Can I make these cookies ahead of time for a special event?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and keep it refrigerated, or freeze the shaped cookie dough for up to 2 months. The baked cookies also freeze well for up to 3 months, with or without frosting.

How finely should I grate the carrots?

Use the fine side of a box grater or a food processor with the grating attachment. You want the carrot pieces small enough to cook properly but not so fine that they disappear into the dough—aim for the consistency of grated cheese.

Can I add pineapple like in traditional carrot cake?

Yes! Add ¼ cup of very well-drained crushed pineapple to the batter. Be sure to thoroughly drain the pineapple and pat it dry to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cookie texture.

Are these cookies soft or crispy?

These cookies have crisp edges with soft, cake-like centers—the best of both worlds! For crispier cookies, flatten them more before baking and add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative, and use dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.

How do I know when these cookies are done baking?

Look for golden edges with centers that appear set but still slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Overbaking will result in dry cookies, so it's better to slightly underbake than overbake.

Can I omit the frosting for a less sweet option?

Certainly! The cookies are delicious on their own, especially with the added sweetness of carrots and raisins. Consider adding a light glaze made with powdered sugar and orange juice for a less rich but still flavorful finishing touch.

Carrot Cake Cookies Your Family Will Absolutely Love

Description

These carrot cake cookies offer the classic flavors of carrot cake in a convenient cookie form, complete with cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies:
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups finely grated carrots
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Measure all ingredients and let refrigerated items reach room temperature.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
Cream Butter and Sugars: Beat butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
Fold in Carrots and Mix-ins: Gently fold in grated carrots, nuts, and raisins.
Chill the Dough: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Form and Bake Cookies: Drop rounded portions onto baking sheets and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes.
Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool before frosting.
Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
Frost and Serve: Spread or pipe frosting onto cooled cookies.

Notes

For a tangier frosting, add lemon juice; for a warmer profile, add cinnamon. Use freshly grated carrots for optimal moisture.

For an even more aromatic cookie, toast spices before mixing. Pat grated carrots between paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 225
Sugar: 19g
Sodium: 160mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Carrot Cake Cookies, cream cheese frosting, carrot cake dessert, spring cookies, Easter cookies, soft carrot cookies