The Best Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe for Sweet Tooth Moments

Soft and chewy carrot cake cookies blend beloved dessert flavors into an irresistible handheld treat.

Warm spices dance through each delectable bite, creating a nostalgic experience.

Cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch that makes these cookies utterly memorable.

Pantry staples come together quickly for a simple yet impressive sweet.

Baking enthusiasts will adore how these morsels capture classic carrot cake essence in a convenient form.

Welcoming aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg fill your kitchen while they bake.

Bet you can’t resist trying this delightful recipe right away!

Tips For Soft Carrot Cake Cookies

• Use fresh, finely grated carrots for the best moisture and flavor in your cookies.
• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
• Toast walnuts briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and crunch.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain softness and prevent drying out.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free blend.

Fun Variations For Carrot Cake Cookies

• Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Carrot Cake Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and replace walnuts with sunflower seeds for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Carrot Cake Cookies: Substitute brown and granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content.
• Nut-Free Carrot Cake Cookies: Eliminate walnuts and replace with pumpkin seeds or rolled oats for those with nut allergies.

What Goes Well With Carrot Cake Cookies

• Cozy Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair these carrot cake cookies with a warm Earl Grey tea for a delightful mid-afternoon treat that brings comfort and sweetness together.
• Dessert Platter Showstopper: Create an elegant dessert display by arranging the cookies alongside mini cheesecake bites and fresh berries for a stunning presentation that will impress guests.
• Picnic Perfect Snack Pack: Pack these portable cookies in a cute container for outdoor adventures, offering a delicious homemade treat that travels well and satisfies sweet cravings during family outings or nature walks.
• Breakfast Morning Boost: Crumble the cookies over Greek yogurt or morning oatmeal to add a delicious crunch and sweet carrot cake flavor to your breakfast routine.

How To Store Carrot Cake Cookies Best

• Store leftover carrot cake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate cookies in a sealed container for extended freshness, lasting up to 5-7 days.
• Freeze the cookies by layering them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat refrigerated or frozen cookies by microwaving for 10-15 seconds or placing in a 300F oven for 3-5 minutes until warm and soft.

FAQs

• What makes the carrots special in this recipe?

The grated carrots add natural sweetness, moisture, and subtle earthy flavor to the cookies, creating a unique texture and taste that makes these cookies different from traditional sugar cookies.

• Can I replace walnuts with another nut?

Yes, you can easily substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds. If you have nut allergies, you can omit nuts entirely or replace them with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for golden edges and a slightly firm center. The cookies should be soft but not wet in the middle. They will continue to set as they cool on the wire rack.

Why Carrot Cake Cookies Are So Delightful

• Bake with Minimal Fuss: This recipe requires simple ingredients and basic baking skills, making it perfect for home bakers of all experience levels.
• Sneak in Healthy Nutrients: Packed with carrots, oats, and walnuts, these cookies offer a nutritious twist on a classic treat that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or family gatherings, these cookies appeal to both kids and adults with their familiar carrot cake flavors.
• Customize Your Delight: Optional cream cheese frosting allows bakers to personalize the cookies, making them adaptable for different tastes and occasions.

Ingredients For Carrot Cake Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: A base ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and classic carrot cake flavor to the cookies.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

• Butter: Creates a rich and tender base for the cookies.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with the cookies' soft texture.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the cookies.

• Carrots, Oats, Walnuts: Add texture, nutrition, and classic carrot cake elements to the cookies.
• Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional): A creamy topping that complements the spiced cookie base.

How To Bake Carrot Cake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper, creating a perfect non-stick surface for your cookies.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate large bowl, beat together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy.

Step 4: Add Moisture and Flavor

Introduce an egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture.

Mix thoroughly until everything is smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

• Freshly grated carrots
• Rolled oats
• Chopped walnuts

Step 6: Shape Cookie Dough

Use a tablespoon to drop dollops of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them evenly to allow room for spreading.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookie edges turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Optional Frosting

Transfer cookies to wire cooling racks. Once completely cooled, you can optionally top with cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.

Soft Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade carrot cake cookies blend classic dessert flavors into bite-sized treats perfect for afternoon snacking. Warm spices and cream cheese frosting create irresistible comfort with each delightful cookie you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (180 ml) grated carrots
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) rolled oats
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (240 ml) all-purpose flour

Baking Dry Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Sweeteners and Fats:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Cream cheese frosting (optional for topping)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and cover baking trays with parchment paper for even cooking and easy removal.
2. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
3. Cream butter with brown and granulated sugars using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes pale and airy, about 3 minutes.
4. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract into the sugar mixture, blending until completely smooth and integrated.
5. Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, creating a cohesive dough with consistent texture.
6. Gently mix in grated carrots, providing moisture and natural sweetness to the cookie base.
7. Fold in oats and chopped walnuts, distributing them uniformly throughout the dough for balanced flavor and crunch.
8. Scoop rounded tablespoon-sized portions onto prepared baking sheets, leaving adequate space between each cookie.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges as an indicator of doneness.
10. Transfer cookies to wire cooling racks, allowing them to set and firm up completely.
11. If desired, apply a delicate layer of cream cheese frosting once cookies have reached room temperature.

Notes

• Grate carrots finely to ensure even distribution and moisture throughout the cookies.
• Use room temperature butter and egg for smoother mixing and better cookie texture.
• Chop walnuts into smaller pieces to prevent large chunks disrupting the cookie’s soft consistency.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or oat flour and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 168 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg