Irresistible Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe: Sweet Baking Joy

Soft, chewy, and bursting with warm spices, these delightful carrot cake cookies blend the beloved flavors of a classic dessert into an irresistible handheld treat.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet carrots and aromatic cinnamon that dance across your taste buds.

The recipe brings together simple ingredients in a magical combination that turns ordinary baking into something extraordinary.

Cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious finish to these tender morsels, creating a nostalgic experience that feels like a slice of comfort.

Perfectly portable and simple to make, these cookies offer all the decadence of carrot cake in a convenient, shareable form.

You’ll love how quickly they come together and how eagerly everyone reaches for seconds.

Bake a batch and watch these delectable cookies disappear in moments.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes (plus frosting time)

Calories: 226 kcal

Servings: 22

Carrot Cake Cookies: Everything You’ll Use

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy base that ensures soft, tender cookie texture; choose high-quality unsalted butter for best flavor.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds moisture; select fresh, room-temperature eggs for smooth mixing.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall sweetness and depth; opt for pure vanilla extract over artificial versions.

• Flour: Creates cookie structure; use all-purpose flour for consistent results.
• Oats: Adds hearty texture and nutty undertone; rolled oats work best for chewy consistency.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Provides leavening and helps cookies rise; ensure they're fresh for maximum effectiveness.
• Cinnamon, Salt: Balances sweetness and elevates flavor profile; use ground cinnamon for even distribution.

• Carrots: Brings natural sweetness and moisture; grate finely for smooth cookie texture.
• Unsweetened Coconut: Adds tropical nuance and interesting texture; use shredded or flaked variety.
• Raisins: Introduces chewy burst of sweetness; golden raisins offer milder flavor than dark ones.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Contribute different sweetness levels and help with caramelization.

• Cream Cheese: Creates tangy, smooth frosting base; use full-fat version for rich consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken frosting; sift to prevent lumps.

Must-Have Tools for Baking Carrot Cake Cookies

• Large bowl or stand mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and mixing dough smoothly.
• Baking sheets: Essential for baking cookies evenly and creating delicious treats.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities for perfect cookies.
• Grater: Helps shred carrots quickly and easily.
• Tablespoon or cookie scoop: Creates uniform cookie sizes and neat frosting dollops.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool without getting soggy.
• Mixing spatula or wooden spoon: Helps combine ingredients thoroughly.
• Electric mixer: Whips frosting to light and creamy perfection.

Baking Carrot Cake Cookies from Start to Finish

Sweet Carrot Cake Cookie Adventure

• Cookie Preparation

Get your kitchen cozy and ready for a delightful baking experience. Gather all your favorite baking tools and ingredients for these scrumptious treats.

• Mixing Magic

Blend softened butter with sugars until they create a dreamy, fluffy mixture. Add eggs and vanilla, stirring until everything looks smooth and inviting.

• Dry Ingredient Dance

Combine flour, oats, warming spices, and a pinch of salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into your buttery base, creating a rich cookie foundation.

• Colorful Additions

Fold in freshly grated carrots, sweet coconut flakes, and plump raisins. These ingredients will give your cookies incredible texture and flavor.

• Shaping Happiness

Scoop dollops of dough onto baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Use damp hands to create perfectly rounded shapes if you want.

• Baking Transformation

Slide your cookies into a warm oven and bake until edges turn golden and tops look delicately set. Let them rest and cool naturally.

• Creamy Frosting Finale

Whip cream cheese and butter into a silky smooth frosting. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until you achieve a dreamy, spreadable consistency.

• Cookie Sandwich Creation

Spread luscious frosting between two cookies, creating delightful sandwich treats. Gently press to distribute the creamy filling.

• Serving and Storing

Allow cookies to rest so frosting can set. Store in a cool container, enjoying these delectable treats for several days.

Ideas to Upgrade Carrot Cookie Texture and Taste

• Swap out raisins for chocolate chips or chopped nuts to create a personalized twist on the classic carrot cake cookie.
• Replace some all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, or add ground flaxseed for an extra nutritional boost without compromising taste.
• Experiment with additional warm spices like ground ginger, nutmeg, or cardamom to enhance the cookie's depth of flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
• Use a piping bag with a star tip to create elegant frosting swirls, or dust the finished cookies with a light sprinkle of cinnamon for an elegant, professional touch.

How to Serve Carrot Cake Cookies with Flair

• Brunch Companion Delight: Pair these carrot cake cookies with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a mid-morning treat that brightens any gathering.
• Dessert Platter Centerpiece: Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries and mint leaves for an Instagram-worthy presentation that will impress guests.
• Afternoon Tea Elegance: Stack the cookies on a tiered cake stand alongside other small pastries for a sophisticated sweet spread that feels like a special occasion.
• Gifting Gourmet Touch: Package the cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon, creating a homemade gift that shows thoughtfulness and culinary skill.

Keep Carrot Cookies Fresh and Soft

• Sweet Storage Sanctuary: Refrigerate carrot cake cookies in an airtight container, layering with wax paper to prevent sticking and maintain freshness for up to one week.
• Freezing Flavor Fortress: Carefully wrap individual cookies or sandwich pairs in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen cookies stay delicious for 2-3 months with minimal taste or texture loss.
• Room Temperature Rhythm: Keep cookies at cool room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon, ensuring they remain soft and enjoyable. Place in a sealed container away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough and freeze unbaked portions in small balls. When ready to bake, thaw briefly and place directly on baking sheets for fresh, homemade treats with minimal effort.

Soft Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes (plus frosting time)
• Yield: 22 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Homemade carrot cake cookies combine classic dessert flavors with portable cookie charm. Spiced dough packed with grated carrots and optional nuts delivers delightful comfort you’ll savor with each sweet, warmly spiced bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ cups finely grated carrots
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (100 grams) old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup (200 grams) California Raisins
• 1 cup (80 grams) unsweetened coconut
• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 grams) brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp (5 ml) cinnamon
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) baking soda
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) baking powder
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
• 6 oz (170 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 8 tbsps (113 grams) butter, softened
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
• 2 ⅓ cups (270 grams) powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheating: Position oven rack centrally and warm to 350°F, lining baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie preparation.
2. Creaming: Vigorously blend butter and sugars until light and fluffy, creating a voluminous base for the cookie mixture.
3. Wet Ingredients: Integrate eggs and vanilla, mixing thoroughly to develop a smooth, unified texture that ensures even distribution of flavor.
4. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Delicately fold flour, oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to preserve the cookie’s tender crumb.
5. Flavor Incorporation: Gently fold in grated carrots, coconut, and raisins, ensuring even dispersion throughout the dough for a harmonious flavor profile.
6. Portioning and Shaping: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared sheets, leaving ample space between each cookie, and softly contour with moistened fingertips for uniform appearance.
7. Baking: Transfer to preheated oven, baking until edges turn golden and surfaces lose their glossy sheen, approximately 9-10 minutes.
8. Cooling: Allow cookies to rest briefly on baking sheet, then transfer to cooling rack to achieve complete temperature equilibration.
9. Frosting Preparation: Whip cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until silky, gradually introducing powdered sugar to create a light, airy frosting.
10. Assembly: Construct sandwich cookies by spreading generous frosting between two cooled cookie bases, pressing gently to secure filling.
11. Finishing: Let frosted cookies stabilize at room temperature, then store between wax paper layers in a cool environment.

Notes

• Measure with Precision: Use exact measurements for consistent texture and flavor, especially in baking where precision matters most.
• Grate Carrots Carefully: Pat grated carrots dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making cookies soggy or spread unevenly.
• Room Temperature Matters: Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cookie consistency.
• Chill for Success: Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain cookie shape during baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 22
• Calories: 226
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg