If you’re a fan of carrot cake and cheesecake, these Carrot Cake Cheesecake Cookies are a dream come true! These cookies are perfectly spiced, with a soft and chewy texture, and filled with a rich, creamy cheesecake center. They’re the perfect treat for any occasion, combining the best of both worlds in every bite.
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough:
- Unsalted butter, softened: 1 cup
- Provides a rich and creamy base for the dough.
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup
- Adds sweetness and helps achieve the right texture.
- Brown sugar, packed: 1 cup
- Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor.
- Large eggs: 2
- Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Enhances the flavor of the cookies.
- All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups
- The main structure of the cookies.
- Baking soda: 1 tsp
- Helps the cookies rise and gives them a soft texture.
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Adds warmth and spice to the cookies.
- Ground nutmeg: ½ tsp
- Complements the cinnamon with a subtle spiciness.
- Ground ginger: ½ tsp
- Adds a slight kick and warmth to the flavor.
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Grated carrots: 1 ½ cups
- The star ingredient that adds moisture and natural sweetness.
- Chopped pecans: 1 cup
- Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- White chocolate chips: 1 cup
- Adds a sweet, creamy contrast to the spiced dough.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream cheese, softened: 8 oz
- The creamy center that makes these cookies extra special.
- Powdered sugar: 1 cup
- Sweetens the cheesecake filling.
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Adds a classic flavor to the cheesecake filling.
Directions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Carrots and Nuts: Gently fold in the grated carrots, chopped pecans, and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Cookies:
- Scoop Dough: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it slightly with your fingers.
- Add Filling: Place a small dollop (about 1 teaspoon) of the cream cheese mixture in the center of the flattened dough.
- Seal and Place: Cover the filling with another tablespoon of cookie dough, sealing the edges to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Place the stuffed cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake and Cool:
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per cookie
- Servings: 24 cookies
Tips for the Best Carrot Cake Cheesecake Cookies:
- Use Fresh Carrots: Freshly grated carrots provide the best flavor and texture for these cookies. Avoid using pre-shredded carrots as they tend to be drier and less flavorful.
- Extra Touch: For an added layer of sweetness, drizzle the cookies with a cream cheese glaze before serving. This will enhance both the appearance and flavor of the cookies.
Conclusion:
These Carrot Cake Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate dessert for those who love both carrot cake and cheesecake. They’re soft, chewy, and filled with a delightful cream cheese center, making them an irresistible treat for any time of year. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.