Sweet Potato Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Introduction

If you’re looking for a unique twist on your regular cookie recipes, these Sweet Potato Cheesecake Cookies are just what you need! The creamy cheesecake filling and the soft, spiced sweet potato cookie dough come together for a delightful treat that’s perfect for fall or anytime you crave a sweet, comforting dessert. I made these for a family gathering recently, and they were an instant hit. The flavors are subtly sweet, with just the right amount of spice, and the creamy filling adds a touch of indulgence. Everyone loved the combination of the warm, spiced cookie dough and the tangy cheesecake center. These cookies are truly a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them a must-try for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

These Sweet Potato Cheesecake Cookies combine two of the most comforting treats—cheesecake and cookies—into one delicious dessert. The soft, pillowy texture of the sweet potato cookies is complemented by the creamy, velvety cheesecake filling. Not only are they a visual treat, but the flavors are perfect for fall with the hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Whether you’re looking for a cozy treat to enjoy with your coffee or a dessert for a fall gathering, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. The addition of mashed sweet potatoes gives the cookies a slightly earthy flavor, while the cheesecake filling adds a rich, tangy contrast. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

• Perfect for Fall: The flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet potatoes make these cookies ideal for the fall season.
• Unique Twist on Cheesecake: Instead of a traditional cheesecake, these cookies offer the rich, creamy filling inside a soft, spiced cookie.
• Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward, with minimal prep time, making it easy to bake a batch of these delightful cookies.
• Versatile: You can serve these cookies as a dessert or a fun snack during the cooler months.

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Cookies:

• 1/2 cup mashed sweet potatoes (about 1 medium sweet potato)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions

Prepare the Sweet Potato:

1. Start by peeling and dicing the sweet potato. You can either boil or roast the sweet potato until it becomes soft. Once cooked, mash the sweet potato until smooth and set it aside to cool.

Make the Cookie Dough: 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. 3. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. 4. Add the egg, mashed sweet potatoes, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and mix until smooth. 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

Make the Cheesecake Filling: 6. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. 7. Add the heavy cream and mix until creamy and well combined.

Assemble the Cookies: 8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 9. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough and roll them into balls. Flatten each ball slightly with your hand or the bottom of a glass. 10. Spoon a small amount of cheesecake filling in the center of each cookie dough disc. 11. Place another flattened cookie dough disc on top to form a sandwich, gently pressing the edges together to seal.

Bake: 12. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. 13. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

These Sweet Potato Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and spiced flavors. The cream cheese filling pairs wonderfully with the soft, spiced cookie dough, making each bite irresistible. Let the cookies cool before enjoying them with a glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee for the ultimate fall treat!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 95mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve

Here are a few ideas for serving these Sweet Potato Cheesecake Cookies:

• As a Fall Dessert: These cookies make a great addition to any fall dessert table or as a treat after a hearty dinner.
• With Coffee or Tea: The spiced flavors in the cookies pair beautifully with a cup of warm coffee, hot chocolate, or tea.
• For a Sweet Snack: Enjoy these cookies as an afternoon snack or pack them in your lunch for a delightful treat.
• At Parties or Gatherings: These cookies are sure to be a hit at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings due to their unique flavor and presentation.

Additional Tips

1. Make Ahead: You can prepare the cookie dough and cheesecake filling ahead of time, then refrigerate overnight. This makes assembly even quicker!
2. Flavored Cream Cheese: For extra flavor, try using flavored cream cheese, such as cinnamon or maple, for the cheesecake filling.
3. Add Nuts: To add some crunch to the cookies, mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough.
4. Vary the Sweetener: You can experiment with different sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for the cookie dough or cheesecake filling.
5. Double the Recipe: If you’re baking for a crowd, feel free to double the recipe. These cookies disappear fast!

FAQ Section

1. Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned?
   Yes, fresh sweet potatoes work great! Simply cook, mash, and cool them before adding them to the cookie dough.
2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
3. Can I freeze the cookies?
   Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled cookies before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for storage.
4. How long do these cookies stay fresh?
   These cookies can stay fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature.
5. Can I use whipped cream instead of heavy cream?
   Whipped cream is not a good substitute as it doesn’t have the same consistency. It’s better to use heavy cream for the cheesecake filling.
6. How do I prevent the cheesecake filling from spilling out during baking?
   Be sure to press the edges of the cookie dough together firmly to seal the filling inside. The cookies should hold up well during baking.
7. Can I make these without the cheesecake filling?
   Yes, you can make the sweet potato cookies without the cheesecake filling for a simpler version.
8. Can I use canned sweet potato puree?
   Yes, canned sweet potato puree can be substituted for fresh sweet potatoes, but ensure it’s not sweetened.
9. Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?
   Yes, these cookies are vegetarian-friendly as long as you ensure all ingredients are plant-based.
10. How can I make the cookies less sweet?
    You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cookie dough or the cheesecake filling if you prefer a less sweet treat.

Conclusion

These Sweet Potato Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect blend of creamy and spiced flavors, making them an ideal treat for fall or anytime you want something sweet and unique. The soft, spiced sweet potato cookies are complemented by a creamy cheesecake filling, making these cookies a delightful indulgence. Whether you’re looking for a cozy snack or a new favorite dessert, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy them with a warm beverage or share them with friends and family at your next gathering!

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