These Carrot Cake Cookies are the perfect blend of warm spices, soft texture, and rich cream cheese frosting. They capture the essence of a classic carrot cake but in a bite-sized, handheld treat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.
Carrot Cake Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with cinnamon flavor, making them a delightful twist on traditional carrot cake. The sweet cream cheese frosting adds a creamy contrast to the spiced cookies, creating a perfect balance of flavors. These cookies are easy to make, require simple ingredients, and are ideal for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup butter (sweet cream salted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup finely grated carrots (optional, for extra moisture and flavor)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for crunch)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts (if using).
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely before frosting.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until creamy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Step 4: Frost the Cookies
- Spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting onto each cooled cookie.
- Garnish with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies without frosting, then frost them after thawing.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
✔ Soft & Chewy – Perfect texture with a hint of crunch from nuts.
✔ Rich & Creamy Frosting – A smooth, sweet topping that complements the spiced cookies.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
✔ Perfect for Sharing – Great for holidays, parties, or everyday treats.
These Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delicious twist on a classic dessert, offering all the flavors of carrot cake in a portable, easy-to-make form. Try them out and let me know how they turn out! 😊🍪✨