Introduction

Sweet Potato Pie Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect blend of two beloved desserts: the creamy richness of cheesecake and the comforting, spiced flavors of sweet potato pie. These soft, chewy cookies feature a luscious cheesecake filling and are packed with sweet potato goodness, making them an irresistible treat for the holiday season or anytime you want a unique and delicious dessert.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup mashed sweet potato (about 1 medium sweet potato)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping (Optional):

• ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. Mix the Filling:
   • In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Freeze the Filling:
   • Scoop teaspoon-sized portions of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

1. Mash the Sweet Potato:
   • If not already mashed, bake, boil, or microwave the sweet potato until soft, then mash and let it cool completely.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Wet Ingredients:
   • Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed sweet potato until combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
5. Mix the Dough:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Cover and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly puffed.
3. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving:

• Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
• Serve with a cup of coffee, tea, or warm spiced cider for a cozy pairing.

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Variations

1. Pecan Sweet Potato Cookies:
   • Add ½ cup of chopped pecans to the dough for extra crunch.
2. Caramel Swirl:
   • Drizzle caramel sauce over the cookies after baking for a decadent finish.
3. Pumpkin Spice Swap:
   • Replace the sweet potato with pumpkin puree for a fall-inspired twist.
4. Gluten-Free Option:
   • Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the cookies gluten-friendly.
5. Mini Cheesecake Bites:
   • Use a mini muffin tin to bake the cookies for bite-sized treats.

Conclusion

Sweet Potato Pie Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that bring a cozy, seasonal touch to any dessert table. With their creamy cheesecake centers and spiced sweet potato dough, these cookies are as unique as they are delicious. Perfect for sharing or savoring yourself, they’re bound to become a new favorite!

FAQs

1. Can I use canned sweet potato?
Yes, canned sweet potato puree works well. Just ensure it’s not sweetened or spiced.

2. What if my dough is too sticky?
Chill the dough for an additional 10-15 minutes to make it easier to handle.

3. Can I skip the cheesecake filling?
Yes, the cookies are delicious on their own, but the filling adds a rich, creamy surprise.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before assembling and baking.

5. How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Ensure the dough completely seals around the cheesecake filling before baking.

Enjoy crafting and indulging in these Sweet Potato Pie Cheesecake Cookies—they’re a treat everyone will love! 🍠🍪✨