Homemade Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Whipping up delectable carrot cake cookies brings pure joy to any kitchen adventure.

Sweet aromas will soon fill your home with warmth and comfort.

Crisp autumn spices blend perfectly with soft, chewy textures that melt in your mouth.

cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch to these delightful treats.

Each bite promises a miniature celebration of classic dessert flavors.

Baking these cookies requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Gather your ingredients and let’s create something truly magical together.

Why Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Are a Must

• These carrot cake cookies offer a super simple baking experience that even beginner bakers can master with ease.
• The perfect blend of warm spices, sweet carrots, and creamy cream cheese frosting creates an irresistible treat that will wow family and friends.
• Ideal for casual gatherings, potlucks, afternoon snacks, or as a sweet pick-me-up with coffee, these cookies adapt to any occasion with their comforting, homemade charm.
• Combining soft, chewy cookie texture with crunchy walnuts and sweet raisins delivers a delightful mouthfeel that keeps everyone coming back for more.

What Goes Into Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure to the soft and chewy cookies.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become light.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and classic carrot cake flavor to the cookies.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste and balances the sweetness of the recipe.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to the cookies' soft and chewy consistency.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help create a smooth cookie dough.

• Carrots: The star ingredient that gives the cookies their signature carrot cake character and natural sweetness.
• Walnuts, Raisins: Optional mix-ins that add texture and extra flavor to the cookies.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a smooth and creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the right frosting consistency.
• Vanilla: Adds a classic, warm flavor to the cream cheese frosting.

How to Make Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper for a smooth cookie adventure.

Step 2: Create Dry Magic

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined.

Step 3: Whip Up Butter Bliss

In a large bowl, beat softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until the mixture looks light and fluffy.

Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Step 4: Marry The Ingredients

Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

• Grated carrots
• Chopped walnuts
• Raisins (optional)

Mix until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Dreams

Use a spoon to drop generous dollops of dough onto prepared baking sheets.

Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to give them room to spread.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the oven.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden and centers look set.

Let cookies rest on the sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 7: Craft Creamy Frosting

In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until silky smooth.

Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until the frosting becomes wonderfully creamy.

Step 8: Dress Up The Cookies

Once cookies have completely cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of each cookie.

Enjoy your delightful carrot cake cookies!

Baking Tips for Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Use the smallest holes on your grater for ultra-smooth, moist cookie texture that blends perfectly into the dough.
• Reduce powdered sugar in frosting by 2 tablespoons if you prefer less sweet treats, maintaining creamy consistency.
• Replace walnuts with pecans or almonds for different flavor profiles, or omit entirely for nut-free version without compromising cookie structure.
• Unfrosted cookies can be frozen up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature and add cream cheese frosting just before serving for maximum freshness.

Store and Reheat Carrot Cake Cookies the Right Way

• Place cooled carrot cake cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and creamy frosting.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Store unfrosted cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent texture changes.
• Warm refrigerated or frozen cookies in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes. Allow cream cheese frosting to soften naturally at room temperature before serving.

What Complements Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Pair with Warm Spiced Tea: Brew a comforting chai or cinnamon tea that echoes the warm spices in the carrot cake cookies, creating a harmonious flavor connection.
• Complement with Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the cookies for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures that enhances the dessert's richness.
• Match with Caramel Latte: The sweet, buttery notes of a caramel latte perfectly balance the spiced, nutty profile of the carrot cake cookies, offering a luxurious taste experience.
• Enjoy with Moscato Wine: Select a light, sweet Moscato that brings out the dessert's subtle sweetness and complements the cream cheese frosting's creamy texture.

Flavor Swaps for Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend for those with celiac disease or wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and create dairy-free cream cheese frosting using cashew cream or vegan cream cheese alternatives.
• Low-Sugar Version: Substitute brown and granulated sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining cookie sweetness.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Remove walnuts completely or replace with sunflower seeds for those with nut allergies, ensuring the recipe remains safe and enjoyable for everyone.

FAQs

• Are these cookies soft or crispy?

These cookies are soft and cake-like, with a tender crumb that’s reminiscent of traditional carrot cake. The texture is moist and delicate, not crunchy.

• Can I make these cookies without nuts?

Absolutely! You can simply omit the walnuts or replace them with another mix-in like shredded coconut or chocolate chips. The recipe is flexible and will still taste delicious.

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

Look for golden edges and a set center. The cookies should look slightly puffy and not wet in the middle. When you touch them gently, they should spring back and not feel raw or doughy.

• Is it necessary to use both brown and white sugar?

Yes, using both sugars creates a deeper flavor and better texture. Brown sugar adds moisture and a rich caramel-like taste, while white sugar helps with crispness and sweetness.

Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet homemade Carrot Cake Cookies blend classic dessert flavors into irresistible handheld treats. Warm spices and creamy frosting invite home bakers to savor each delightful, perfectly balanced bite.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (240 g) grated carrots
• 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened

Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional Add-ins and Extras:

• 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup (80 g) raisins (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and arrange parchment paper on two baking sheets.
2. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter with brown and granulated sugars until achieving a light, airy texture. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring complete integration after each addition.
4. Fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, creating a uniform batter. Gently mix in grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and raisins to distribute ingredients evenly.
5. Portion dough onto prepared baking sheets using a tablespoon, maintaining approximately 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
6. Slide baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden brown and centers appear set. Allow cookies to rest on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
7. Prepare cream cheese frosting by whipping cream cheese and butter until smooth and glossy. Gradually introduce powdered sugar and vanilla, blending until achieving a creamy consistency.
8. Once cookies have completely cooled, generously spread frosting across the surface of each cookie, creating an even layer of creamy topping.

Notes

• Grate carrots finely to ensure even distribution and prevent large, chunky pieces that might affect cookie texture.
• Use room temperature ingredients like butter, eggs, and cream cheese for smoother mixing and better incorporation.
• Experiment with alternative mix-ins like shredded coconut, dried cranberries, or pecans to customize the cookie flavor profile.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 215
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 34 mg