If you adore the cozy, comforting flavors of classic carrot cake but want a quicker, hand-held treat, this Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe is just the ticket. These cookies pack all the warm spices, tender shredded carrots, and delightful texture from oats and nuts into every bite. Whether enjoyed plain or topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, they balance sweetness and spice beautifully, delivering a perfect snack or dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredients, each playing a vital role in bringing texture, flavor, and that signature moistness. Here’s what you’ll gather to whip up these irresistible goodies.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to your cookies without overpowering their soft character.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and stay tender with a gentle lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to ensure perfect fluffiness and texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that warm, comforting spice essential to carrot cake charm.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A pinch that deepens the spiced aroma and taste.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and keeps the cookies tender and moist.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness and chewiness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar for just the right amount of sweetness and crunch.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder and adds moisture for tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its sweet, fragrant complexity.
- 1 cup finely grated carrots: The star ingredient, adding natural sweetness, moisture, and that lovely carrot cake essence.
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats: Lends chewiness and rustic texture that makes each bite satisfying.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds a nutty crunch and complements the spices beautifully.
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional): Offers little bursts of natural sweetness and chewy contrast.
- Cream cheese frosting (optional): The perfect finishing touch if you want to elevate your cookies into luscious sandwich treats or drizzled delights.
How to Make Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect baking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend of dry ingredients ensures even distribution of spices and the perfect rise.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This creaminess is key to creating tender cookies that melt in your mouth.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until they’re fully incorporated, giving your dough moisture and that wonderful aromatic base.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until everything comes together. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so take care to combine without overdoing it.
Step 5: Fold in Carrots, Oats, and Optional Add-ins
Now for the fun part: fold in the finely grated carrots, old-fashioned oats, and, if you like, the chopped nuts and raisins. These add-ons bring texture and bursts of flavor that take these cookies to the next level.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn golden and the centers are set but still soft. Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Add Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)
If you want to live a little, spread or pipe cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a delightful sandwich or drizzle it on top once the cookies have fully cooled. This bonus step introduces richness and tanginess that perfectly complements the spices and sweetness.
How to Serve Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an eye-catching and taste-pleasing garnish, a dusting of cinnamon powder or a light drizzle of cream cheese frosting is fantastic. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts or finely grated carrots on top to amp up the rustic charm and invite everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
Pairing your Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe with a hot cup of spiced chai or a creamy latte makes an afternoon snack feel indulgent and cozy. For a lighter option, a simple glass of cold milk or herbal tea complements the natural sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Arrange your cookies on a platter with fresh carrot ribbons and a bowl of cream cheese frosting for dipping. Alternatively, make mini cookie sandwiches using the frosting and serve them in cupcake liners for a festive touch that’s perfect for parties or gifting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying these delicious Carrot Cake Cookies, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to maintain their soft texture and fresh flavor.
Freezing
You can easily freeze these cookies to enjoy later. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They keep well for up to three months and thaw beautifully for an anytime treat.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen or stored cookies, warm them briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This refreshes the softness and brings back that freshly baked warmth, especially delightful if you apply frosting afterward.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This can even enhance the flavors, but be sure to let the dough come to room temperature briefly before scooping.
Are the nuts and raisins necessary?
Not at all. They are optional add-ins that add texture and flavor, but you can omit them if you prefer a more straightforward cookie or need to accommodate allergies.
What can I use instead of cream cheese frosting?
If you want a frosting alternative, a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice or honey works wonderfully, adding a citrusy brightness that pairs beautifully with the spices.
How do I ensure the carrots bake evenly in the cookies?
Grating the carrots finely is essential to ensure they cook evenly and blend seamlessly with the cookie batter, keeping each bite tender without any raw carrot texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The cookies will still turn out delicious and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines nostalgia and convenience in one bite-sized treat. Whether you make them plain or dressed up with frosting, they’re bound to become a quick favorite for any occasion. So grab your grater, gather your ingredients, and dive into the wonderful world of carrot cake cookies—you won’t regret it!
Print
Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully soft and spiced carrot cake cookies featuring grated carrots, oats, and warm spices, optionally enhanced with nuts and raisins. These cookies can be enjoyed plain or with a luscious cream cheese frosting, perfect for Easter or any cozy dessert craving.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely grated carrots
Additional Mix-ins (Optional)
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins
For Serving (Optional)
- Cream cheese frosting (for sandwich cookies or drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures all leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, creating a smooth batter base.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, which adds moisture and flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing, preserving tender texture.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the grated carrots, oats, and optional nuts or raisins, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Form Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and centers are set, indicating doneness.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture.
- Frost (Optional): Once cooled, optionally spread or pipe cream cheese frosting between two cookies to create sandwiches or drizzle on top.
Notes
- Grate carrots finely to ensure even moisture distribution and consistent baking.
- You can omit nuts or raisins if preferred, making the cookies nut-free or simpler.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies and thaw as needed.
