There’s something so comforting about the aroma of Carrot Cake Cookies baking in the oven. Imagine soft, chewy cookies with just the right balance of cinnamon spice, shredded carrots, and sweet, creamy icing – each bite a little taste of classic carrot cake in cookie form.

I first made these cookies when I was craving carrot cake but wanted something quicker and easier to share with friends. Now, they’re a staple treat, perfect for holidays or a cozy afternoon snack. Let’s dive into what makes these cookies irresistible!

Why You’ll Love These Carrot Cake Cookies

Prepare to fall in love with a new way to enjoy carrot cake! These Carrot Cake Cookies offer all the flavor of the classic dessert but in a portable, hand-held treat.

First, these cookies are incredibly soft and chewy. The addition of shredded carrots keeps them moist, and a blend of brown and white sugar ensures the perfect chewy texture.

Second, they’re easy to make and quick to bake. Unlike a traditional cake that can take hours from prep to plate, you can whip up these cookies in under an hour.

Third, they’re a beautiful mix of flavors. With cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger, each bite has a warm spice that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the carrots and the creamy tang of the frosting.

Finally, these cookies are versatile and easy to customize. You can add raisins, walnuts, or even coconut flakes for a unique twist that suits your taste.

Whether you’re looking for a snack, dessert, or a creative addition to your holiday cookie tray, these Carrot Cake Cookies have got you covered!

Ingredients Notes

These Carrot Cake Cookies use simple pantry ingredients along with a few fresh items that make all the difference in flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what goes into this delicious recipe.

Shredded Carrots: Fresh, finely shredded carrots add natural sweetness and moisture to these cookies. Avoid pre-shredded carrots, as they’re often too thick and don’t blend as well into the dough.
Brown Sugar and White Sugar: This blend provides just the right amount of sweetness. The brown sugar, in particular, adds a subtle caramel flavor and keeps the cookies chewy.
All-Purpose Flour: The standard for cookies, all-purpose flour gives structure without making the cookies too dense. If you prefer a slightly healthier option, try substituting half the flour with whole wheat flour.
Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of ginger bring warmth to these cookies. You can adjust the spices to your preference, but this trio adds a classic carrot cake taste.
Cream Cheese Frosting: The cream cheese frosting is a must! Its tangy sweetness balances the cookie’s flavors beautifully. You can make it as thick or thin as you like, depending on whether you want a drizzle or a thicker layer.

No special equipment is needed for this recipe – just a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

How To Make These Carrot Cake Cookies

Creating these delectable Carrot Cake Cookies is easier than you’d think! Just a few steps and you’ll have bakery-quality treats in no time.

Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. This step ensures that the sugars are fully incorporated, giving your cookies that perfect chewy texture. Then, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Carefully fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix – this keeps the cookies tender.
Add Carrots and Optional Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the shredded carrots. If you’d like, now’s the time to add a handful of raisins or chopped walnuts for extra flavor and texture.
Scoop and Bake: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before adding frosting.
Frost and Enjoy: Whip up the cream cheese frosting by beating softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla. Spread or drizzle the frosting onto each cooled cookie, and add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for garnish if you’d like.

These cookies take around 30 minutes to prepare, plus a short baking time – perfect for an afternoon baking project!

Storage Options

These Carrot Cake Cookies store beautifully, making them an ideal make-ahead treat.

Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they’re already frosted, keep them in a single layer to prevent sticking.
Refrigeration: Due to the cream cheese frosting, store any frosted cookies in the fridge, where they’ll keep for up to a week. Just let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked cookies (unfrosted) in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let the cookies thaw at room temperature before adding frosting.

To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back their soft, chewy texture – it’s like they’re fresh from the oven all over again!

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about these Carrot Cake Cookies is their versatility! Here are a few ideas for how to customize them:

Add Raisins or Walnuts: For a traditional carrot cake vibe, mix in a ½ cup of raisins or chopped walnuts with the carrots. They add great texture and flavor.
Coconut Flakes: Adding ¼ cup of unsweetened coconut flakes gives these cookies a tropical twist, making them taste like carrot cake with a hint of coconut.
Maple or Honey Glaze: For a lighter option, skip the cream cheese frosting and drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and a touch of maple syrup or honey.
Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking mix. The texture will be slightly different, but they’re still delicious!
Swap Spices: While cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are classic, you can experiment by adding a dash of cardamom or even allspice for a different flavor profile.

No matter how you customize them, these Carrot Cake Cookies are sure to be a hit. Try out a variation or two, and see which one becomes your family’s favorite!

Enjoy your baking journey, and get ready to share these scrumptious, spiced Carrot Cake Cookies with everyone around you. They’re a delightful twist on a classic that’s bound to become a new go-to treat. Happy baking!