The Best Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe: Sweet Treats in Every Bite

Sweet, crumbly carrot cake cookies dance with warm spices and rich textures that elevate classic dessert flavors.

These delectable treats blend traditional carrot cake elements into a handheld delight.

Soft, chewy cookies packed with grated carrots offer a delightful twist on a beloved classic.

Cinnamon and nutmeg weave their magic through each bite, creating an irresistible aroma.

Cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious finish that makes these cookies truly special.

Bakers of all skill levels can whip up this simple yet impressive recipe in no time.

Carrot Cake Cookies With Warm Spices

• Whip Up Comfort: Indulge in a delightful twist on classic carrot cake, transformed into bite-sized cookies that bring warmth and nostalgia to every sweet moment.
• Bake with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these cookies perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
• Family-Friendly Treat: Packed with carrots and optional nuts, these cookies offer a sneaky way to introduce wholesome ingredients while satisfying everyone's sweet tooth.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Minimal prep time and easy-to-find ingredients mean you can whip up a batch of these delectable treats in no time, making them ideal for unexpected gatherings or spontaneous dessert cravings.

Ingredients Checklist for Carrot Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the cookies.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become light.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and traditional carrot cake flavor.

• Butter: Creates a rich and tender texture in the cookies.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel-like sweetness.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients and provides structure to the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.

• Carrots: Fresh grated carrots bring moisture and a subtle vegetable sweetness to the cookies.
• Walnuts: Optional ingredient that adds crunch and nutty flavor.
• Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar: Combine to create a smooth, classic frosting for topping the cookies.

Step-by-Step Carrot Cookie Directions

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 350°F.

Grab your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cookie Base

In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Crack in an egg and splash of vanilla extract, then mix thoroughly until everything is smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Add in freshly grated carrots and chopped walnuts if desired.

Mix until just combined – don’t overmix or your cookies might become tough.

Step 5: Bake Golden Cookies

Scoop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets.

Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes.

Look for golden edges as your signal that they’re perfectly done.

Step 6: Craft Creamy Frosting

While cookies cool on a wire rack, whip up the cream cheese frosting.

In a bowl, blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until silky smooth.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Once cookies have completely cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting on top.

Serve and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Tips for Perfect Carrot Cookies

• Use the smallest holes on a box grater for ultra-tender, moist carrot shreds that blend seamlessly into cookie dough.
• Pat grated carrots with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring crisp cookie edges and perfect texture.
• Replace walnuts with pecans or skip nuts entirely for nut-free versions without compromising delicious flavor.
• Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create thicker, chewier cookies.
• Let cookies cool completely before adding cream cheese frosting to prevent melting and maintain beautiful presentation.

Fresh Spins for Carrot Cake Cookies

• Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Carrot Cake Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and replace cream cheese frosting with cashew-based cream.
• Spiced Apple Variation: Substitute half the carrots with grated apples and add extra cinnamon for a warm, autumnal flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar and reduce powdered sugar in frosting for a diabetic-friendly alternative.

Serve Up Carrot Cake Cookies With Style

• Sweet Brunch Companion: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of chai or cinnamon-spiced coffee for a delightful morning treat.
• Dessert Platter Perfection: Arrange cookies on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries and mint leaves for an elegant presentation.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Serve alongside light cucumber sandwiches and lavender shortbread for a classic tea party spread.
• Kids' Snack Adventure: Cut cookies into fun shapes or let children decorate the frosted tops with sprinkles for a playful twist.

Store Carrot Cookies for Sweet Snacks

• Store frosted cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent sticking.
• Wrap unfrosted cookies individually in plastic wrap, place in freezer bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and add cream cheese frosting before serving.
• Keep unfrosted cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring they remain crisp and soft.
• Warm cookies gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore their original softness and warmth.

FAQs

• Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture might be slightly denser and the cookies less tender.

• How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking and make sure your butter isn’t too soft. This helps the cookies maintain their shape.

• Are these cookies good for kids?

Absolutely! These carrot cake cookies are a fun way to sneak vegetables into a sweet treat that children will love.

• Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, which will help maintain the cookie’s texture.

Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 34 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Indulgent carrot cake cookies blend classic dessert flavors into irresistible handheld treats. Spiced with cinnamon and packed with shredded carrots, these cookies offer a delightful twist you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Frosting Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper for even baking.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg – creating a uniform spice mixture.
3. Cream butter and brown sugar in a separate bowl until light and fluffy, then incorporate egg and vanilla extract thoroughly.
4. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, ensuring minimal mixing to maintain cookie tenderness.
5. Incorporate freshly grated carrots and chopped walnuts into the dough, distributing evenly throughout.
6. Scoop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges as indication of doneness.
8. Transfer cookies to wire rack and allow complete cooling before frosting.
9. Prepare cream cheese frosting by blending cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until silky smooth.
10. Generously spread frosting across cooled cookies, creating an even layer of creamy topping.
11. Serve immediately or store in airtight container for up to 3 days.

Notes

• Grate carrots finely to ensure even distribution and soft texture throughout the cookies.
• Use room temperature ingredients like butter and egg for smoother mixing and better cookie consistency.
• Toast walnuts briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch.
• Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version that maintains moisture and adds subtle tropical notes.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 154 kcal
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg