Carrot Cake Cookies (Print Version)

Soft, spice-filled cookies with fresh carrots and optional cream cheese glaze.

# What You Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

→ Wet Ingredients

08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
10 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
11 - 1 large egg
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Add-ins

13 - 1 cup finely grated carrots (about 2 medium)
14 - 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
15 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
16 - 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

→ Cream Cheese Drizzle

17 - 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
18 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
19 - 1 tablespoon milk
20 - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a medium bowl.
03 - Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until creamy and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
04 - Add egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
05 - Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
06 - Fold in grated carrots, oats, walnuts or pecans if using, and raisins if using.
07 - Drop dough onto prepared baking sheets using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, spacing about 2 inches apart.
08 - Bake 11-13 minutes until edges are golden and centers are set. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag. Allow glaze to set before serving.

# Handy Tips:

01 -
  • They capture everything you love about carrot cake but in handheld form, perfect for afternoon snacks or casual gatherings
  • The cream cheese drizzle transforms them from ordinary cookies into something that feels like a special treat without requiring frosting skills
02 -
  • Overmixing the dough makes tough cookies, so stop as soon as the flour disappears
  • Grating carrots finely is crucial, as large pieces create weird pockets and prevent even cooking
03 -
  • Use the smallest holes on your box grater for carrots that almost melt into the cookies
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes if your kitchen is warm to prevent excessive spreading