Carrot cake in cookie form? Yes, please! These Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting take all the cozy flavors of a classic carrot cake and turn them into soft, chewy cookies topped with a rich, tangy frosting.

If you love carrot cake but don’t want to bake a whole cake, these cookies are the perfect solution. They’re easy to make, bursting with warm spices, and have that signature cream cheese frosting that makes carrot cake so irresistible. Perfect for Easter, fall baking, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and spiced!

Why You’ll Love These Carrot Cake Cookies

• No chilling required – The dough is ready to bake right away, so you can satisfy your craving fast.
• Soft and chewy – Freshly grated carrots keep these cookies moist and tender.
• Perfectly spiced – A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger gives them that classic carrot cake flavor.
• Rich, creamy frosting – The tangy cream cheese frosting takes these cookies to the next level.
• Great for any occasion – Whether it’s Easter, fall, or just a weekday treat, these cookies always hit the spot.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure.
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon – The key spice for that warm carrot cake taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger – Adds a slight zing.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Complements the cinnamon beautifully.
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature – Adds richness and moisture.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Balances the flavors and helps with texture.
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar – Adds a slight caramel-like depth.
• 1 large egg, room temperature – Helps bind everything together.
• 1 egg yolk, room temperature – Adds extra richness.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 cup finely grated carrots (patted dry) – Adds moisture and natural sweetness.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1/2 cup (4 oz) block-style cream cheese, softened – The star of the frosting.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds a smooth texture.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – For that perfect vanilla touch.
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Chopped walnuts or pecans for garnish (optional) – Adds a delightful crunch.

How to Make Carrot Cake Cookies

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Gently fold in the shredded carrots.

2. Bake the Cookies

1. Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
2. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
3. Let the cookies cool completely before frosting.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the vanilla extract and sifted confectioners’ sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
3. Spread frosting over cooled cookies and garnish with chopped nuts, if desired.

Expert Tips

• Shred your own carrots – Store-bought pre-shredded carrots are too dry for baking.
• Let cookies cool before frosting – Otherwise, the frosting will melt.
• Use a cookie scoop – Ensures evenly sized cookies for uniform baking.
• Store properly – Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Variations & Additions

• Make it gluten-free – Swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Add mix-ins – Stir in raisins, shredded coconut, or chopped pecans for extra texture.
• Turn them into sandwich cookies – Frost the bottoms of two cookies and press together!

Serving Suggestions

• With a warm drink – Pair with hot tea, coffee, or spiced chai for a cozy treat.
• As a dessert platter – Serve alongside other baked goodies like Nutella Stuffed Cookies or Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies.
• For a brunch spread – A great addition to an Easter brunch with Carrot Cake Pancakes.
• Ice cream sandwiches – Freeze cookies and sandwich them with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent twist.

FAQs

More Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed these Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, here are more delightful treats to explore:

• Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies – These cookies combine gooey chocolate chips with the crispy texture of Rice Krispies cereal, striking the perfect balance between chewy and crunchy.
• Oatmeal Cookies with Carrots, Nuts, and Seeds – A nutritious twist on traditional oatmeal cookies, packed with fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness from carrots.
• Baked Apple Fritters – Enjoy the classic taste of apple fritters with a healthier baked version, filled with warm spices and tender apples.
• Lemon Crumb Bars – These bars feature a buttery crumb crust paired with a luscious lemon filling, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
• Strawberry Cream Puffs – Light and airy cream puffs filled with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, making for an elegant dessert.

If you’re looking for even more delicious and creative recipe ideas, be sure to check out this great resource for inspiration Carrot Cake

More Must-Try Cookie Recipes

If you love these Carrot Cake Cookies, try these next:

• Nutella Stuffed Cookies – Rich, gooey, and absolutely addictive.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies – Bright, citrusy, and perfect for spring.
• Pumpkin Spice Cookies – Soft and spiced, perfect for fall.

Try These Cookies & Share Your Creations!

I’d love to hear how your Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting turned out! Leave a comment below or tag me on Pinterest if you try them. Don’t forget to pin this recipe so you can find it easily next time!

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