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Carrot cake is a beloved dessert, and when it comes in the form of cookies, it’s an irresistible treat. These carrot cake cookies combine the comforting, spiced flavors of a classic carrot cake with the convenience and portability of a cookie. With their soft, chewy texture and rich flavor, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

The beauty of carrot cake cookies lies in their ability to capture all the delicious elements of carrot cake—cinnamon, nutmeg, and of course, shredded carrots—while offering a simpler, more snackable form. Topped with a sweet glaze, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy afternoon treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert for a special gathering. The best part? They’re easy to make, and you can store them for later, making them a fantastic make-ahead option.

Whether you’re a fan of carrot cake or just looking for a fun and flavorful cookie, these carrot cake cookies offer the best of both worlds. Their combination of warm spices, tender carrot bits, and a touch of cream cheese glaze makes them a delightful, unique treat that’s sure to impress. Give them a try, and you’ll be hooked on these delicious little cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Texture

The cookies are soft and chewy, providing a satisfying bite that’s not too cakey and not too crunchy.

2. Loaded with Flavor

Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, combined with the sweetness of the carrots, make every bite bursting with flavor.

3. Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you don’t need to be an expert baker to whip up these delicious cookies.

4. Versatile Treat

These cookies are perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy snack, a dessert for a gathering, or even a lunchbox treat.

5. Make-Ahead Friendly

These cookies stay fresh for days, and you can even freeze them for later, making them a convenient option to have on hand.

Ingredients

Shredded carrots
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Salt
Butter
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Walnuts (optional)
Raisins (optional)
Powdered sugar
Cream cheese (for frosting)

Variations

Add-ins: You can mix in other ingredients like shredded coconut, pecans, or chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Frosting variations: Instead of the classic cream cheese frosting, you can drizzle a simple vanilla glaze or even a maple syrup glaze over the cookies for a twist.
Vegan option: Use non-dairy butter and flax eggs as a substitute for the regular ingredients to make these cookies vegan-friendly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.

Step 6: Fold in the Carrots (and Optional Add-ins)

Fold in the shredded carrots, and if desired, add raisins and walnuts for extra texture.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a small bowl, beat together cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Drizzle the frosting over the cooled cookies.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Grate the carrots finely to ensure the cookies bake evenly and the texture is smooth.
Don’t overmix the dough; this will help maintain a soft and tender texture.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you find the dough too soft to handle easily.
Use a cookie scoop to get evenly sized cookies, which ensures consistent baking.
Adjust spices to your liking; feel free to add more cinnamon or nutmeg for a bolder flavor.

How to Serve

Serve these carrot cake cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee for the perfect afternoon treat. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert. You can even serve them as a breakfast cookie, as they’re full of wholesome ingredients like carrots and walnuts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover carrot cake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Be sure the cookies are completely cool before storing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Afterward, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature.

Reheating

To enjoy a warm, fresh cookie, reheat frozen cookies in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or bake them at 300°F (150°C) for 5-8 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier version, or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.

2. Can I make these cookies without frosting?

Absolutely! The cookies are delicious on their own, but the cream cheese frosting adds a rich, indulgent touch.

3. Can I substitute the butter with margarine?

Yes, you can substitute butter with margarine or a dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version of these cookies.

4. How can I make these cookies spicier?

Add extra cinnamon or a pinch of ground ginger to elevate the spiciness and bring out more warmth.

5. Can I use frozen shredded carrots?

Fresh carrots will yield the best results, but if you have frozen shredded carrots, make sure they are thawed and well-drained before using them.

6. Are these cookies too sweet?

The cookies are mildly sweet on their own, but the cream cheese frosting can add a lot of sweetness. You can skip or reduce the amount of frosting to keep the cookies on the less sweet side.

7. Can I leave out the raisins?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of raisins, you can omit them or replace them with other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dates.

8. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies should be slightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.

9. Can I add other spices to the cookies?

Feel free to experiment with adding ground ginger, allspice, or even a dash of cloves to make the cookies your own.

10. How do I make the frosting less sweet?

If the cream cheese frosting is too sweet for your taste, you can reduce the powdered sugar or substitute part of it with a small amount of honey or maple syrup for a more subtle sweetness.

Conclusion

These carrot cake cookies are a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake, offering the same warm, spiced flavors and tender texture in a portable cookie form. With the option to add nuts, raisins, and a cream cheese frosting drizzle, they’re customizable to suit your taste. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a cozy snack, these carrot cake cookies are sure to become a go-to favorite. Easy to make, wonderfully flavorful, and make-ahead friendly, they’re perfect for sharing or enjoying all on your own. Happy baking!