Carrot cake lovers, rejoice! If you adore the rich, spiced flavors of carrot cake but prefer a more convenient, handheld treat, these Carrot Cake Cookies are perfect for you. They combine the warmth of cinnamon, the natural sweetness of carrots, and the delightful texture of oats to create a truly irresistible dessert.
These cookies offer everything you love about traditional carrot cake in a compact, chewy, and lightly crispy form. Plus, they’re easy to make and require no fancy equipment. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a cozy homemade treat, these cookies will quickly become a household favorite.
Perfectly spiced and studded with walnuts and raisins, they strike the ideal balance between sweet and nutty. And the best part? A luscious cream cheese frosting to take them over the top. Follow this simple recipe, and soon you’ll be indulging in one of the best cookies you’ve ever made!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup grated carrots
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Incorporate Carrots and Oats: Stir in the grated carrots and oats, followed by the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Add Nuts and Raisins: Fold in the walnuts and raisins if using.
- Scoop and Bake: Drop tablespoon-sized scoops onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.
- Cool the Cookies: Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Make the Frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
- Frost and Serve: Once cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the frosting on top. Enjoy!
How to Prepare
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Use fresh, finely grated carrots for a moist texture.
- If you prefer crunchier cookies, reduce the oats slightly.
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese.
- Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking for a chewier texture.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: (Optional) 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30-45 minutes
Servings
- Makes approximately 20 cookies.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
2. How do I store Carrot Cake Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
3. Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze them (unfrosted) in a single layer for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost when ready to serve.
4. What can I use instead of raisins?
You can swap raisins for dried cranberries, chopped dates, or leave them out entirely.
5. Can I use store-bought frosting?
Yes, but homemade cream cheese frosting tastes fresher and has a richer flavor.
Carrot Cake Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, offering the same cozy flavors in a fun, bite-sized form. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a layer of cream cheese frosting, they make the perfect treat for any occasion.
Baking these cookies is simple and rewarding, filling your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas. Plus, they store well, making them great for meal prep or gifting. Try this recipe today, and treat yourself to the sweet, spiced goodness of Carrot Cake Cookies!