Description
These Soft Carrot Cake Cookies bring all the cozy, spiced flavor of classic carrot cake into a chewy, handheld treat. Packed with freshly shredded carrots and warm spices, and optionally topped with cream cheese frosting, these cookies are perfect for parties, spring holidays, or anytime you crave a sweet, nostalgic dessert without baking a full cake.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely shredded carrots
Optional:
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ¼ cup raisins
For the Cream Cheese Frosting (optional):
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla, then fold in shredded carrots.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until combined. Fold in any optional mix-ins.
- Scoop dough into heaping tablespoons and place on baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and centers are soft but cooked.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
- If using frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until fluffy. Frost cooled cookies as desired.
Notes
- Add a pinch of ginger or cloves for more spice.
- Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Skip the frosting and stir in white chocolate chips for a simpler option.
- Make cookie sandwiches by adding frosting between two cookies.
- Use freshly grated carrots for the best texture and moisture.
