These Sweet Potato Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate fall dessert, blending the warmth of spiced sweet potatoes with a rich, creamy cheesecake center. Perfect for holiday baking, cozy gatherings, or a pumpkin-spice alternative, these cookies are as indulgent as they are comforting.
Why Youāll Love These Cookies
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Cozy fall flavors with warm spices and real sweet potato
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A luscious cheesecake center in every bite
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Perfect for Thanksgiving dessert tables or holiday cookie swaps
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Easy to make with simple ingredients
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Great make-ahead optionāfilling can be prepped in advance
Ingredients Breakdown
Cookie Dough
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Mashed Sweet Potato (1 cup) ā Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and a rich, earthy flavor.
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Butter (½ cup, softened) ā Creates a soft, chewy texture and enhances richness.
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Brown Sugar (½ cup) ā Adds caramel-like depth and keeps cookies soft.
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White Sugar (¼ cup) ā Balances the sweetness and helps with spreading.
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Egg (1 large) ā Binds the ingredients and adds structure.
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Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) ā Rounds out the warm flavors with a fragrant note.
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All-Purpose Flour (1½ cups) ā Provides the base structure for the cookie.
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Baking Powder & Baking Soda (½ tsp each) ā Leavening agents that create a light and tender texture.
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Cinnamon (½ tsp) & Nutmeg (¼ tsp) ā Classic fall spices that pair beautifully with sweet potato.
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Salt (pinch) ā Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Cheesecake Filling
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Cream Cheese (6 oz, softened) ā Rich and tangy, this creates the creamy center.
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Powdered Sugar (3 tbsp) ā Sweetens the filling while keeping it smooth.
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
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Freezer: Freeze cookie dough balls (stuffed or unstuffed) for up to 2 months
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Reheating Tip: Warm baked cookies in the microwave for 10ā15 seconds to soften
Vanilla Extract (¼ tsp) ā Adds flavor depth to the cheesecake layer.
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Tips and Tricks
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Make sure sweet potato is fully cooled to avoid melting the butter
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Chill cheesecake filling thoroughly for easier assembly
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Donāt overbakeāthe cookies should be soft and tender
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Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies
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Variations and Customizations
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Pumpkin Swap: Substitute canned pumpkin puree for sweet potato
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Add Mix-ins: Stir in chopped pecans or white chocolate chips for added texture
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Spiced Sugar Coating: Roll dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking for a crunchy finish
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Mini Version: Make bite-sized cookies for dessert platters or party trays
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Pairing Suggestions
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Serve with a warm chai latte or spiced apple cider
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Enjoy alongside a scoop of vanilla bean or maple ice cream
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Perfect addition to a fall-themed dessert board with fudge, bars, and truffles
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Storage Instructions
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
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Freezer: Freeze cookie dough balls (stuffed or unstuffed) for up to 2 months
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Reheating Tip: Warm baked cookies in the microwave for 10ā15 seconds to soften
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Popular Questions
Can I use canned sweet potato puree?
Yes, just make sure itās 100% sweet potato with no added sugar or spices.
Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?
If storing for more than a day or in warm climates, yesādue to the cream cheese filling.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough and cheesecake filling can both be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.