Irresistible Carrot Cake Cheesecake Cookie

Ingredients:

For the Carrot Cake Cookies:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup finely grated carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

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

Instructions:

Make the Carrot Cake Cookies:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
5. Fold in the grated carrots, and if using, add the walnuts or pecans and raisins.
6. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Cookies:

1. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the carrot cake cookie dough and flatten it into a disk. Place about 1 teaspoon of the cheesecake filling in the center.
2. Scoop another tablespoon of cookie dough, flatten it, and place it on top of the cheesecake filling. Pinch the edges together to seal the filling inside.
3. Place the stuffed cookie dough on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden around the edges and set in the center.
5. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delightful Carrot Cake Cheesecake Cookies! They make a perfect treat for any occasion.

4o