Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe

Discover the joy of a carrot cake in cookie form with this irresistibly moist and flavorful Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe. These delightful little treats bring together the warm spices, tender grated carrots, and a luscious cream cheese frosting to create a bite-sized dessert experience that feels like a hug from your favorite cake. Whether you’re craving something sweet but portable or looking to brighten a party platter, these cookies deliver a comforting blend of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from the fragrant spices to the fresh carrots, creating rich flavor, tender texture, and that classic, welcoming color.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for tender cookies.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become light.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a gentle lift for perfect texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Delivers warm, cozy spice notes.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Enhances depth and autumnal flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall taste.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates richness and moistness.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds caramel undertones and chewiness.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and structure.
• 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warm aromatic flavor.
• 1 cup finely grated carrots: The star that adds moisture, subtle sweetness, and that lovely orange hue.
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats: Adds heartiness and a delicate chewy texture.
• 1/2 cup raisins or chopped walnuts (optional): Introduces bursts of sweetness or crunchy contrast.
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Key ingredient for the classic creamy frosting.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Lightens and enriches the frosting.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Rounds out the frosting with extra fragrant warmth.

How to Make Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This blend of dry ingredients creates the flavorful and tender base of your cookies and ensures every bite is perfectly spiced.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is creamy and well combined. This step is vital because it incorporates air, setting the stage for lighter, softer cookies with a hint of caramel richness from the brown sugar.

Step 3: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Carrots

Next, blend in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Then stir in the finely grated carrots, which bring moisture, natural sweetness, and that classic carrot cake texture and color. Mixing them in at this stage ensures the carrots are evenly distributed throughout your cookie dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry flour mixture into your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. Then gently fold in the rolled oats and your choice of raisins or walnuts if using. These add scrumptious bursts of flavor and added texture to your carrot cake cookies.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets and flatten them slightly with your hand or the back of a spoon. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely light golden color. After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies cool, prepare your frosting by beating the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is fluffy and luscious. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a small amount of frosting onto each one to finish them off with that classic carrot cake charm.

How to Serve Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of finely chopped walnuts or a dash of cinnamon on top of the cream cheese frosting for an extra special touch. A tiny carrot-shaped decoration made from fondant or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also brighten presentation and impress your guests.

Side Dishes

Carrot cake cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee, whose spicy and robust notes complement the fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg beautifully. For a refreshing contrast, try serving them alongside a glass of cold milk or a light, mildly flavored herbal tea.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange the carrot cake cookies stacked neatly on a tiered dessert platter or nestled in decorative cupcake liners. Wrap a few cookies in clear cellophane tied with a rustic ribbon for charming homemade gifts. You can even serve them with small bowls of frosting for dipping if you’re in the mood for a fun and interactive treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover carrot cake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their moist texture and fresh flavor. If you’ve frosted them, keep them refrigerated and bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to two months. For best results, freeze them without frosting and add that creamy topping after thawing.

Reheating

To enjoy the cookies warm, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. If frozen, allow them to thaw at room temperature before reheating. This gentle warming perfectly revives softness and enhances the comforting flavors.

FAQs

Can I use shredded carrots instead of finely grated?

Using shredded carrots instead of finely grated might change the cookie’s texture, making them slightly coarser and less evenly moist. For the best results and that signature tender bite, stick with finely grated carrots in this recipe.

Is it okay to omit the cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely! The cookies are delicious on their own with all the warm spices and carrot moisture. The frosting adds classic flair and extra creaminess but is entirely optional if you prefer a simpler cookie.

Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts or dried fruits?

Yes! Chopped pecans, almonds, or even dried cranberries make fantastic alternatives. Just be mindful of chopping nuts finely to keep the cookies’ soft texture.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add a little yourself to help with structure. The oats should also be labeled gluten-free if that is a dietary concern.

Why should I chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough for about 20 minutes helps firm it up, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also gives a slightly denser and chewier final texture, if that’s your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe is a warm, inviting way to enjoy the flavors of carrot cake in a fun, handheld form. Whether for an afternoon treat or a festive gathering, these cookies blend cozy spices, hearty oats, and sweet carrots with a luscious cream cheese frosting that feels like home in every bite. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch soon and share the joy with those you love!

Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe

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4.3 from 67 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 18 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these moist and flavorful Carrot Cake Cookies that combine the classic spices and sweetness of carrot cake in a convenient, handheld treat. Enhanced with rolled oats and optionally studded with raisins or walnuts, each cookie is topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting for an irresistible finish.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 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

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup finely grated carrots

Add-ins

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup raisins or chopped walnuts (optional)

Frosting

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth, which helps to incorporate air for a lighter texture.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
5. Stir in Carrots: Fold in the finely grated carrots to add moisture and natural sweetness, enhancing the carrot cake flavor.
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
7. Fold in Oats and Optional Add-ins: Gently fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats and raisins or chopped walnuts if using, adding texture and flavor variety.
8. Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them adequately. Flatten each slightly to help them bake evenly.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked without overcooking.
10. Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature before frosting.
11. Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
12. Frost Cookies: Spread a small amount of cream cheese frosting on each completely cooled cookie to add classic carrot cake richness and flavor.

Notes

• If you prefer a firmer cookie texture, chill the dough for 20 minutes before baking.
• Frosting is optional but strongly recommended for a traditional carrot cake flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American