Carrot Cake Cookies

close up overhead shot of cookies on a cooling rack

These delectable carrot cake cookies bring all the flavors of a classic carrot cake in a portable and moist cookie with creamy frosting.

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Table of Contents

Carrot Cake Cookies Ingredients
Substitutions And Additions
How To Make This Carrot Cookies Recipe
How To Serve
Storing These Carrot Cake Cookies With Cream Cheese Frosting
Why We Love This Recipe
More Recipes You’ll Love
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These decadent carrot cake cookies are a dream come true with a sweet, soft, and nutty cookie topped with rich, velvety cream cheese icing. They are irresistible and taste just like an old-fashioned carrot cake in a tasty cookie form.

cookies piled on a white plate with glasses of milk in the back

Carrot Cake Cookies Ingredients

Carrot Cake Cookies raw ingredients that are labeled

Carrot cake cookies are a delicious treat that provides the perfect blend of sweetness and savory flavors.

The soft and chewy texture of the cookie pairs seamlessly with the crunch of the pecans and carrots. Cinnamon and nutmeg add a delicate spice that won’t overwhelm your taste buds.

The cream cheese frosting on top provides a smooth and creamy finish that perfectly complements the flavors of the cookie.

You’ll need:

For The Cookies:

1 cup of salted sweet cream butter, softened
¾ cup of light brown sugar, tightly packed
½ cup of granulated sugar
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2½ cups of all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of baking soda
2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon of ground ginger
2 cups (4 medium-large) of finely shredded whole carrots
1 cup of chopped pecans

For The Frosting

8-ounce package of cream cheese, softened
½ cup of salted sweet cream butter, softened
3½ cups of powdered sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 cup of finely chopped pecans
green and orange food coloring, and optional carrot decoration

Substitutions And Additions

CREAM CHEESE: Full-fat cream cheese is the best choice for the frosting, but a reduced-fat version could be substituted instead.

RAISINS: If you want to replace the pecans in this carrot cookie recipe, you could add one cup of golden or sultana raisins in their place.

If you would like to reduce the number of nuts, you could add a half cup of golden or sultana raisins and a half cup of pecans instead.

NUTMEG: If you’re out of nutmeg, a pinch of ground allspice or ground cloves can be a suitable substitute.

These spices offer warm, earthy notes that complement the other flavors in the cookie.

VANILLA EXTRACT: While vanilla extract is a common ingredient, you can customize your cookies by using almond extract or even a touch of orange extract for a unique flavor dimension.

How To Make This Carrot Cookies Recipe

These soft cookies come together just like any simple cookie dough recipe. Once baked, take the cookies to the next level with the creamy frosting and crunchy pecans around the edges of the cookies.

For The Cookies

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

STEP TWO: Using a stand mixer or a handheld electric mixer and a medium bowl, beat the butter on medium-high for 1 to 1½ minutes.

Our Recipe Developer Says

When softening the butter, only soften slightly or the cookies will spread out too much.

STEP THREE: Add both the granulated sugar and the brown sugar to the butter and continue mixing for one more minute.

sugar added to the cream butter and blended together in a bowl

STEP FOUR: Reduce the mixer speed to low, and add the vanilla and one egg at a time, mixing well after each egg.

STEP FIVE: In a separate medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, spices, and baking soda.

STEP SIX: With the mixer speed still on low, gradually add the flour mixture, mixing just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.

flour mixture added to the sugar mixture

STEP SEVEN: Keep the mixer on low and add the finely shredded carrots and chopped pecans to the batter, mixing only until well incorporated.

PRO TIP:

To grate the carrots quickly, use your food processor with the shredding blade attachment. You can also shred them with a box grater.

carrots and pecans being added to the bowl of creamed butter mixture

STEP EIGHT: Using a 1½-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Each cookie should be spaced two inches apart.

PRO TIP:

If you don’t have a cookie scoop, you can use either a measuring spoon or an ice cream scoop, keeping in mind that standard ice cream scoops tend to be about 3 tablespoons per scoop.

cookie batter being placed on a baking sheet

STEP NINE: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Allow them to cool completely.

PRO TIP:

Pull the cookies out of the oven when the centers are slightly underdone. This will give you a chewier cookie.

For The Frosting

STEP ONE: With either a stand mixer or hand mixer and a medium-sized mixing bowl on medium-high speed, cream together the cream cheese and butter for 1 to 1½ minutes.

PRO TIP:

Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature so that you don’t have any lumps in your frosting.

STEP TWO: Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the vanilla and powdered sugar, keeping the mixer on low until the powdered sugar is incorporated.

Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and continue mixing for 1 to 1½ minutes until the cream cheese frosting is smooth.

sugar and vanilla added to the cream cheese mixture and being blended together in a bowl

STEP THREE: Using a small offset spatula or silicone spatula, frost the tops of the cooled cookies, smoothing as you go.

Make sure to frost right to the edge of the cookies.

STEP FOUR: Sprinkle the finely chopped pecans onto a plate. Gently roll the edges of the cookies in the pecans.

PRO TIP:

To easily chop the pecans, place them in a bowl and, using a handheld pastry cutter, gently press down on the nuts to break them into smaller pieces.

cookies with cream cheese frosting being dipped into chopped pecans

STEP FIVE (optional): If you would like to decorate your cookies with piped carrot decorations, reserve two ½-cup portions of frosting in two separate small mixing bowls.

In the first bowl, add green food coloring adjusted to however light or dark green you would like for the carrot tops.

In the second bowl, add orange food coloring to however light or dark orange you would like for the carrot body.

food coloring mixed into bowls of frosting

STEP SIX: Spoon each color into two separate quart-size Ziploc bags with a small snip in one corner or in two decorator bags with a small decorator’s tip.

Using even, light pressure, form the body of the carrot using a zig-zag pattern with the orange icing.

Using even light pressure, form the top of the carrot with the green icing. Repeat for each cookie.

PRO TIP:

If you want, you could sandwich the cookies with the icing in the middle like carrot cake sandwich cookies. Frost the outer edges as well and then roll in the pecans.

frosting being placed on the cookie in the shape of a carrot

How To Serve

Carrot cake lovers will enjoy these chewy cookies with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of tea, or a mug of homemade hot chocolate for a yummy bedtime treat.

For something a bit more indulgent, consider pairing them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

A carrot cookie would be a cute treat for your little people during Easter when they are looking for a quick snack.

If you would like to try carrot cake in a cupcake form, try our carrot cake cupcakes or if you want to go all out and these cookies make you crave a classic cake, try our carrot cake recipe.

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Storing These Carrot Cake Cookies With Cream Cheese Frosting

Make the cookie dough ahead of time so that when the craziness of the Easter holiday arrives, all you need to do is bake and decorate these sweet cookies.

MAKE AHEAD: If you’re short on time or simply want to plan ahead, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance.

After mixing the dough, shape it into cookie-sized rounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Then, pop the whole sheet into the freezer until the dough is firm. Once frozen, transfer the cookie dough rounds to a zip-top bag or an airtight container.

When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and bake the frozen cookie dough rounds for a couple of extra minutes – no need to thaw.

IN THE FRIDGE: Since the homemade cream cheese frosting is dairy-based, store the leftover carrot cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

IN THE FREEZER: The cookie dough can be frozen for up to one month. Allow the dough to thaw completely before baking.

The baked cookies can also be frozen for up to one month before decorating. Allow dough to thaw completely first.

close up shot of a cookie with a piece bitten out of it

Why We Love This Recipe

MAKE-AHEAD AND FREEZER-FRIENDLY: The recipe offers the option to prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and freeze it. This means you can have freshly baked cookies whenever you desire, making it a convenient treat for busy schedules.

PERFECT FOR ANY OCCASION: Carrot cake cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed year-round. They make a delightful addition to picnics, potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat to satisfy your carrot cake cravings without the need for a whole cake.

IRRESISTIBLE FLAVOR: These cookies combine the warm, comforting flavors of classic carrot cake with the convenience of handheld cookies. The sweet spices, grated carrots, and cream cheese frosting come together to create a perfect flavor fusion that’s hard to resist.

The sweet and spiced carrot cake flavor is such a traditional and cozy taste. These delicious and easy carrot cake cookies with sweet cream cheese frosting are the best way to sneak in a serving of veggies while enjoying an indulgent treat.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I store these cookies?

You can store them in the fridge for up to five days or in the freezer for up to one month.

Can I add raisins to my carrot cake cookies?

Raisins would be a delightful addition to this already yummy recipe.

What is the easiest way to grate carrots?

To grate the carrots quickly, use your food processor with the shredding blade attachment. You can also shred them with a box grater.

More Recipes You’ll Love

Carrot Cake Cookies

5 from 3 votes

These delectable carrot cake cookies bring all the flavors of a classic carrot cake in a portable and moist cookie with creamy frosting.

Prep Time 13

Cook Time 33

Total Time 46

Servings cookies

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Review Recipe

Ingredients

Cookies

1 cup salted sweet cream butter, softened
¾ cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground ginger
2 cups whole carrots, finely shredded (4 medium-large)
1 cup pecans, chopped

Frosting

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup salted sweet cream butter, softened
3½ cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup pecans, finely chopped
green and orange food coloring, optional carrot decoration

Instructions

Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Using a stand mixer or a medium-sized mixing bowl and a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat the butter for 1 to 1½ minutes.
Add the granulated and brown sugars to the butter and continue to mix on medium-high for 1 more minute.
Lower the mixer speed to low, add the vanilla and 1 egg at a time, mixing well after each egg.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, spices, and baking soda.
Keeping the mixer speed on low, slowly add the flour mixture. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated.
Keeping the mixer speed on low, add the finely shredded carrots and chopped pecans to the batter. Only mix until the carrots and pecans are well incorporated.
Using a 1½-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared cookie sheet, spacing the cookies 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
Allow the cookies to completely cool.

Frosting

Using either a stand mixer, or a medium-sized mixing bowl and a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, cream together the cream cheese and butter for 1 to 1½ minutes.
Lower the mixer speed to low. Add the vanilla and powdered sugar. Keep the mixer speed on low, until the powdered sugar is incorporated.
Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and continue mixing for another 1 to 1½ minutes, until the cream cheese frosting is smooth.
Using a small offset spatula or a silicone spatula, frost the tops of the cookies, smoothing as you go. Be sure to frost to the edges of the cookies.
Sprinkle the finely chopped pecans onto a plate. Gently roll the edges of the cookies in the chopped pecans.
If you would like to decorate your cookies with piped carrot decorations, reserve two ½-cup portions of frosting in 2 separate small mixing bowls. In the first bowl, add green food coloring adjusted to however light or dark green you wish for the carrot tops. In the second bowl, add orange food coloring to however light or dark orange you wish for the carrot body.
Spoon each color into 2 separate quart-size Ziploc bags with a small snip in one corner, or in 2 decorator bags with a small decorator’s tip. Use even light pressure, and a zig-zag pattern to form the body of the carrot using the orange icing. Use even light pressure, form the top of the carrot using the green icing. Repeat for each cookie.

Video

Notes

When softening the butter, only soften slightly or the cookies will spread out too much.
To grate the carrots quickly, use your food processor with the shredding blade attachment. You can also shred them with a box grater.
If you don’t have a cookie scoop, you can use either a measuring spoon or an ice cream scoop, keeping in mind that standard ice cream scoops tend to be about 3 tablespoons per scoop.
Pull the cookies out of the oven when the centers are slightly underdone. This will give you a chewier cookie.
Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature so that you don’t have any lumps in your frosting.
To easily chop the pecans, place them in a bowl and using a handheld pastry cutter, gently press down on the nuts to break them into smaller pieces.
If you want, you could sandwich the cookies with the icing in the middle like carrot cake sandwich cookies. Frost the outer edges as well and then roll in the pecans.

Nutrition

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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

Stephanie Keeping Publisher
Layne Kangas Marketing
Sian Cox Photographer
Lexus Monroe Editorial Assistant
Teresia Shrum Recipe Developer

Carrot Cake Cookies

Carrot Cake Cookies Ingredients

Substitutions And Additions

How To Make This Carrot Cookies Recipe

How To Serve

Orange Chocolate Chip Cookies

White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Storing These Carrot Cake Cookies With Cream Cheese Frosting

Why We Love This Recipe

More Recipes You’ll Love