Cookies that blend the wholesome goodness of carrots with the comforting flavors of a classic cake—yes, that’s exactly what you get with carrot cake cookies. Bursting with flavor and texture, these cookies are not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make. Whether you bake them for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, you’re in for a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: cookies and cake.
Why We Love This Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe
There’s something special about carrot cake cookies that brings joy to each bite. They are soft, chewy, and perfectly sweetened, with a hint of spices that warm your palate. The addition of finely grated carrots ensures that these cookies retain moisture while providing a subtle earthiness. The creamy frosting adds a luscious finish, making them a perfect snack or dessert for any time of the day. Plus, who can resist the nutty crunch of walnuts? These cookies not only taste fantastic but also give you a unique way to enjoy the flavors of carrot cake in a more portable format. Once you try these cookies, you’ll understand why they hold a special place in many hearts.
Ingredients about Carrot Cake Cookies
To whip up a batch of these scrumptious carrot cake cookies, gather the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 cup finely grated carrots
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
How to Make Carrot Cake Cookies Directions
Making carrot cake cookies is a straightforward yet rewarding process. Here’s how you can create these delicious cookies from scratch.
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the finely grated carrots, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Stir these ingredients together until well combined.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: Take another mixing bowl and cream the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together. Use a hand mixer or a whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Once the butter and sugars are well combined, add in the large egg and vanilla extract. Mix until these ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to mix until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the cookies soft and airy.
- Fold in the Walnuts: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts. These will add a delightful crunch to your cookies.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart, as they will spread during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges start to turn golden brown, while the centers remain soft.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This will help them set up a bit before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps for a perfect frosting texture.
- Frost the Cookies: Once your cookies are completely cool, generously frost them with the cream cheese frosting.
- Enjoy: Indulge in your delicious carrot cake cookies! They are perfect for any occasion or simply as a treat for yourself.
How to Serve Carrot Cake Cookies
Serving carrot cake cookies is as delightful as eating them. You can place them on a decorative plate and serve them at parties, bake sales, or family gatherings. They also make for an excellent mid-afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. If you want to make your presentation more eye-catching, consider stacking them in a mason jar tied with a ribbon, which makes for a beautiful gift. For a fun twist, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent dessert experience. The creamy frost helps balance the sweet and spiced cookie, making it a perfect treat any time of the year.
Expert Tips: Carrot Cake Cookies
Here are some expert tips to elevate your cookie-baking game:
- Choose Fresh Carrots: Fresh carrots will provide the best flavor and moisture. Try to grate them just before using for maximum freshness.
- Customize Your Nuts: While walnuts are delicious, feel free to experiment with pecans or even macadamia nuts for a unique flavor twist.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, rather than soft and chewy ones.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best blending results, ensure that your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This will help achieve a smoother consistency in both the cookie dough and frosting.
- Cooling Time: Allow your cookies to cool slightly before transferring them from the baking sheet. If you rush this, they may break apart.
- Frosting Variations: If you want to change up the frosting, consider adding a touch of lemon zest or a splash of almond extract for something new and refreshing.
How to Store Carrot Cake Cookies
Storing your carrot cake cookies properly will help keep them fresh and delicious. After they have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to a week. If you have leftovers, you can also freeze the cookies. To do so, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will retain their flavor for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave.
Variation of Carrot Cake Cookies
Feel free to switch things up with your carrot cake cookies! Here are some variations you can try:
- Add Raisins or Cranberries: Incorporate dried fruits for a sweet, chewy texture. This adds another layer of flavor and enhances the cookie’s goodness.
- Chocolate Chips: For a chocolatey twist, fold in some mini chocolate chips. This adds richness and compliments the spices perfectly.
- Spices: Experiment with additional spices like ginger or allspice for a more complex flavor profile.
- Zest it Up: Adding a bit of orange or lemon zest can introduce a vibrant citrus note that brightens the overall flavor.
- Nutty Variations: Try adding different nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for a unique texture and taste.
FAQ
What are carrot cake cookies? Carrot cake cookies are soft, chewy cookies made with grated carrots, spices, and often topped with cream cheese frosting, inspired by traditional carrot cake.
How do I know when my carrot cake cookies are done? Your cookies are done when the edges turn golden brown and the centers look slightly underbaked, as they will continue to set while cooling.
Can I freeze carrot cake cookies? Yes, you can freeze carrot cake cookies. Place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and they can last up to three months.
What can I substitute for walnuts in carrot cake cookies? You can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or skip nuts altogether if you prefer a nut-free version.
How do I store leftover carrot cake cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Carrot Cake Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup finely grated carrots Use fresh, finely grated carrots for the best flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar Light or dark brown sugar can be used.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts Can substitute with pecans or skip for nut-free version.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure it is at room temperature.
- 1 large egg At room temperature.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened At room temperature.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix the grated carrots, flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt together until well combined.
- In another mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Baking
- Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges are golden brown while the centers remain soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting
- In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!