Name: Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup light brown sugar (packed); ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs (room temperature preferred); 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; ½ teaspoon salt; 3 cups old-fashioned oats; 1 cup grated/shredded carrots; ¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans; ½-1 cup raisins (optional depending on preference); ¾ cup salted butter (softened); 12 oz cream cheese (softened); 4 ½ cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon corn starch (helps frosting maintain its shape)

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If you’re looking for a delightful twist on traditional desserts, this Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe will quickly become your new go-to treat. Picture the warm, cozy flavors of carrot cake transformed into a soft, chewy cookie that’s bursting with cinnamon, nutmeg, and the satisfying crunch of nuts and oats. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances sweetness and tang, these cookies bring all the nostalgia and comfort of carrot cake in an irresistibly portable form. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers a homemade dessert that feels special yet is easy enough for any baking enthusiast to conquer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface holds three main layers of ingredients before mixing: bright orange shredded carrots on the bottom left, a thick beige oatmeal-like mixture clinging to two metal beaters on the top left, and chopped light brown walnuts on the right side. An orange spatula rests inside the bowl, touching the oatmeal mixture and walnuts, with a gray and white striped cloth partially under the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The secret to these scrumptious carrot cake cookies lies in a handful of simple ingredients that each play a key role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and color. From creamy butter to freshly grated carrots and warmly spiced flour, every ingredient harmonizes to make these cookies stand out.

1 cup unsalted butter (softened): This provides richness and helps achieve a tender, buttery crumb in the cookie.
1 cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds natural sweetness and moisture, enhancing the cookie’s chewy texture.
½ cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps the cookies spread evenly.
2 large eggs (room temperature preferred): Binds all ingredients together while contributing to the cookie’s lift and softness.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with a warm, aromatic base flavor.
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies while remaining tender enough for softness.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise gently.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings that classic, comforting carrot cake spice flavor.
¼ teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a subtle depth and warmth to the spice profile.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
3 cups old-fashioned oats: Offer chewiness and a hearty texture that complements the softness of the carrot cake elements.
1 cup grated/shredded carrots: The star ingredient that keeps these cookies moist and naturally sweet.
¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Introduce a lovely crunch and an earthy nuttiness.
½-1 cup raisins (optional): Add bursts of chewy sweetness for those who love a little fruity surprise.

For the frosting:

¾ cup salted butter (softened): Creates a creamy base for the frosting with a hint of saltiness to balance the sugar.
12 oz cream cheese (softened): Offers tanginess and richness that makes the frosting irresistible.
4 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect spreading consistency.
1 tsp pure vanilla extract: Adds a subtle aroma and depth to the frosting.
1 Tablespoon corn starch: Helps the frosting hold its shape and keeps it from being too sticky on your fingers.

How to Make Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is perfectly ready for the cookies to bake evenly as soon as the dough is prepared.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with both light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, providing the cookies with that enviable soft and tender texture.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Mix well, scraping down the bowl occasionally to make sure every bit of the mixture is fully incorporated. The eggs act as the glue that will hold all of your cookies’ ingredients together beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This blend of spices with the leavening agents is what infuses each cookie with that unmistakable carrot cake flavor.

Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Mix into Wet

Gradually add your dry ingredients into the butter and sugar mixture. Be patient—mix in stages, pausing to scrape down the bowl to avoid any stubborn pockets of flour.

Step 6: Stir in Oats, Carrots, and Nuts

Fold in the old-fashioned oats for added heartiness, then gently mix in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts or pecans. If you’re a fan of raisins, this is the moment to add them as well. Each addition brings layers of texture and flavor that make these cookies memorable.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop 2 tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets. For uniform shapes, roll the dough into smooth balls between your palms—expect some stickiness, thanks to the carrots! Space each cookie at least 2 inches apart to give them room to spread. Bake in your preheated oven for 11-12 minutes. Don’t worry if the centers look slightly underbaked; they will set as they cool, giving you the perfect chewy center.

Step 8: Cool Completely Before Frosting

Let your cookies cool fully on the baking sheet. This step is vital so that the frosting won’t melt or slide off when applied.

Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together the softened salted butter and cream cheese until silky smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar in small batches while mixing, stopping to scrape the bowl as needed. Stir in the vanilla extract and finally, the corn starch. This addition ensures frosting keeps its shape whether spread or piped.

Step 10: Decorate

Spread the frosting generously over each cooled cookie or use a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip to create elegant swirls. Your carrot cake cookies are now ready to delight!

How to Serve Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe

A close-up of two large oatmeal carrot cookies stacked on a piece of white parchment paper, showing rough, chunky texture with visible oats and bright orange carrot shreds mixed throughout the brown cookie dough. In the background, a white bowl with speckled dots holds more cookies, and a yellow measuring spoon filled with ground cinnamon sits beside them on a dark wooden surface replaced with a white marbled texture. The lighting highlights the soft, moist look of the cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate these cookies, consider a sprinkling of finely chopped nuts or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosting. A tiny carrot-shaped decoration made from fondant adds an adorable touch for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies with a cup of hot chai tea or freshly brewed coffee to complement the warm spices. A glass of cold milk or a dollop of whipped cream also pairs wonderfully for a cozy snack session.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking two cookies with a thicker layer of frosting sandwiched between for a delightful twist. For parties, place them on decorative plates edged with edible flowers or cinnamon sticks to enhance their inviting look and aroma.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your carrot cake cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent the frosting from sticking to other cookies.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Lay them flat on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their delicious flavor or texture.

Reheating

If you prefer your carrot cake cookies slightly warm, microwave a single cookie for about 10 seconds or warm in a low oven for 5 minutes. This softens the texture and makes the frosting a little melty, enhancing the overall experience.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies vegan?

You can easily adapt this Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe by swapping out butter for vegan margarine, using flax eggs instead of chicken eggs, and choosing a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting. The texture might differ slightly, but the flavors will still be incredible.

Do I have to use nuts in this recipe?

Not at all! If you have nut allergies or preferences, simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch and added nutrition.

Can I substitute rolled oats with quick oats?

While quick oats can be used in a pinch, rolled oats provide more texture and chewiness, which is part of what makes these cookies so satisfying. Try to stick with old-fashioned oats for the best results.

Why does the frosting include corn starch?

Corn starch helps the frosting hold its shape and prevents it from becoming too runny or sticky. This makes the frosting easier to handle and keeps it looking neat on your cookies for longer.

How long do carrot cake cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies maintain their softness and flavor for up to four days at room temperature. For longer freshness, refrigeration or freezing is recommended.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully comforting about turning a classic carrot cake into cookie form, and this Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe hits all the right notes with its flavorful spices, hearty oats, and that irresistible cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a cozy afternoon treat, or a gift to a loved one, these cookies feel like a warm hug in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try them and make these delicious little bites a new favorite!