Carrot Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies: Spiced, Soft, and Cream-Filled
If carrot cake and cheesecake had a cookie baby, this would be it. These Carrot Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies are ultra-soft, lightly spiced, and filled with a tangy-sweet cream cheese center that melts right into the dough as it bakes. They’re comforting, playful, and an easy crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for spring holidays, dessert tables, or whenever you’re craving something cozy with a twist.
The dough is quick to mix up, the filling comes together in seconds, and the end result looks like bakery-style magic—no mixer required.
Why I Love This Recipe
It’s the best of both worlds. You get that earthy, slightly sweet carrot cake vibe in cookie form, complete with warming spices and brown sugar goodness. Then, as you bite in—boom! There’s a luscious cheesecake core, cool and creamy, nestled right in the middle.
These cookies are just the right amount of indulgent. Plus, they freeze beautifully, making them a sweet stash for future cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Carrot Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient Notes & Tips
- Shred carrots finely – you want them soft, not crunchy.
- Don’t skip the chill – pop the filling in the freezer for 10 minutes if it’s too soft to work with.
- Add-ins welcome – try mixing chopped walnuts or raisins into the dough if you want a more carrot cake-like vibe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Make the Cookie Dough
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth. Mix in the egg, then stir in shredded carrots, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until just combined.
3. Prepare the Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
4. Stuff the Cookies
Scoop about a tablespoon of cookie dough and form it into a ball. Make a small well in the center, place a teaspoon of cheesecake filling inside, and seal it shut with a bit more dough. Roll gently to smooth.
5. Bake
Place cookies on the prepared sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. Let cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a rack.
6. Cool & Serve
Cool completely for the cheesecake centers to set. Store in the fridge for an even creamier bite!
Tips for Success
- Use a small cookie scoop to keep sizes uniform and baking even.
- Work quickly with the filling—it’s easier to stuff the dough when the cream cheese mixture is slightly chilled.
- Don’t overbake! The cookies should be soft with a barely golden edge. They’ll continue to set as they cool.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These cookies shine on their own, but if you’re serving a crowd or creating a dessert spread, here’s how to round it out:
- Serve with Blueberry Lemonade for a refreshing, fruity contrast.
- Pair with Easter Cookies for a themed holiday dessert tray.
- Add a cozy bite alongside Old-School No-Bake Cookies.
- Want to impress? Kick things off with a Baked Brie Appetizer.
- Brighten up the tray with colorful Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze dough balls (unbaked and stuffed) for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the time.
- Make Ahead: Cheesecake filling can be made a day in advance and refrigerated.
More Cookies You’ll Love
Craving more cookie creativity? Try these next:
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
- Easter Cookies
- Old-School No-Bake Cookies
- Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies
- Baked Brie Appetizer
Final Thoughts
These Carrot Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. Perfectly spiced, ultra-soft, and hiding a creamy secret center, they’re everything you didn’t know your cookie game needed.
Try them for spring celebrations, Easter spreads, or just a weekend baking project that earns rave reviews. Tag @chefmaniac when you make them—we’d love to see your swirls and bites!
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