Carrot cake cookies bring together the best parts of carrot cake—warm spices, sweet carrots, and creamy frosting—into a convenient, handheld treat. These cookies are chewy, flavorful, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, making them perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
For another spiced dessert, try these pumpkin bread truffles, which are just as rich and flavorful.
What Are Carrot Cake Cookies?
Carrot cake cookies are a fusion of soft oatmeal cookies and spiced carrot cake. They include shredded carrots, cinnamon, nutmeg, and often walnuts or raisins, delivering a dessert that’s comforting and nostalgic.
If you enjoy desserts with a hint of spice, explore these jalapeño popper mummies for a unique savory twist.
Why These Cookies Are a Must-Bake
1. Nostalgic Flavor
- Combining the comforting taste of carrot cake with the simplicity of cookies makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser.
2. Easy and Fun to Make
- Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions make these cookies accessible to bakers of all levels.
3. Versatile and Customizable
- From the mix-ins to the frosting, you can adapt the recipe to suit your taste or occasion.
4. Perfect Balance of Sweet and Spiced
- The warm spices, sweet carrots, and creamy frosting create a flavor profile that’s rich but not overpowering.
Ingredients for Carrot Cake Cookies
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups (150g) rolled oats
- 1 cup (100g) grated carrots
- ½ cup (50g) chopped walnuts or raisins (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (55g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (125g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
3. Fold in the Mix-Ins
- Stir in the oats, grated carrots, and optional walnuts or raisins.
4. Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to enhance the flavor and prevent spreading.
5. Bake the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
6. Make the Frosting
- Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
7. Frost and Serve
- Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top. Garnish with additional grated carrots or chopped nuts if desired.
Tips for Perfect Carrot Cake Cookies
1. Use Fresh Carrots
- Grate fresh carrots for the best texture and flavor. Pre-packaged shredded carrots may be too dry and coarse.
2. Adjust the Sweetness
- Reduce sugar in the cookie dough if you prefer a less sweet cookie, especially with the frosting added.
3. Don’t Overbake
- Remove the cookies from the oven as soon as the edges are set to maintain a soft, chewy texture.
For more baking tips, check out this guide to perfect cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these carrot cake cookies with:
- Hot Drinks: A cup of chai tea or a cinnamon latte complements the cookies’ spiced flavors.
- Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Fruit Garnish: Add a side of sliced apples or a handful of fresh berries for a fresh twist.
Making Carrot Cake Cookies a Family Favorite
Carrot cake cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a chance to create memories with loved ones. From baking with kids to sharing a plateful with friends, these cookies are perfect for bringing people together.
1. Family Baking Time
- Involve the Kids: Let children help measure ingredients, mix the dough, or shape the cookies. It’s a fun way to teach them baking basics while spending quality time together.
- Storytelling While Baking: Share stories about family traditions or create new ones while the cookies bake.
2. Ideal for Gifting
- Wrap these cookies in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon. Add a personalized note or the recipe to make the gift extra special.
3. Perfect for Gatherings
- Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or afternoon tea, these cookies are always a hit. Double or triple the recipe to ensure there’s plenty to go around.
Tips for Storing and Freezing
Storing Baked Cookies
- Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’ve frosted them, store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing Frosted Cookies
- Arrange the frosted cookies on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper.
Freezing Dough
- Shape the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once firm, store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen with a slight increase in baking time.
Elevating Presentation for Special Occasions
Make your carrot cake cookies even more appealing with these presentation ideas:
Decorative Plating
- Arrange cookies on a tiered tray for a tea party or dessert buffet. Garnish the tray with fresh herbs like mint or edible flowers for an elegant touch.
Themed Decorations
- Add festive sprinkles to the frosting for holidays or pipe decorative designs like carrots or flowers.
Custom Packaging
- Use small gift boxes, glass jars, or parchment-lined tins to package cookies for gifting. Add a label or a bow for a polished look.
For more creative cookie ideas, check out fun cookie decorating tips.
Pairing Ideas for the Perfect Treat
Carrot cake cookies are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience:
Drinks
- Tea: A chai latte or spiced herbal tea complements the cookies’ warm flavors.
- Coffee: A creamy cappuccino or vanilla latte pairs beautifully with the tangy frosting.
- Milk: For a classic pairing, serve with a cold glass of milk.
Dessert Pairings
- Ice Cream: Sandwich a scoop of cream cheese or vanilla ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent treat.
- Fruit: Serve alongside fresh berries or sliced apples for a lighter dessert.
FAQs About Carrot Cake Cookies
1. Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
2. Can I Freeze the Dough?
Absolutely! Shape the dough into balls and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
3. How Long Do These Cookies Stay Fresh?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
4. Can I Skip the Frosting?
Yes! The cookies are delicious on their own, but the cream cheese frosting adds a classic carrot cake touch.
Creative Variations
1. Vegan Carrot Cake Cookies
- Use plant-based butter, a flaxseed egg, and vegan cream cheese for the frosting.
2. Spiced Maple Cookies
- Add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the dough for extra sweetness and flavor.
3. Chocolate Carrot Cookies
- Stir in white or dark chocolate chips for a fun twist.
For more creative ideas, try these unique cookie recipes.
Conclusion: A New Twist on a Classic
Carrot cake cookies are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of carrot cake in a portable, shareable form. Soft, chewy, and bursting with warm spices, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
For more baking inspiration, explore AmRecipe’s collection of dessert recipes. From cookies to cakes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible treats. Happy baking! ✨