If you love carrot cake, these Carrot Cake Cookies will quickly become a favorite! Soft, chewy, and filled with warm spices, they offer all the comforting flavors of traditional carrot cake in a bite-sized, easy-to-make cookie. Finished with a rich cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for any occasion—Easter, fall gatherings, or simply satisfying a sweet craving!
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 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. Make the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients & Mix
In a separate bowl, whisk together 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).
4. 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.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar and continue mixing until fluffy.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Frost & Enjoy!
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top.
For a decorative touch, sprinkle with extra chopped nuts or a light dusting of cinnamon.
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 simply 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 These Cookies:
These Carrot Cake Cookies strike the perfect balance 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 sure to disappear fast!
Would you like to add a fun twist, like white chocolate chips or coconut? Let me know how you’d like to customize them!