Fluffy Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe: Sweet Nostalgic Bites

Soft and chewy carrot cake cookies blend the nostalgic warmth of classic desserts into a delightful handheld treat.

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg drift through your kitchen while mixing these delectable morsels.

Packed with grated carrots and gentle spices, each cookie delivers a comforting bite reminiscent of traditional cake.

Cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch that makes these cookies irresistibly indulgent.

Walnut pieces provide a pleasant crunch, contrasting beautifully with the tender cookie base.

Simple ingredients come together quickly, making this recipe perfect for spontaneous baking adventures.

Grab a cup of coffee and savor these delicious cookies that promise to brighten your day.

Carrot Cake Cookies With Warm Spiced Flavor

• Breeze Through Baking: Super simple recipe that even novice bakers can master with minimal kitchen skills.
• Sneak in Nutrients: Packed with grated carrots, offering a delightful way to enjoy a veggie-loaded treat that kids and adults will love.
• Portable Party Pleasers: Compact cookie form makes these a perfect grab-and-go dessert for picnics, potlucks, or lunchbox surprises.
• Comfort in Every Bite: Combines the classic flavors of carrot cake into a handheld format, delivering warmth and nostalgia with each soft, spiced cookie.

All The Ingredients For Carrot Cake Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that provides structure to the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredients that add depth of flavor and help create a soft cookie texture.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender cookie base.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie's structure.
• Carrots: Add moisture, natural sweetness, and a classic carrot cake flavor to the cookies.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that bring the traditional carrot cake flavor profile to the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a rich, sweet aroma and deepens the overall flavor.

• Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar: Create a classic, smooth, and tangy frosting that complements the spiced cookie.
• Milk: Helps adjust the frosting's consistency and smoothness.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a spreadable frosting texture.

Steps For Soft And Spiced Carrot Cake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Set your oven to 350°F and grab a large mixing bowl.

• All-purpose flour
• Ground cinnamon
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground ginger

Step 2: Create Cookie Mixture

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar

Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.

• Freshly grated carrots
• Chopped walnuts (optional)

Gradually mix in the dry ingredient blend until just combined.

Step 3: Shape and Bake Cookies

Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Drop rounded spoonfuls of cookie dough, leaving space between each.

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

Remove and let cool completely on wire racks.

Step 4: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

Brown butter in a saucepan until it develops a nutty aroma.

• Softened cream cheese
• Browned butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Milk

Whip until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Decorate Cookies

Once cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting on top.

Sprinkle with additional chopped walnuts or a dash of cinnamon if desired.

Tips For Carrot Cake Cookies That Stay Chewy

• Grate Carrots Freshly grate carrots for the best moisture and texture, avoiding pre-shredded packaged carrots that can be dry.
• Control Spreading Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent cookies from spreading too much and maintain a perfect shape.
• Achieve Softness Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and create soft, tender cookies with a consistent crumb.
• Perfect Frosting Brown butter beforehand to develop a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the cream cheese frosting's complexity.
• Prevent Burning Watch cookies closely during the last few minutes of baking to ensure golden edges without burning the bottoms.

Carrot Cake Cookie Variations For More Fun

• Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version with nutty undertones.
• Vegan Carrot Cake Cookies: Swap eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and create dairy-free cream cheese frosting with cashew base.
• Low-Sugar Carrot Cake Cookies: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Nut-Packed Carrot Cake Cookies: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to dough for extra crunch and boost protein content, enhancing traditional recipe with rich nutty elements.

Serving Carrot Cake Cookies At Parties

• Cozy Coffee Companion: Pair these carrot cake cookies with a warm mug of spiced chai or cinnamon coffee for a delightful afternoon treat that enhances the cake's warm flavors.
• Dessert Platter Perfection: Arrange cookies on a rustic wooden board with cream cheese frosting in a small dipping bowl, creating an elegant and interactive dessert experience for guests.
• Gifting Goodness: Package cooled cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with twine, adding a small cinnamon stick or dried flower for a charming homemade gift that feels personal and thoughtful.
• Party Presentation: Create mini cookie sandwiches by spreading extra frosting between two cookies, making bite-sized treats perfect for potlucks or casual gatherings.

Storing Carrot Cake Cookies For Softness

• Store frosted carrot cake cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap unbaked or baked (without frosting) cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Layer cookies between wax paper in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Let thaw in refrigerator overnight for best texture.
• Warm refrigerated cookies in microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes until slightly warm and soft.

FAQs

• Are carrot cake cookies healthy?

They contain carrots which provide some nutrients, but they’re still a dessert with sugar and butter. Enjoy in moderation as a treat.

• Can I make these cookies without cream cheese frosting?

Yes, you can skip the frosting or use alternative toppings like a light glaze or powdered sugar dusting.

• How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for lightly golden edges and a set center. They should look slightly soft but not wet when you remove them from the oven.

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

You can substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, which will give a slightly denser texture and nuttier flavor.

Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Irresistible carrot cake cookies blend classic dessert comfort with portable cookie charm. Warm spices, creamy frosting, and tender carrot crumbles promise a delightful sweet treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups (660 ml) flour
• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) grated carrots
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) butter
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) sugar
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) brown sugar

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla

Frosting Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons (60 ml) butter
• 2 ounces (56 g) cream cheese
• 3 cups (720 ml) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 6 tablespoons (90 ml) milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
2. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to eliminate any lumps.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
4. Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, followed by vanilla extract, ensuring complete integration after each addition.
5. Gently fold shredded carrots into the wet ingredients, distributing evenly throughout the mixture.
6. Gradually add dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a uniform dough forms without overmixing.
7. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and centers appear set but slightly soft.
9. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
10. For frosting, brown butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it develops a nutty aroma and amber color.
11. Whip cream cheese in a bowl, then gradually incorporate browned butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a touch of milk until smooth and spreadable.
12. Once cookies are completely cooled, generously spread cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.

Notes

• Toast nuts briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and crunch, creating more depth in the cookie.
• Use freshly grated carrots instead of pre-shredded for better moisture and natural sweetness in the dough.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create thicker, chewier cookies.
• Try gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising texture or taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg