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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and arrange parchment paper on two baking sheets.
- Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
- 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.
- Fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, creating a uniform batter. Gently mix in grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and raisins to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Portion dough onto prepared baking sheets using a tablespoon, maintaining approximately 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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