Sweet Potato Pie Cheesecake Cookies

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Here’s a full, indulgent write-up for Sweet Potato Pie Cheesecake Cookies—a decadent dessert that brings together the warmth of a Southern classic and the creamy delight of cheesecake, all tucked inside a chewy cookie. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or whenever you want to impress, these cookies are a celebration of flavor, heritage, and comfort.

Sweet Potato Pie Cheesecake Cookie

Where Southern soul meets creamy indulgence in every bite.

Introduction

Sweet Potato Pie has long been a staple in Southern kitchens, beloved for its warm spices, velvety texture, and nostalgic charm. Cheesecake, on the other hand, is a globally cherished dessert known for its smooth, tangy richness. Now imagine those two desserts falling in love—and having cookie babies.

That’s exactly what these Sweet Potato Pie Cheesecake Cookies are: soft, spiced cookies made with sweet potato puree, filled with a luscious cream cheese center that mimics the cheesecake experience. This dessert is comforting, festive, and absolutely addictive.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato (cooled)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Optional: chopped pecans for garnish

For the Cheesecake Filling

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Filling

  1. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
  2. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  3. Scoop into small teaspoon-sized dollops and freeze for 30–45 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

  1. In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
  2. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla and mashed sweet potato.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Scoop 1½ tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten slightly in your hand.
  3. Place a frozen cheesecake dollop in the center, then top with another spoonful of dough.
  4. Pinch the edges to seal, forming a stuffed cookie ball.
  5. Optional: Roll tops in chopped pecans.
  6. Bake for 12–14 minutes or until the edges are golden. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.

Methods

  • Creaming Method for the cookie base ensures a light, fluffy texture.
  • Freezing the filling keeps it from melting too quickly during baking.
  • Chilling dough (optional) can enhance flavor and control spread.

The History Behind It

Sweet potato pie has deep roots in African American history, often made during the holidays and passed down through generations. Sweet potatoes, more widely available in the South than pumpkins, became the mainstay for soulful pies.

Cheesecake, with origins tracing back to ancient Greece and popularized in modern American cuisine via New York-style cheesecake, is a universal comfort dessert. Merging these traditions into a cookie represents the evolution of modern fusion baking—where culture, creativity, and comfort coexist.

Health & Benefits

While indulgent, these cookies offer a few hidden benefits:

  • Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants.
  • Cinnamon and nutmeg have anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Cream cheese offers calcium and a touch of protein.
    Of course, this is still a dessert—but one with soul and a bit of nutrition packed in.

Cookie Formation Tips

  • Use a cookie scoop for uniform size.
  • Seal the dough edges well to keep the filling from leaking.
  • Press lightly if you want a flatter cookie, or leave rounded for a pillowy look.

Nutrition (Per Cookie – Approximate)

  • Calories: 220
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbs: 25g
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fiber: 1g
    (Note: varies with size and ingredients used.)

Conclusion

Sweet Potato Pie Cheesecake Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a tribute to Southern traditions and culinary innovation. Whether served at Thanksgiving, a cozy brunch, or a late-night kitchen raid, these cookies hit every craving note.

For the Cookie Lovers

If you love:

  • Pumpkin spice everything
  • Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows
  • Creamy cheesecake
  • Comfort desserts
    Then this cookie is your soulmate.

It’s got all the layers—sweet, spiced, creamy, chewy, and oh-so-satisfying. Share them with friends, but don’t be surprised if they don’t want to share back.

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