If you’re searching for a delightful twist on classic treats, this Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe is sure to steal your heart. Imagine the cozy spices and moist texture of carrot cake, compressed into perfect little cookies topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. These cookies balance sweetness, texture, and warmth in every bite, making them an absolute crowd-pleaser for gatherings or a comforting snack at home. Whether you’re a carrot cake devotee or a cookie connoisseur, this recipe offers a fun, easy way to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays an important role in creating that signature flavor and delightful texture. From the earthy warmth of cinnamon to the natural sweetness of carrots, each component adds something special to this irresistible recipe.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for soft yet sturdy cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Gives the cookies a gentle rise and tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps to lift and lighten the texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and the quintessential carrot cake flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds subtle spice to deepen the flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other ingredients.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates tender cookies with a rich mouthfeel.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Brings clean sweetness and helps with cookie structure.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and caramel notes.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and supports a soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and depth.
- 1 cup grated carrots: The star ingredient, providing natural moisture and earthiness.
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats: Adds a wonderful chewy texture and heartiness.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Offers a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional): Provides bursts of chewy, fruity sweetness.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Essential for the creamy, tangy frosting.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Makes the frosting rich and spreadable.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths out the frosting texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds fragrant notes to the frosting.
How to Make Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Getting this ready upfront ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl until combined. This blend of dry ingredients is what builds the perfect texture and infuses those classic carrot cake spices into your cookies.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully incorporated for a creamy cookie base.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Next, fold in the grated carrots, oats, and if you love a bit of extra texture and flavor, toss in the walnuts and raisins. This creates a chewy, rich cookie dough brimming with flavor.
Step 5: Bake
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges start turning a beautiful golden brown. After baking, allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before moving on to the frosting stage.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
While the cookies cool, whip together the cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. This frosting is the indulgent finishing touch that brings the flavor of classic carrot cake right to your cookie.
Step 7: Frost the Cookies
Once your carrot cake cookies are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the tops for delightful bites of sweet and tangy bliss. These frosted gems are ready to be savored!
How to Serve Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosting adds an inviting look and some extra texture. For a touch of whimsy, consider a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a tiny carrot-shaped decorative candy for a festive touch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of chai tea, coffee, or even a cold glass of milk. Offering a bowl of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can make your treat feel even more special and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the frosted cookies in a charming pile tied with twine for a rustic look or arrange them on a decorative platter alongside carrot sticks and nuts for a playful snacking board. Wrapping individual cookies in parchment makes for lovely homemade gifts or party favors, sharing your Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe joy with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness and fresh frosting. If you live in a warmer climate, refrigeration can help the frosting keep its shape, though allow cookies to come back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either plain or frosted. For best results, freeze them unfrosted on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting, or freeze frosted cookies layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating
Warm frozen or refrigerated cookies for about 10 seconds in the microwave or a few minutes in a low oven (300°F/150°C) to refresh their soft texture. Be careful not to overheat or melt the frosting excessively. Enjoy each cookie as if it’s freshly baked!
FAQs
Can I make this Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free for the best results. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will remain just as delightful.
Are walnuts and raisins necessary?
Not at all! While they add wonderful texture and bursts of flavor, you can omit the walnuts and raisins if you prefer a simpler cookie or if you have allergies. Feel free to swap walnuts for pecans or raisins for dried cranberries for variation.
Can I use shredded carrot from the store or should I grate my own?
Freshly grated carrots are ideal to ensure moisture and texture are just right. Pre-shredded carrots from the store can work but may sometimes be drier or less vibrant, so you might want to slightly increase the quantity for moisture.
Is the cream cheese frosting mandatory?
The cream cheese frosting is the classic finishing touch that really sets this cookie apart, but if you prefer, you can dust the cookies with powdered sugar or enjoy them plain. The cookie itself is delicious even without frosting!
How long do these cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies last for about 3 days. Refrigerating can extend their life to about a week, but they are best enjoyed fresh for that perfect soft, moist texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about combining the comforting flavors of carrot cake with the convenience of a cookie. This Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe is an easy, joyful way to add a bit of sweetness and spice to your day. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply yourself, these cookies deliver warmth and happiness with every bite. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite treat to cherish!
Print
Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these soft and flavorful Carrot Cake Cookies, combining the warm spices and moist texture of classic carrot cake into a convenient cookie form. Topped with creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, these treats are perfect for any occasion, offering a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture with grated carrots, oats, walnuts, and raisins.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups 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 and Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and packed brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until incorporated. Fold in the grated carrots, old-fashioned oats, chopped walnuts, and raisins if using, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough.
- Bake the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: While the cookies cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies have fully cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over each cookie. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts.
- Raisins can be substituted with dried cranberries or chocolate chips as desired.
- Ensure cookies are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for optimal freshness.
- Allow refrigerated cookies to come to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
