Sweet Potato Cheesecake Cookies

Soft cookies made with sweet potato and filled with a creamy cheesecake center, these Sweet Potato Cheesecake Cookies blend the warmth of fall spices with a luscious surprise inside. Perfect for cozy gatherings or satisfying a sweet craving, these cookies are as unique as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The cheesecake filling adds a rich, creamy texture that complements the soft, spiced cookie exterior.

It’s an excellent way to use up leftover sweet potatoes.

The warm spices make these cookies a perfect dessert for fall and winter seasons.

They’re a fun twist on traditional cookies, impressing guests with their hidden cheesecake center.

Easy to prepare with simple, pantry-staple ingredients.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:

unsalted butter, softened

granulated sugar

brown sugar, packed

mashed sweet potato (cooked and cooled)

large egg

vanilla extract

all-purpose flour

baking powder

baking soda

cinnamon

nutmeg

ginger

salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

cream cheese, softened

powdered sugar

vanilla extract

Directions

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Scoop small teaspoon-sized portions onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes.

Make the Cookie Dough:

In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Mix in the mashed sweet potato, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Assemble the Cookies:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Scoop 1 1/2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten slightly. Place a frozen cheesecake filling piece in the center and fold the dough around it, sealing the edges.

Roll the filled dough into a ball and place on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.

Bake the Cookies:

Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are lightly golden.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 20 cookies

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 14 minutes

Chilling Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 4 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, a flaxseed egg substitute, and dairy-free cream cheese.

Spice Adjustments: Add cardamom or allspice for a different flavor profile.

Chocolate Twist: Fold in mini chocolate chips into the cookie dough for an extra indulgent touch.

Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a bit of crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Refrigerate for longer storage, up to 7 days.

Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months, ensuring they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

To reheat, warm the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Related Recipes:

• Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
• Easy Sweet Potato Casserole

FAQs

How do I ensure the cheesecake filling stays in the center?

I make sure the filling is completely frozen before wrapping it with dough and sealing the edges securely.

Can I use canned sweet potato puree?

Yes, canned sweet potato puree works perfectly, just ensure it’s unsweetened.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

Mascarpone or a thick yogurt can work as alternatives, though the flavor will vary.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

This can happen if the dough is too warm. Chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking can help prevent spreading.

Conclusion

Sweet Potato Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that combines comfort and indulgence in every bite. They’re easy to make, versatile, and sure to become a favorite in your cookie rotation. Whether for a holiday spread or a casual dessert, these cookies are bound to impress.

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