SWEET POTATO PIE CHEESECAKE COOKIES

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
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (cooked and cooled)

For the Cheesecake Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup sour cream

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1: PREPARE THE COOKIE DOUGH
– Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
– Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
– Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
– Mix in Sweet Potatoes: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the mashed sweet potatoes until evenly distributed.

STEP 2: MAKE THE CHEESECAKE FILLING
– Beat Cream Cheese: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and mix until combined.
– Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Finally, stir in the sour cream until well blended.

STEP 3: ASSEMBLE THE COOKIES
– Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
– Scoop Cookie Dough: Using a cookie scoop, drop a tablespoon of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

– Add Cheesecake Filling: Make a small indentation in the center of each cookie dough ball and spoon about a teaspoon of the cheesecake filling into the center.
– Cover with More Dough: Take a small amount of additional cookie dough and gently place it over the cheesecake filling, sealing it in.

STEP 4: BAKE THE COOKIES
– Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
– Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Enjoy your Sweet Potato Pie Cheesecake Cookies, a delightful treat that combines the flavors of sweet potato pie and creamy cheesecake!