Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe

Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that tastes just like your favorite carrot cake, complete with a hint of cinnamon, tender carrots, and a tangy cream cheese filling. These Carrot Cake Cookies bring all the flavors of a classic carrot cake into handheld form, making them a perfect treat for anytime snacking.

this Recipes

I first made these cookies for a spring gathering, hoping to capture the charm of carrot cake in a simpler, shareable way. They were an instant hit and quickly became a requested recipe among family and friends. Let’s explore what makes these Carrot Cake Cookies so irresistible and how to whip up a batch in no time.

Why You’ll Love These Carrot Cake Cookies

These Carrot Cake Cookies are everything you love about the classic cake, wrapped up in a delicious cookie. Here’s why they’re a must-try:

Easy to make yet packed with flavor. With no need for frosting, layering, or fuss, these cookies offer a quicker and simpler way to enjoy carrot cake’s comforting flavors.

Soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced. Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth, while grated carrots keep the cookies soft and moist. Each bite is bursting with cozy, satisfying flavors.

Cream cheese filling option. For an extra special treat, add a dollop of cream cheese filling for that classic carrot cake tang. You can make some with and some without for variety!

Great for sharing. These cookies are portable and crowd-pleasing, making them perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet afternoon treat with coffee or tea.

Ingredients Notes

Creating the perfect carrot cake cookie is all about the right balance of spices, sweetness, and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-Purpose Flour: This provides the structure for the cookies. You can substitute part of it with whole wheat flour for a heartier cookie, but all-purpose flour will give the softest texture.
• Grated Carrots: Freshly grated carrots are essential for moisture and that classic carrot cake taste. Avoid pre-shredded carrots, as they tend to be too dry and don’t blend as well into the batter.
• Brown Sugar: This gives the cookies a deeper, caramelized sweetness and keeps them soft and chewy. You can use light or dark brown sugar depending on your preference.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices bring warmth and depth to the flavor, giving each bite a hint of cozy spice.
• Cream Cheese: If you’re making the cream cheese filling, use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and texture. You’ll mix it with a bit of powdered sugar for a lightly sweetened filling that perfectly complements the cookies.

For equipment, you’ll need a grater for the carrots and a cookie scoop to make evenly sized cookies. If you’re adding the cream cheese filling, a piping bag or zip-top bag with a corner cut off can help with neat dollops.

How To Make These Carrot Cake Cookies

Ready to bake? Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating these easy and delightful cookies.

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling (Optional): In a medium bowl, beat together 4 ounces of softened cream cheese and ¼ cup of powdered sugar until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag or zip-top bag and refrigerate until needed. This helps the filling firm up so it’s easy to add to the cookies later.
2. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. This helps to evenly distribute the spices.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened butter and ½ cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Gently fold in ¾ cup of grated carrots until well incorporated.
5. Mix and Portion the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough. Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Add the Cream Cheese Filling (If Using): If you’re using the cream cheese filling, pipe a small dollop into the center of each cookie. You can also gently press the filling down with the back of a spoon to swirl it slightly into the dough.
7. Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just set. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

These cookies are soft and chewy straight out of the oven and stay wonderfully moist for days!

Storage Options

Carrot Cake Cookies store well, so you can make them ahead or enjoy leftovers throughout the week. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’ve added cream cheese filling, it’s best to refrigerate them to keep the filling fresh.
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Let the cookies sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before eating to soften slightly.
• Freezer: These cookies freeze well! Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or enjoy them slightly chilled for a firmer texture.

For an extra treat, warm them in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked feel.

Variations and Substitutions

These Carrot Cake Cookies are wonderfully adaptable. Try some of these variations to customize them to your liking:

• Add Nuts or Raisins: For a more traditional carrot cake flavor, fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or ¼ cup of raisins along with the carrots. They add a delightful texture and flavor.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free. They may be a little softer but will still be delicious.
• Coconut Twist: Add ¼ cup of shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist that complements the carrots beautifully.
• Spice It Up: Try adding a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the dry ingredients for a more robust spice profile. It’s a great way to add depth to the flavor.
• Healthy Swap: Replace half of the butter with applesauce for a lighter version of the cookie. It will give a softer, slightly cakier texture but still tastes amazing.

Conclousion

With so many ways to make them your own, these Carrot Cake Cookies are a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy the cozy, spiced flavors, and happy baking!

Print