If you fancy a delightful way to enjoy the classic flavors of carrot cake without the fuss of slicing and plating, this Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe is a total game-changer. These little treats capture the warm, sweet, and slightly spiced essence of a traditional carrot cake, combined with the chewy texture of oats and bursts of sweet raisins, all enveloped in a luscious cream cheese frosting sandwiched between two soft cookies. Whether for a cozy afternoon snack or a festive gathering, these carrot cake cookies are irresistibly delicious and surprisingly simple to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe lies in its humble yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of moistness, flavor, and texture that makes these cookies so lovable.
- Unsalted butter: Provides rich creaminess and helps achieve the perfect tender crumb.
- Brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar and aids in cookie structure.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the cookie’s soft yet sturdy texture.
- Old fashioned rolled oats: Bring a subtle chewiness and heartiness to the cookies.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Work together to give the cookies just the right rise and lightness.
- Cinnamon: Infuses that quintessential spice that elevates the carrot cake flavor.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Finely grated carrots: The star of the show, adding moisture, natural sweetness, and vibrant color.
- Unsweetened coconut: Introduces a pleasant tropical hint and texture contrast.
- California raisins: Add bursts of chewy sweetness that complement the spices beautifully.
- Cream cheese: Essential for that rich, tangy frosting that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet base for the frosting’s perfect consistency.
How to Make Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. This step is simple but critical for that perfect bake.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Beat the softened unsalted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. This process incorporates air, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. These wet ingredients add moisture and bind your dough together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Adding these dry ingredients gradually to the wet ensures your dough stays light and mixes evenly.
Step 5: Incorporate Carrots, Coconut, and Raisins
Fold in the finely grated carrots, unsweetened coconut, and California raisins with gentle but thorough strokes. These elements add incredible texture and flavor bursts in every bite.
Step 6: Portion and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized dollops of dough about two inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn a delicate golden brown and the tops look set. Resist the urge to overbake for ultimate softness.
Step 7: Cool Before Frosting
After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack until completely cooled. Cool cookies make frosting easier and prevent it from melting off.
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Using softened cream cheese and butter, beat them together with vanilla until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until you achieve a creamy, luscious frosting perfect for sandwiching.
Step 9: Assemble Your Cookies
Spread about one tablespoon of frosting on the flat side of one cookie and gently press a second cookie on top to create a sandwich. Let the frosting set for 1 to 2 hours so the flavors meld and the frosting firms up nicely.
How to Serve Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe treats are stunning on their own, a sprinkle of toasted coconut or a pinch of cinnamon on top of the frosting adds a decorative touch and boosts aroma. A few finely chopped walnuts or pecans can also elevate the texture if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of chai or spiced tea to complement the cinnamon and carrot flavors perfectly. Alternatively, a glass of cold milk or lightly brewed coffee makes a comforting duo for snack time or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gift-giving, stack your carrot cake cookie sandwiches in a pretty box lined with parchment paper or tie them with festive ribbon. You can also serve them on charming dessert platters alongside fruit slices and nuts to create an inviting dessert spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover carrot cake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cookies soft and the frosting fresh without drying out or losing flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either baked or frosted. For un-frosted cookies, freeze in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. For frosted sandwich cookies, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a container to protect their delicate frosting.
Reheating
If the cookies soften too much in the fridge or freezer, simply let them come to room temperature before serving. You can also gently warm unfrosted cookies in a low oven for a few minutes, but avoid reheating frosted sandwiches to keep the frosting intact.
FAQs
Can I substitute raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or chopped apricots work wonderfully and offer a slightly different flavor profile that pairs well with the spices and carrots.
Do I need to peel the carrots before grating?
Not necessarily. Just give the carrots a good wash and scrub to remove any dirt. The peel adds extra nutrients and a bit of color without impacting texture.
Is it okay to use quick oats instead of old fashioned rolled oats?
Old fashioned oats provide a better chewy texture, but quick oats can be used in a pinch. The cookies might end up a little less textured, but they’ll still taste delicious.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. Keep in mind this may slightly affect the texture, so look for blends with xanthan gum or similar binding agents.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
You can try a simple buttercream frosting using butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla, but cream cheese frosting really complements the carrot cake flavors best, giving it that tangy richness.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe feels like handing over a sweet little slice of happiness that’s both comforting and fun to make. The warming spices, fresh carrots, and creamy frosting all come together in a handheld treat that’s perfect for almost any occasion. I hope you enjoy baking and devouring these as much as I do — because they’re truly one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again, with friends and family eagerly asking for seconds.
Print
Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus 1-2 hours setting time
- Yield: 40 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Carrot Cake Cookies, packed with finely grated carrots, oats, coconut, and raisins, all sandwiched with a creamy vanilla cream cheese frosting. Easy to bake and perfect for sharing, these cookies capture the classic taste of carrot cake in a convenient, handheld form.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut
- 1 cup California raisins
Frosting
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which will ensure a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined to create a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually mix this into the wet ingredients until just incorporated.
- Fold in Add-ins: Stir in the finely grated carrots, unsweetened coconut, and California raisins until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Portion Dough: Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each dollop about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 9 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the tops are set, indicating they are cooked through but still moist.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- Make Frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Assemble Cookies: Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese frosting on the flat side of one cookie, then top it with another cookie to make a sandwich.
- Set Frosting: Allow the assembled cookies to sit for 1 to 2 hours so the frosting firms up slightly before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the butter and cream cheese are well softened for easy mixing and smooth texture.
- Do not overbake; the cookies should remain soft inside with slightly crisp edges.
- Storing the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator will keep the frosting fresh for up to 5 days.
- You can substitute raisins with chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans if desired.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
