Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese are the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts: soft carrot cake and sweet, creamy cookies. These delightful treats combine the warm, spiced flavor of carrot cake with the rich, tangy goodness of cream cheese, making them an irresistible choice for anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a new way to enjoy your favorite carrot cake flavors, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite.

Soft, chewy, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these carrot cake cookies are ideal for any event, from casual get-togethers to holiday celebrations. Best of all, they are easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite mix-ins, such as nuts or raisins, for an extra touch of flavor.

Recipe Preparation Equipment

Before you begin preparing these scrumptious carrot cake cookies, gather the following equipment to ensure a smooth and easy process:

Mixing Bowls: For mixing the dough and the frosting.
Electric Mixer: For creaming the butter and mixing the dough easily. A hand mixer or stand mixer works well for this.
Baking Sheets: Lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Cookie Scoop or Spoon: To portion out the dough evenly for perfectly round cookies.
Cooling Rack: To allow the cookies to cool properly before frosting.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

Ingredients – What do you need to prepare Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese?

Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to prepare these delicious carrot cake cookies:

For the Cookies:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups finely grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
½ cup chopped walnuts (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 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

How to make Easy Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Step-by-Step?

Making these carrot cake cookies with cream cheese is a breeze! Follow this simple step-by-step guide to bake these tasty treats:

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this bowl aside for later.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until well combined.

Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 6: Fold in the Carrots, Oats, Nuts, and Raisins

Fold in the grated carrots, rolled oats, chopped walnuts, and raisins (if using). This will give the cookies their signature texture and flavor.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

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

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue to beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.

Step 10: Frost the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. Serve and enjoy!

Variations

Carrot cake cookies are versatile, and you can add your personal touch to the recipe by incorporating different ingredients. Here are a few variations to try:

Nuts: Add different nuts like pecans, almonds, or cashews for added crunch and flavor.
Raisins: Add plump raisins for a burst of sweetness, or try dried cranberries for a tart contrast.
Spices: Experiment with other spices like ginger, allspice, or cardamom to give the cookies a unique twist.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
No Frosting: Skip the cream cheese frosting for a lighter option. Instead, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a subtle sweetness.
Vegan: Replace the butter and cream cheese with vegan alternatives and use a flax egg to make the recipe vegan-friendly.

Cooking Note

Carrot Preparation: Make sure the carrots are finely grated to ensure they bake evenly into the cookies. The finer the grate, the better the texture.
Storage: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then transfer them to a freezer bag.
Softness: For softer cookies, slightly underbake them and let them cool on the baking sheet. This will give them a chewy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Carrot cake cookies with cream cheese are delicious on their own, but you can elevate the experience with a few simple serving suggestions:

With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. The warm spices and cream cheese frosting make the perfect complement to a beverage.
As a Dessert Platter: Serve these cookies alongside other dessert favorites, such as chocolate chip cookies or shortbread, for a lovely dessert spread at parties or gatherings.
With a Scoop of Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve a warm carrot cake cookie with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold is irresistible.

Helpful Tips

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: To ensure smooth mixing, make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before using them.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix the ingredients until just combined to keep the cookies soft and tender.
Chill the Dough: If you find the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it for 30 minutes before baking. This will make it easier to scoop and shape.

Tips for the Best Carrot Cake Cookies

Fresh Carrots: Fresh carrots will give you the best flavor and moisture for these cookies. Avoid pre-grated carrots, as they may be too dry.
Perfect Frosting: Don’t overbeat the frosting. Once it’s light and fluffy, stop to avoid it becoming too runny.
Don’t Skip the Cooling: Make sure the cookies are completely cool before frosting them to prevent the frosting from melting.

Related Recipes :

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the cookies after baking and thaw them before serving.

2. Can I skip the cream cheese frosting?
Yes, if you prefer a less sweet option, you can skip the frosting or dust the cookies with powdered sugar instead.

3. Are these cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the other ingredients for any hidden gluten.

Conclusion

Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese are a delectable treat that combines the flavors of carrot cake and the richness of cream cheese frosting. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply indulging in a sweet snack. With their soft texture, flavorful spices, and creamy frosting, they’re bound to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Follow the recipe step-by-step, and don’t forget to enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee!