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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
- Stir in Carrots: Fold in the finely grated carrots to add moisture and natural sweetness, enhancing the carrot cake flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
