Indulge in the best of both worlds with our Heavenly Carrot Cake Cheesecake Cookie recipe. These cookies combine the rich, spiced flavors of carrot cake with the creamy goodness of cheesecake, creating a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to treat yourself, these cookies are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Carrot Cake Base:
- 1 cup of finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy. Cover and refrigerate the mixture while you prepare the carrot cake dough.
2. Make the Carrot Cake Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts (if using).
3. Assemble the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop a tablespoon of the carrot cake dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a small dollop (about a teaspoon) of the cheesecake filling in the center. Carefully fold the edges of the dough around the filling, rolling it into a ball to enclose the cheesecake. Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
4. Bake:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Serve:
Once cooled, these cookies are ready to serve. The combination of the spiced carrot cake and the creamy cheesecake filling makes for an irresistible treat that’s sure to be a hit.
Other Details:
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes Calorie Count per serving: 180 kcal | Serving Size: Makes about 24 cookies
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips
Accompaniments: These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For an extra indulgent experience, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Garnishing: For a beautiful presentation, drizzle the cookies with a simple cream cheese glaze made by mixing powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a bit of cream cheese. A light dusting of ground cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts adds a nice finishing touch.
Temperature: These cookies are best served at room temperature to enjoy the soft, creamy cheesecake center. However, they can also be enjoyed chilled for a firmer texture.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cheesecake filling will stay fresh and creamy, while the carrot cake base retains its softness.
Freezing: To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: If you prefer to enjoy these cookies warm, reheat them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as the cheesecake filling may become too soft.
Variations:
1. Nut-Free Carrot Cake Cheesecake Cookie
Substitution: Replace the walnuts with raisins or dried cranberries for a chewy, fruity addition that complements the carrot cake flavors.
Cheese Option: Add a swirl of white chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling for a sweeter, nut-free alternative.
Serving Suggestion: Pair with a glass of cold milk or a chai latte for a cozy treat.
2. Spiced Carrot Cake Cheesecake Cookie
Additions: Enhance the spiced flavor by adding 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger and a pinch of ground cloves to the carrot cake dough.
Cheese Option: Use a mixture of cream cheese and mascarpone for a richer, creamier filling.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar and a hot apple cider for a warm, spiced dessert.
3. Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Cheesecake Cookie
Substitution: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients, including the baking powder and baking soda, are gluten-free.
Cheese Option: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to make the filling if needed.
Serving Suggestion: Enjoy these cookies with a glass of almond or oat milk for a gluten-free, dairy-free treat.
To learn more about other kind of cakes click here.
Can I use store-bought carrot cake mix for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a store-bought carrot cake mix to save time. Just prepare the mix as directed on the package and follow the assembly and baking instructions provided here.
Can I make the cheesecake filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheesecake filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the cookies.
Can I freeze the dough instead of the baked cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked cookie dough balls. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Heavenly Carrot Cake Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that marries the best qualities of carrot cake and cheesecake in one delicious bite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy the unique flavors and textures of this irresistible cookie!