Description

These carrot cake cookies are a soft, chewy treat that blends the flavors of warm spices, sweet carrots, and the rich indulgence of cream cheese frosting. They are a perfect balance of flavor and texture, ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup finely grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Stir in the grated carrots, oats, walnuts or pecans, and shredded coconut if using.
Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the cookies are set.
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a small amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.

Notes

If you prefer a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or pecans.

For a different flavor, add raisins or currants to the dough.

If you want a simpler option, dust the cookies with powdered sugar instead of using frosting.

If you'd like to make the cookies healthier, substitute the butter with a plant-based version or use a sugar substitute.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 200
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg