Carrot Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

The Perfect Carrot Cheesecake Cookies Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Soft, chewy cookies with a delightful carrot cheesecake twist will make your taste buds dance with joy.

These delectable treats blend the warmth of traditional carrot cake with the creamy richness of cheesecake in a perfectly portable cookie form.

Each bite delivers a harmonious balance of spices and smooth cream cheese that melts in your mouth.

The secret lies in the carefully selected ingredients that create a magical blend of textures and flavors.

Grated carrots provide natural sweetness and moisture, while the cream cheese adds a luxurious tang.

Subtle hints of cinnamon and nutmeg elevate these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary.

Bake a batch and watch as friends and family devour these irresistible morsels of pure comfort.

The Best Parts of Carrot Cheesecake Cookies

  • These cookies pack an incredible taste adventure, blending the warm spices of carrot cake with creamy cheesecake in one irresistible treat.
  • Swap pecans for walnuts, adjust spice levels, or add raisins to make these cookies uniquely yours, perfect for personalized baking experiences.
  • Suitable for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual get-togethers, these cookies will become an instant favorite among kids and adults alike.
  • Learn the art of creating filled cookies with a delightful cheesecake center, elevating your baking skills and impressing friends and family.

Ingredients for Luscious Carrot Cheesecake Cookies

Cookie Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: These sweeteners contribute to the rich flavor and help create a soft, chewy cookie.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide moisture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
Spice and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: These warm spices create a classic carrot cake flavor and add depth to the cookies.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and achieve a soft texture.
Filling and Mix-In Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy, tangy cheesecake filling that complements the cookie base.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the cheesecake filling.
  • Carrots: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and a classic carrot cake element to the cookies.
  • Pecans: Provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
  • White Chocolate Chips: Adds extra sweetness and creates interesting pockets of melted chocolate.

Baking Tools for the Softest Carrot Cookies

  • Mixing Bowls: Large bowls for creaming butter, mixing dry ingredients, and preparing cheesecake filling.
  • Electric Mixer: Essential for beating butter, sugar, eggs, and cream cheese to smooth consistency.
  • Cookie Scoop: Perfect for creating uniform cookie sizes and ensuring even filling distribution.
  • Whisk: Great for combining dry ingredients and preventing clumping of spices.
  • Baking Sheets: Needed for baking cookies with even heat distribution.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
  • Wire Rack: Helps cookies cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Make Carrot Cheesecake Cookies at Home

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Grab some parchment paper and line your baking sheets to keep those cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up The Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and blend softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud.

Drop in eggs one by one, then splash in vanilla extract, giving everything a good mix after each addition.

Step 3: Blend The Dry Magic

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Ground ginger
  • Salt

Swirl these ingredients until they’re perfectly integrated.

Step 4: Marry The Mixtures

Slowly introduce dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently.

Fold in:
  • Freshly grated carrots
  • Chopped pecans
  • White chocolate chips

Step 5: Craft The Creamy Center

Whip softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until silky smooth and dreamy.

Step 6: Build Your Cookie Masterpiece

Scoop out cookie dough and flatten slightly.

Dollop a spoonful of cheesecake filling in the center.

Top with another flattened dough scoop, pinching edges to seal the filling inside.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Arrange cookies on prepared sheets, giving them breathing room.

Slide into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden and tops look set.

Step 8: Cool And Savor

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet briefly, then transfer to a wire rack.

Indulge in these decadent treats that blend carrot cake and cheesecake magic!

  • Allow butter to sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming, ensuring a smooth, fluffy texture that blends seamlessly with sugars.
  • Use the smallest holes on a box grater to create delicate carrot shreds that distribute evenly throughout the cookie dough without adding excess moisture.
  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat until ultra-smooth to prevent lumps, creating a silky, spreadable filling that won't leak during baking.
  • Pinch cookie edges firmly when enclosing the cheesecake filling to prevent leakage, using slightly moistened fingertips to help dough stick together.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly cookie that maintains the same rich, spiced flavor profile.
  • Vegan Alternative: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and cream cheese with dairy-free cashew cream cheese to create a plant-based rendition of the classic cookie.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, and reduce the amount of white chocolate chips to lower the overall sugar content while keeping the cookie's delicious taste.
  • Nut-Free Adaptation: Remove pecans and replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies, maintaining the cookie's crunchy texture and nutty undertones.

Serving Carrot Cheesecake Cookies for Springtime

  • Sweet Picnic Companion: Pack these cookies in a cute container for outdoor summer gatherings, adding a delightful dessert twist to family picnics and friend meetups.
  • Elegant Afternoon Tea Partner: Serve alongside herbal tea or light coffee, creating a sophisticated treat that elevates your tea time experience with rich, comforting flavors.
  • Festive Holiday Gift: Wrap these cookies in clear cellophane with a rustic ribbon, making perfect homemade presents for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or birthday celebrations.
  • Dessert Platter Star: Arrange cookies on a beautiful wooden board with fresh berries and mint leaves, transforming your simple dessert into an Instagram-worthy presentation.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
  • Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving their rich flavor and soft consistency.
  • Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. This gradual thawing prevents moisture condensation and maintains cookie quality.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, place in a preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore their freshly-baked warmth and softness.

FAQs

  • Can I use pre-shredded carrots for this recipe?

Fresh grated carrots work best. Pre-shredded carrots are often too dry and can make the cookies less moist. Grate your own carrots for the optimal texture and flavor.

  • Do I need to drain the grated carrots?

No, do not drain the carrots. The moisture from freshly grated carrots helps keep the cookies soft and adds natural sweetness to the recipe. Just pat them lightly with a paper towel if they seem very wet.

  • What if I don't have all the spices?

You can substitute with a pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice blend or use what you have. Cinnamon is the most important spice for this recipe, so ensure you have that on hand. The other spices like nutmeg and ginger add depth but aren’t absolutely critical.

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Carrot Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Carrot Cheesecake Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Delectable carrot cheesecake cookies blend creamy cheesecake essence with classic carrot cake flavors. Spiced crumbles and tangy cream cheese frosting create an irresistible treat that satisfies sweet cravings with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226 grams)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups grated carrots
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened

Sugars and Sweeteners:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients and Spices:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange parchment paper on baking sheets for easy cookie removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until achieving a light, airy consistency. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract.
  3. Separately whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt to ensure uniform spice distribution.
  4. Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Carefully integrate grated carrots, chopped pecans, and white chocolate chips into the dough.
  5. Prepare cheesecake filling by whipping cream cheese with powdered sugar until achieving a silky, smooth texture.
  6. Using a cookie scoop, form dough balls and gently flatten. Place a dollop of cheesecake filling in the center, then cover with another flattened dough portion, carefully sealing edges to contain the filling.
  7. Arrange filled cookies on prepared baking sheets, maintaining adequate spacing. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden and tops appear set.
  8. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for several minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling. Savor the harmonious blend of carrot cake and cheesecake flavors.

Notes

  • Customize Spice Levels Adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to suit your taste preferences or create a more intense warm spice profile.
  • Prevent Moisture Drain excess liquid from grated carrots using a clean kitchen towel to avoid soggy cookies and maintain the perfect texture.
  • Make Gluten-Free Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste or structure.
  • Control Filling Spread Use a piping bag or small spoon for precise and even cheesecake filling placement, ensuring consistent flavor in every cookie.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 267
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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