Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe

There's something special about the scent of warm spices and sweet carrots filling your kitchen as you bake these Carrot Cake Cookies. Soft, chewy, and bursting with the classic flavors of carrot cake, these cookies are like a slice of cake in a handheld, portable form.

this Recipe

I first created these cookies when I wanted the flavor of carrot cake without the fuss of layers or frosting. They've since become my go-to treat for spring gatherings and cozy fall afternoons. These cookies are easy to make, family-friendly, and deliver that perfect balance of sweet and spice in every bite.

Why You'll Love These Carrot Cake Cookies

Get ready to discover your new favorite cookie. These Carrot Cake Cookies offer all the flavors of traditional carrot cake but in a quick and simple format that’s perfect for busy bakers.

First off, they’re incredibly easy to make. With no need for fancy tools or techniques, you’ll have these cookies ready in under an hour, making them ideal for last-minute gatherings or weekday baking.

These cookies are also perfectly portable. Unlike a layered carrot cake that requires careful slicing and serving, these cookies are easy to pack, share, and enjoy on the go. Whether it’s a lunchbox treat or a road-trip snack, they’re a delicious, mess-free option.

Plus, they’re full of wholesome ingredients like carrots, oats, and warming spices, so you can feel good about indulging in these treats. The natural sweetness from the carrots and raisins adds depth and richness to each bite.

Finally, if you’re a fan of carrot cake frosting, you’ll love the optional cream cheese drizzle! It adds that classic tangy sweetness, taking these cookies to a whole new level.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these Carrot Cake Cookies lies in the simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together perfectly. Let’s go over the key components to make sure you’re getting the best results.

Carrots: Grated fresh carrots bring natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies. Be sure to use finely grated carrots so they blend well into the dough, giving each bite a balanced, sweet flavor without overwhelming the cookie.

Oats: Rolled oats add a delightful chewy texture that complements the soft cookies beautifully. They also lend a subtle nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices.

Spices: A combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger adds the classic warm spiciness that makes carrot cake so irresistible. These spices are essential for capturing that cozy, comforting flavor.

Raisins: Adding raisins not only gives a pop of sweetness but also enhances the soft, cake-like texture of the cookies. If you’re not a raisin fan, you can substitute with chopped nuts or dried cranberries for a similar effect.

Cream Cheese Drizzle (Optional): To give these cookies an extra special touch, try adding a cream cheese drizzle. It’s simple to make with softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a bit of vanilla extract. This drizzle provides the perfect creamy, tangy contrast to the spiced cookies.

How To Make These Carrot Cake Cookies

Making these Carrot Cake Cookies is straightforward and requires just a few simple steps. Let’s go through the process step by step so you can enjoy perfect cookies every time.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients. Mix the flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Whisk them together until well-blended; this ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout each cookie.

Next, in a separate bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step adds air, helping the cookies to rise just a bit while baking and giving them a light, soft texture.

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, beating until fully incorporated. Then, fold in the grated carrots and raisins. This mixture should be soft and slightly sticky – that’s just right!

Now, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the cookies tougher. Once everything is combined, use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden. They may look slightly underbaked in the center, but they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. Let them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

If you’re adding the cream cheese drizzle, simply whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness!

Storage Options

These Carrot Cake Cookies are great for make-ahead treats, and they store well in a variety of ways to keep them fresh.

For short-term storage, place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and chewy, perfect for enjoying anytime.

If you want to keep them longer, you can store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure to use a sealed container to prevent them from drying out. The cream cheese drizzle will stay fresh longer this way, too.

For freezing, arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they’ll keep for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for an hour or so.

When it’s time to reheat, a few seconds in the microwave will bring back that just-baked warmth.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

If you’re looking to make these cookies a bit healthier, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This adds a bit more fiber and a subtle nutty flavor without compromising the texture.

For an added crunch, consider folding in chopped walnuts or pecans. Nuts pair beautifully with the spices and raisins, creating a cookie that feels extra indulgent and satisfying.

You can also try substituting shredded coconut for part of the oats to give the cookies a hint of tropical flavor. Coconut adds chewiness and pairs wonderfully with the carrots and spices.

To make these cookies dairy-free, simply use a plant-based butter and skip the cream cheese drizzle. They’ll still be deliciously soft and flavorful!

Finally, if you prefer a less sweet treat, you can reduce the brown sugar by a couple of tablespoons. The carrots and raisins add natural sweetness, so you’ll still get a flavorful cookie.

With all these options, there’s no limit to the delicious ways you can enjoy these Carrot Cake Cookies. Perfect for parties, snack time, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your home.

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