Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe

If you are searching for a delightful twist on a classic dessert, this Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe is absolutely perfect for you. Imagine the moist, warmly spiced flavor of carrot cake, but in the convenient, handheld form of a cookie, complete with a luscious cream cheese frosting sandwiching each bite. These cookies boast a wonderful texture from oats and shredded carrots, with bursts of sweetness thanks to raisins and coconut. Whether you’re baking for a party or simply to satisfy a cozy craving at home, this recipe will quickly become your go-to treat to impress friends and family alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and that irresistible, fresh-from-the-oven charm. From spices to the mix-ins, these simple pantry staples come together beautifully to create a cookie that’s more than just sweet—it’s a little celebration of warmth and comfort.

• Unsalted butter: Softened for creamy texture and rich flavor that forms the cookie base.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel note perfect for carrot cake vibes.
• Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps the cookies crisp slightly at the edges.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure to the dough.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all flavors with its warm, inviting aroma.
• All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone ensuring your cookies hold their shape.
• Old fashioned rolled oats: Add chewy texture and a wholesome bite.
• Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents create a tender, slightly puffy cookie.
• Cinnamon: Brings that signature warm spice note that you expect in carrot cake.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• Finely grated carrots: The star ingredient, providing moisture, subtle sweetness, and beautiful color.
• Unsweetened coconut: Adds a delightful chewy texture and tropical hint.
• California raisins: Bring bursts of natural sweetness and a chewy contrast.
• Cream cheese (for frosting): Softened to a smooth consistency, delivering tangy richness.
• Butter (for frosting): Softened for a light and creamy texture.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect spreadability.

How to Make Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating the oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup so much easier.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter with the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration step is crucial as it helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time with the vanilla extract. This adds moisture and richness while melding all these flavors together beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Slowly add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to keep your cookies tender.

Step 5: Fold in Carrots, Coconut, and Raisins

Gently stir in the finely grated carrots, unsweetened coconut, and California raisins. These add wonderful texture and bursts of flavor that make this Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe truly stand out.

Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Sheets

Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto your prepared baking sheets. This spacing ensures your cookies bake evenly without spreading into one another.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 9 to 10 minutes until the edges are just lightly browned and the tops look set. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake—they should be soft but hold together nicely.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important so the frosting doesn’t melt when applied.

Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is thick and spreadable.

Step 10: Assemble the Cookies

Spread about 1 tablespoon of frosting onto the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich it with another cookie. Let the frosted cookies set for 1 to 2 hours before serving. This allows the frosting to firm up and makes the cookies easier to handle.

How to Serve Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, sprinkle some finely chopped walnuts on top of the frosting before sandwiching the cookies or dust them lightly with cinnamon. These simple touches enhance both visual appeal and texture, impressing anyone lucky enough to try them.

Side Dishes

Carrot Cake Cookies are marvelous on their own, but pairing them with a hot cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee brings out the spices beautifully. For brunch or dessert, a dollop of whipped cream or a simple bowl of fresh berries complements the cookie’s sweetness effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these cookies on a rustic wooden platter alongside whole carrots and coconut flakes to highlight the ingredients in a fun and inviting way. Alternatively, arrange them in a gift box layered with parchment paper for a homemade treat that’s perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover carrot cake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness. This keeps the cookies soft and the frosting deliciously creamy without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies, either frosted or unfrosted. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months and thaw beautifully at room temperature.

Reheating

If you’d like to warm up the cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This quick zap revives that fresh-baked softness, making the cream cheese frosting wonderfully melty and delicious again.

FAQs

Can I use other dried fruits instead of raisins?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or dried cherries can all work wonderfully and add a fun variation to the cookies’ flavor profile.

Is it necessary to use old fashioned rolled oats?

Yes, rolled oats provide a hearty texture that quick oats or instant oats cannot replicate, giving these cookies their signature chewy bite.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

With a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, these cookies can be adapted, but be sure to check that your baking powder and oats are gluten-free as well.

Why do I need both baking soda and baking powder?

Using both gives the cookies a lift and tenderness without making them cakey, balancing texture perfectly for this recipe.

Can I skip the frosting?

You can, but the cream cheese frosting is what truly makes this Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe shine by adding that classic tangy sweetness. Without it, the cookies still taste great but something special is missing.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe inspires you to get into the kitchen and bake something truly scrumptious and comforting. They’re perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself, and the blend of textures and flavors will make these cookies a favorite in your household. Once you try them, it’s hard to go back to ordinary cookies again!

Print