Carrot cake cookies combine the flavors of traditional carrot cake with the convenience of a handheld treat. These cookies are soft, spiced, and packed with shredded carrots, warm cinnamon, and crunchy nuts. A luscious cream cheese frosting adds the finishing touch, making them a delightful dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 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
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
Step 4: Incorporate Carrots and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined. Fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Use a cookie scoop to drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 6: Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
Step 8: Frost the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting onto each cookie.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Enjoy your homemade carrot cake cookies with a cup of coffee or tea. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Tips for the Best Carrot Cake Cookies
- Use freshly grated carrots for better texture and moisture.
- Don’t overmix the dough to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Toast the walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if the cookies spread too much.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of ginger or cloves.
Variations
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Healthier Option: Substitute some of the butter with applesauce.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add melted white or dark chocolate for extra indulgence.
Carrot cake cookies are the perfect treat for any time of year. Their soft texture, spiced flavor, and creamy frosting make them an irresistible dessert that everyone will love!
