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Carrot Cake Cookies

These soft, spiced carrot cake cookies bring all the flavors of classic carrot cake into a chewy, delicious cookie. With shredded carrots, warm spices, and a sweet cream cheese frosting, they make the perfect treat for Easter, spring gatherings, or a cozy afternoon snack.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chill Time (Recommended) 15 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Course Dessert
Servings 18 cookies
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the cookies:

  • 1 ¼ cups 160g all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ cup 113g unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup 100g brown sugar
  • ¼ cup 50g granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup 75g finely shredded carrots
  • ½ cup 50g chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • ½ cup 80g raisins (optional)

For the cream cheese frosting:

  • 4 oz 113g cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons 28g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup 120g powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  • Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
  • Fold in the shredded carrots, nuts, and raisins (if using).
  • For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. (Optional, but Recommended)
  • Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are slightly soft.
  • Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  • Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, mixing until light and fluffy.
  • Spread frosting on top of each cookie, or sandwich two cookies together with frosting in the middle.
  • Enjoy!