Introduction
If you love carrot cake, you’re going to fall in love with these soft, chewy Carrot Cake Cookies! They have all the warm, spiced flavors of classic carrot cake but in cookie form, making them the perfect treat for Easter, fall gatherings, or anytime you’re craving something deliciously cozy. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these cookies are irresistible!
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup shredded carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
½ cup raisins (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare Dough:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients & Mix:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
Fold in the shredded carrots, nuts, and raisins (if using).
3. Bake the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until fluffy.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Frost & Enjoy!
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top.
Sprinkle with extra chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon for a decorative touch.
Tips for Success:
Extra Moist? Add 1 tablespoon of applesauce or crushed pineapple for an even softer texture.
Skip the Frosting? These cookies are delicious plain or dusted with powdered sugar!
Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for later!
Why You’ll Love It:
These Carrot Cake Cookies are the perfect blend of soft, spiced, and sweet, with just the right amount of chew and crunch from the carrots and nuts. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast!
Enjoy.