Easy Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Introduction
Have you ever craved the moist, spiced goodness of a carrot cake but in a convenient cookie form? Well, you’re in the right place! Imagine soft and chewy carrot cake cookies, topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures—sweet, spicy, and creamy—all in one bite. Whether you’re preparing for a family get-together, a holiday celebration, or simply looking for a treat to indulge in, this carrot cake cookies recipe is your new go-to.
Baking these cookies doesn’t just satisfy your taste buds; it brings a bit of joy into your home. Let’s dive into how you can make these delightful cookies and enjoy every crumb!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe
The magic of carrot cake cookies comes from the perfect blend of warm spices and wholesome ingredients. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites:
- Flavor Explosion: The rich cinnamon, nutmeg, and the natural sweetness of the carrots come together beautifully in every bite.
- Chewy Texture: The cookies stay soft and chewy, just like a classic carrot cake but in a portable form.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: The smooth, tangy cream cheese topping is the cherry on top that makes each bite feel indulgent.
These cookies are a great way to satisfy your sweet cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, they are perfect for anyone who loves the flavors of carrot cake but doesn’t want to deal with layers or a complicated cake recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Soft & Chewy Carrot Cake Cookies
Before you start baking, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find items that will come together effortlessly.
Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make these delicious carrot cake cookies:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups | 455 |
| Baking soda | ½ tsp | 0 |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | 6 |
| Ground nutmeg | ½ tsp | 3 |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | 0 |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup | 810 |
| Brown sugar | ¾ cup | 600 |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup | 200 |
| Large egg | 1 | 70 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 12 |
| Shredded carrots | 1 ½ cups | 75 |
| Walnuts (optional) | ½ cup | 200 |
| Cream cheese | 4 oz | 400 |
| Powdered sugar | 1 ½ cups | 720 |
| Milk | 1-2 tbsp | 12 |
How to Make Soft & Chewy Carrot Cake Cookies
Now that we have everything ready, let’s dive into the steps to create these mouthwatering cookies.
- Preheat the Oven & Prepare Your Baking Sheets
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This ensures that your cookies won’t stick and bake evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ tsp of baking soda, 1 tsp of ground cinnamon, ½ tsp of ground nutmeg, and ¼ tsp of salt. These spices and dry ingredients are the foundation of the flavor in your cookies.
- Cream Butter & Sugars
- In a separate large bowl, beat together ½ cup of unsalted butter, ¾ cup of brown sugar, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients
- To the creamed butter and sugar mixture, add 1 large egg and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined. The egg will help bind everything together, while the vanilla extract adds that lovely aromatic flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Carefully mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, little by little. Mix until just combined. Take care not to mix too much, as it can lead to cookies that are too dense.
- Stir in Carrots & Optional Walnuts
- Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of shredded carrots. If you like a little crunch, you can also fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts. Walnuts bring a delightful crunch and richness, but they are optional.
- Shape the Cookies & Bake
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers firm up. They should be soft but not raw in the middle.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before adding the frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting.
How to Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
The frosting is where the magic happens! Cream cheese frosting is rich, tangy, and creamy, which complements the spices of the carrot cake cookies perfectly.
- Beat the Cream Cheese & Powdered Sugar
- In a bowl, beat together 4 oz of softened cream cheese and 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. The cream cheese should be at room temperature to ensure a smooth frosting texture.
- Add Milk & Vanilla
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk and 1 tsp of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Whip the frosting until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. If you want a thicker frosting, reduce the milk.
- Frost the Cookies
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top of each cookie. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some extra chopped walnuts on top.
Pro Tips for the Best Carrot Cake Cookies
Here are a few insider tips to make sure your carrot cake cookies turn out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overmix: When mixing the dough, be careful not to overwork it. Overmixing can result in tough cookies, so mix until everything is just combined.
- Chill the Dough: If you want your cookies to be thicker, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. Chilled dough helps the cookies hold their shape better while baking.
- Use Fresh Carrots: Freshly grated carrots give the cookies a moist texture and vibrant flavor. Pre-grated carrots can sometimes be drier and may not give you the same result.
- For Extra Flavor: Feel free to add some raisins or shredded coconut to the dough for added texture and flavor. These additions are optional, but they make the cookies even more delicious!
Nutritional Breakdown: Calories in Carrot Cake Cookies
Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional breakdown of these carrot cake cookies. If you’re watching your calorie intake, this table will help you understand the calorie content of each ingredient and the full recipe.
| Ingredient | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 455 |
| Butter | 810 |
| Sugar | 800 |
| Carrots | 75 |
| Cream Cheese Frosting | 1120 |
- Total Calories per Cookie: After calculating the ingredients, each cookie contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the size and the amount of frosting.
Carrots aren’t just a vibrant, crunchy snack—they’re packed with essential nutrients. Loaded with vital vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, carrots offer a myriad of health benefits that can enhance your overall well-being. From improving vision and boosting immunity to aiding weight loss and promoting heart health, incorporating carrots into your diet is a simple and delicious way to support your health. click here for more information
Recipe video
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FAQ
Can I make these carrot cake cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake these cookies in advance. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Frost the cookies just before serving for the best texture.
Is it possible to replace the cream cheese frosting with an alternative?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different frosting, you can use a simple buttercream, or even a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a lighter option.
How do I store leftover carrot cake cookies?
Store your cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months if you want to keep them longer. Just make sure they are properly wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
Conclusion
There you have it—an easy-to-follow recipe for soft, chewy carrot cake cookies topped with indulgent cream cheese frosting. These cookies combine the comforting flavors of carrot cake with the convenience of a cookie, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, you’ll find that these cookies are impossible to resist.
Now it’s time for you to try making them yourself! Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and bake these delicious cookies today. Trust us, once you take a bite, you’ll never go back to store-bought cookies again.
By following this recipe, you’re not just baking cookies—you’re creating a moment of joy. So go ahead, share them with friends and family, and watch as they disappear in a flash!
