There’s something magical about the combination of carrot cake and cheesecake, and when you merge it all into a cookie, the result is an irresistible dessert that everyone will adore. Imagine the warmth of spiced carrot cake, the creaminess of cheesecake, and the comforting bite of a soft cookie—all in one delightful treat! Ready to learn how to make this masterpiece? Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll fall head over heels for these Carrot Cake Cheesecake Cookies because they combine the best of three worlds. Whether it’s the nostalgic flavors of carrot cake, the luxurious cream cheese filling, or the soft, chewy cookie dough, this recipe is sure to bring smiles to your kitchen. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make these delightful cookies. The ingredients are divided into two sections for the cookie dough and the cheesecake filling.
For the Cookie Dough:
Ingredient | Amount |
Unsalted butter (softened) | 1 cup |
Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
Brown sugar (packed) | 1 cup |
Large eggs | 2 |
Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups |
Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
Ground nutmeg | ½ teaspoon |
Ground ginger | ½ teaspoon |
Salt | ½ teaspoon |
Grated carrots | 1 ½ cups |
Chopped pecans | 1 cup |
White chocolate chips | 1 cup |
For the Cheesecake Filling:
Ingredient | Amount |
Cream cheese (softened) | 8 oz |
Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Before you start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step ensures a soft cookie base.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for a hint of warmth and aroma.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This blend gives the cookie dough its signature carrot cake flavor.
5. Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough.
6. Fold in the Add-ins
Gently fold in the grated carrots, chopped pecans, and white chocolate chips. These add texture, flavor, and a touch of indulgence.
7. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This filling will be the surprise inside each cookie.
8. Assemble the Cookies
Scoop about one tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it slightly. Add a small spoonful of the cheesecake filling to the center, then cover with another tablespoon of dough. Seal the edges carefully to encase the filling.
9. Bake to Perfection
Place the assembled cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about two inches between each cookie. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
10. Cool Completely
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps them firm up and prevents breaking.
Tips for Success
- Soft Butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels sticky, chill it for 15–20 minutes before assembling the cookies.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies should look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of warming spices, sweet carrots, and crunchy pecans creates a cookie base that’s both flavorful and textured. Adding cheesecake filling takes these cookies to the next level, providing a creamy, tangy surprise in every bite.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per cookie:
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | ~220 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 28g |
Protein | 3g |
Fat | 12g |
Sugars | 18g |
Fiber | 1g |
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes.
FAQs About Carrot Cake Cheesecake Cookie Recipe
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough and cheesecake filling in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days.
2. Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely. Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
3. What can I use instead of pecans?
If you’re not a fan of pecans, try walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
4. Can I omit the white chocolate chips?
Yes, the white chocolate chips are optional. They add sweetness, but the cookies will still taste amazing without them.
5. What’s the best way to grate carrots for this recipe?
Use a fine grater for a smooth texture that blends well into the dough. Avoid pre-grated carrots, as they’re often too dry.
6. How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for golden edges. The centers may still look slightly soft, but they’ll set as the cookies cool.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Dessert
These Carrot Cake Cheesecake Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of flavor and texture. Perfect for holidays, parties, or a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to this delightful recipe today!
PrintCarrot Cake Cheesecake Cookie Recipe: A Sweet Fusion You’ll Love
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
These Carrot Cake Cheesecake Cookies combine the warm spices of carrot cake, the rich creaminess of cheesecake, and the soft, chewy texture of cookies. A delightful dessert that will quickly become a crowd favorite, perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugars: Beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Mix Wet & Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the grated carrots, chopped pecans, and white chocolate chips.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough, flatten slightly, and add a small spoonful of cheesecake filling. Cover with another tablespoon of dough and seal the edges.
- Bake: Place cookies on the baking sheet, leaving space between each. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden at the edges.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Soft Butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels sticky, chill it for 15–20 minutes before assembling the cookies.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies should look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Grate the Carrots: Use a fine grater for a smooth texture that blends well into the dough. Avoid pre-grated carrots, as they’re often too dry.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American