What are Carrot Cheesecake Cookies? I’m talking soft, spiced carrot cookie dough swirled with a tangy, creamy cheesecake filling, all the way from scratch. All the flavors are in this recipe. What is a sweet glaze? Is it like carrot cake and cheesecake had a baby, and that baby was Ice Cream? If you love carrot cake, why don’t you try it? Is it easier to bake a whole cake?
What is Carrot Cheesecake Cookies?
What are Carrot Cheesecake Cookies? How do you make a carrot cookie dough? Then, we take a luscious cheesecake filling, dollop it on top, and swirl it in for an amazing dessert. What is the marble effect Is this a Carrot Cake cheesecake hybrid? I first made them when I was trying to impress my mother-in-law (pressure! What are some of the best holiday decorations ever made?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I even begin? You’ll love these Carrot Cheesecake Cookies for so many reasons. What I love most is the flavor explosion. The warm spices of the carrot cookie dough, like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, perfectly complement the tangy Cream Cheese Filling. It’s a match made in heaven. These cookies are also surprisingly simple to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment, and the whole process takes less than an hour from start to finish. Plus, they are incredibly cost-effective. You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already!
These cookies are also super versatile. They’re perfect for Easter brunch, a springtime dessert, or even just a cozy afternoon snack. I’ve even been known to sneak one for breakfast (don’t judge!). I’ve tried other carrot cake cookie recipes, but this one is special. The cheesecake swirl takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s that little something extra that makes them unforgettable. Plus, they’re WAY easier than making a full-blown carrot cake with layers and frosting, which I often appreciate. I’m all about easy baking, especially on weeknights!
How do I make Carrot Cheesecake Cookies?
Quick Overview
How do you make Carrot Cheesecake Cookies? How do I make cheesecake filling? Dollop the filling onto the cookie dough, swirl it in for a gorgeous effect, and bake until golden brown. If you like, serve immediately. Is it easier than it sounds? What are some of the best recipes to make with a few simple steps? Don’t be intimidated by swirling, it’s actually quite fun!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (I always use unbleached for the best texture) * 1/4 teaspoon baking powder. Why is it so bad for your health to use ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg? 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened * 3/4 cup granulated sugar * 1/4 cup salt * 1 teaspoon salt. What is the best way to use light Brown Sugar in a recipe? ) * 1 cup grated carrots (peel them first, of course!)
For the Filling:
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (full-fat is best for that creamy texture! ) * 1/4 cup granulated sugar * 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract * 14 cup flour * 2 teaspoons salt * 0.5 teaspoon salt.
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar * 2-3 tablespoons milk (start with 2 and add more until you reach the desired desired consistency). * 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract* * 1/4 teaspoon sugar*
How do I learn to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze! Trust me, parchment paper is your best friend in the kitchen.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Whisking ensures that everything is evenly distributed. This step is important because it helps the cookies rise properly and gives them that signature spiced flavor. Don’t skip it!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Make sure your butter is actually softened, not melted! It makes a big difference in the texture of the cookies. I usually take mine out of the fridge about an hour before I start baking.
Step 4: Combine
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix! Overmixing will result in tough cookies, and nobody wants that. Gently fold in the grated carrots. Make sure the carrots are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside. What should I do if I have a lumpy filling? I usually let mine sit out for at least 30 minutes before using it.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Dollop a small amount of cheesecake filling on top of each cookie. Use a toothpick or knife to swirl the filling into the cookie dough. Get creative with your swirls! This is where you can really make the cookies look beautiful.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers should still be slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. I always set a timer for 10 minutes and then check them every minute after that.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to the wire rack. To cool completely. to a room Once the cookies are cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside. How do I make a glaze on my cookies? I like to let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Serve these delicious Carrot Cheesecake Cookies with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or just enjoy them on their own! They are best served fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for a few days. I actually like them slightly chilled from the fridge sometimes!
What should I serve it with?
Carrot Cheesecake Cookies are great on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of other cookies. Other treats and beverages.For Breakfast:Enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or glass of orange juice for an enjoyable start to your day. I love pairing them with a strong dark roast coffee to balance out the sweetness.For Brunch:Serve them alongside a platter of fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, and maybe even some mini quiches for dessert. What is the best brunch spread? What are some of the best tiered serving tray ideas?As Dessert: These cookies are the perfect ending to any meal. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra-indulgent treat. They also go well with a glass of dessert wine, like Moscato.
For Cozy Snacks:What are some of the best ways to enjoy tea in the afternoon? They’re perfect for curling up on the couch with a good book. My family loves to eat them still slightly warm, fresh from the oven. What is the ultimate comfort food?
How do you make a Carrot Cheesecake Cookie?
How do I make Carrot Cheesecake Cookies?Carrot Prep: Make sure to grate your carrots finely. Large pieces of carrot can make the cookies too chunky. I also like to squeeze out any excess moisture from the grated carrots before adding them to the dough. This helps prevent the cookies from becoming soggy. I learned this the hard way after a particularly wet batch!
Mixing Advice:As I mentioned earlier, don’t overmix the dough! If you overmix the flour, it will cause the gluten to develop, resulting in hard cookies. I always use my hands when mixing.Swirl CustomizationHow do you get creative with swirls? How do you create different patterns with a toothpick, knife or chopstick? I like to experiment with different swirl techniques each time I make them. Sometimes I do a simple spiral, other times I create more intricate designs.Ingredient Swaps: If you’re looking to add a little extra flavor, try adding some chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough. You can also substitute the vanilla extract in the cheesecake filling with almond extract for a different twist. I once tried adding a pinch of cardamom to the dough and it was AMAZING!
Baking Tips:Keep a close eye on the cookies while they’re baking. Is it possible to burn a potato from golden brown to brown in ten minutes? If the edges are browning too quickly, you can tent the baking sheet with foil.Glaze Variations:Can you customize the glaze to your liking? Add a few drops of lemon juice for tangy flavor, or pinch of cinnamon for warm spice. You can also use different types of milk, such as almond milk or coconut milk to create different flavors. I tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
These Carrot Cheesecake Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later.
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure they are completely cool before storing them, or they will become soggy.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This will help them stay fresh for longer.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: I recommend glazing the cookies just before serving. If you glaze them ahead of time, the glaze may become sticky or dissolve. However, you can store the glazed cookies in the refrigerator for a short period of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Carrot Cheesecake Cookies are truly something special. The combination of the spiced carrot cookie dough and the creamy cheesecake filling is simply irresistible. They’re easy to make, perfect for any occasion, and always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a unique and delicious treat, look no further! If you loved these, you might also enjoy my Lemon Ricotta Cookies – they have a similar texture and are bursting with flavor. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Let me know in the comments if you try them and what variations you came up with! Don’t forget to rate the recipe if you enjoyed it, and share your cookie creations with me on social media!

Carrot Cheesecake Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 0.5 cup cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add carrots, cream cheese, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
- Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.