle of caramel, a sprinkle of crushed pecans, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar for decoration.
How to Make Sweet Potato Cheesecake Cookies
- Prepare the cheesecake filling:
- Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Scoop small portions onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm.
- Make the cookie dough:
- Cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs, vanilla extract, and mashed sweet potato. Gradually add the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, baking powder, and spices—until a soft dough forms. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Assemble the cookies:
- Scoop a portion of the dough and flatten it slightly. Place a frozen cheesecake filling ball in the center, then wrap the dough around it, sealing the edges completely. Roll into a smooth ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake to perfection:
- Bake the cookies until they are lightly golden around the edges and just set. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Decorate and serve:
- Add a drizzle of caramel, a sprinkle of chopped pecans, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar for an extra touch. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Pro Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Cheesecake Cookies
- Use Freshly Mashed Sweet Potato:
- Roasted sweet potatoes add a deep, caramelized flavor. Be sure to mash them thoroughly for a smooth texture.
- Chill the Dough and Filling:
- Chilled dough and frozen cheesecake filling make assembly easier and help the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Experiment with Flavors:
- Add a touch of maple syrup or orange zest to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
- Seal the Dough Completely:
- Ensure there are no gaps in the dough to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Decorate Creatively:
- A drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of crushed pecans adds flavor and makes the cookies look bakery-worthy.
Storage Information
- At room temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- In the refrigerator: Keep them chilled in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Bring them to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
- In the freezer: Freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls with the cheesecake filling for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
FAQ: Sweet Potato Cheesecake Cookies
1. Can I use canned sweet potato or pumpkin instead of fresh sweet potato?
Yes, make sure to drain well and mash thoroughly. Fresh mashed sweet potatoes give best results. Canned sweet potato puree works well. Pumpkin puree can also be used for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.
2. How do I keep the cheesecake filling from leaking?
Make sure the cookie dough completely seals the cheesecake filling with no gaps or thin spots.
3. Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans, white chocolate chips, or even raisins pair wonderfully with the sweet potato and spices.
4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version.
5. What if my dough is too sticky to handle?
Chill the dough for an additional 15–20 minutes to make it easier to work with.
A Cookie Worth Savoring
These Sweet Potato Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect blend of cozy flavors and indulgent textures, combining sweet potato pie’s warmth with the creamy cheesecake decadence. Whether sharing them with friends and family or enjoying one as a special treat, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit.
So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and create a batch of cookies that will wow everyone who tries them!
Have you tried this recipe? Share your tips, favorite twists, or baking stories in the comments below! 🍪✨
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Sweet Potato Pie Chessecake Cookies
These Sweet Potato Cheesecake Cookies combine the cozy, spiced flavors of sweet potato pie with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake. Encased in a soft, chewy cookie, each bite reveals a luscious cream cheese center. Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or any time you crave something unique and delicious, these cookies are as comforting as they are irresistible! 🍪✨
Ingredients
For the Cookies
For Cheesecake Filling
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C); line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Prepare the Cookie Dough
Whisk flour, baking powder, soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. Set aside
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Beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy (3-4 mins). Add eggs one at a time until blended, then add vanilla.
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Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients.
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Fold in the mashed sweet potatoes until smooth. Chill batter for about 30 minutes.
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Make Cheesecake Filling
Beat cream cheese until creamy. Add sugar, egg, vanilla, and sour cream and beat until smooth. Chill the mixture for about 30 minutes.
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Assemble the Cookies
Scoop cookie dough and create a small well in each. Be sure to leave extra dough to add a small amount to the top of each cookie. About 20 balls, depending on the size.
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Fill the well of each cookie with the chilled cream cheese mixture; be sure not to overfill. Then, add a small amount of the dough on top to help seal the cookie.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are golden. Let cool and enjoy the dreamy combination of sweet and creamy!
