Carrot Cake Cookies

If you’re a fan of carrot cake but want something more portable and snackable, carrot cake cookies are the perfect solution! These soft, chewy cookies capture all the warm spices and rich flavors of the classic dessert but in cookie form. They’re a delightful treat for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual afternoon snacks. Plus, with the option to add cream cheese frosting, these cookies are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Flavor: The perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creates that familiar carrot cake taste.
• Easy to Make: No complicated steps—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
• Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or a cream cheese filling to make them uniquely yours.
• Kid-Friendly: A great way to sneak some carrots into a treat that kids will love.

Ingredients for Carrot Cake Cookies

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (120g) grated carrots

Add-Ins (Optional):

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries

Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):

• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

5. Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots and any optional add-ins like nuts or raisins.

6. Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.

7. Cool and Frost

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If using cream cheese frosting, spread or pipe it onto the cooled cookies.

Tips for Perfect Carrot Cake Cookies

• Grate Finely: Finely grated carrots blend better into the dough and ensure a smoother texture.
• Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Why Carrot Cake Cookies Are a Hit

Carrot cake cookies bring the nostalgic flavor of a beloved dessert into a convenient, handheld form. They’re a versatile treat that can be dressed up with frosting or enjoyed plain. With their soft, moist texture and bursts of flavor from optional add-ins, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite.

Conclusion

Next time you’re craving carrot cake, skip the hassle of baking a whole cake and whip up a batch of carrot cake cookies instead. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends and family, these cookies are a recipe worth keeping!

Serving Tips for Carrot Cake Cookies

1. Serve Fresh: These cookies are best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature. Serve them plain or with a dollop of cream cheese frosting for a decadent touch.
2. Pair with Drinks: Carrot cake cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. For a festive feel, serve with spiced chai or a creamy latte.
3. Dessert Platter: Arrange the cookies on a platter alongside other treats like chocolate chip cookies, brownies, or mini muffins for an eye-catching dessert spread.
4. As Sandwich Cookies: Spread cream cheese frosting between two cookies to create irresistible carrot cake cookie sandwiches.

Storage Tips for Carrot Cake Cookies

1. Room Temperature:
   • Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
   • To keep them soft, add a slice of bread to the container—it helps maintain moisture.
2. Refrigeration:
   • If the cookies are frosted, store them in the refrigerator in a single layer or separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for up to 1 week.
   • Let the cookies sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften the frosting.
3. Freezing:
   • Unfrosted Cookies: Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
   • Frosted Cookies: Place the cookies on a baking sheet and freeze until the frosting is firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
4. Dough Storage:
   • Freeze the cookie dough! Scoop the dough into portions, freeze on a baking sheet, and store in a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your carrot cake cookies at their best—whether fresh out of the oven or days later!

1. Can I make carrot cake cookies without cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely! These cookies are delicious on their own, thanks to the warm spices and natural sweetness of the carrots. The cream cheese frosting is optional and can be added for extra indulgence if desired.

2. Can I substitute the grated carrots with pre-shredded ones from the store?

While you can use store-bought shredded carrots, freshly grated carrots are recommended. They are finer, more moist, and blend better into the dough, ensuring a softer cookie texture.

3. How can I make these cookies healthier?

You can make a few substitutions to lighten the recipe:

• Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Swap some of the butter for applesauce or coconut oil.
• Reduce the sugar slightly or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

4. Can I add other ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes! Feel free to customize the cookies with mix-ins like chopped walnuts, pecans, raisins, or even white chocolate chips. These additions enhance the flavor and add texture, making them even more delightful.

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