Carrot Cake Cookies

Name: Carrot Cake Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-481820H15M19S
Total time: PT-481820H15M19S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup grated carrots; 1 cup old-fashioned oats; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional); 1/2 cup raisins (optional); 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Isabella

🌟Life, Love, and Gastronomy 🍷

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If you’re a fan of the classic carrot cake, you’ll absolutely love these Carrot Cake Cookies! Soft, chewy, and topped with a delicious cream cheese frosting, these cookies combine all the warm flavors of traditional carrot cake into a portable treat. Perfect for snacks, dessert, or even special occasions, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delightful cookies that everyone will adore.

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1 cup grated carrots

1 cup old-fashioned oats

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

1/2 cup raisins (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

Directions:

Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This blend of spices will give your cookies that delightful warm flavor.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully combined.

Combine:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix! Fold in the grated carrots, old-fashioned oats, and, if desired, the walnuts and raisins for added texture and flavor.

Bake:

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before frosting.

Make the Frosting:

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Frost the Cookies:

Once the cookies have cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.

Serving Tips:

Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter or cake stand for an inviting display. Consider garnishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few chopped walnuts on top of the frosting for an elegant touch.

Pairing: Serve these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. They also make a great dessert option alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Warm Them Up: For a cozy treat, warm the cookies slightly in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. This enhances their flavor and gives the frosting a deliciously soft texture.

Storage Tips:

Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cookies within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft and chewy.

Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the cookies in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting can spoil if left out for too long, so refrigeration is ideal if you won’t consume them right away. They will stay fresh for about a week in the fridge.

Freezing: To enjoy your cookies later, freeze them! Place the unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and frost them just before serving.

Frosting Storage: If you have leftover cream cheese frosting, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about a week. You can use it later to frost more cookies or as a spread for bagels or toast!

Related Recipes:

Carrot Cake Cookies Stuffed with Cream Cheese

FAQs:

Can I make these cookies without nuts or raisins?

Absolutely! If you prefer a nut-free or raisin-free cookie, you can simply omit those ingredients. The cookies will still be delicious and flavorful with the grated carrots and spices.

How should I store leftover cookies?

To keep your Carrot Cake Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for a few days or refrigerated for up to a week. If you want to store them for a longer period, freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to three months.

Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may change the texture slightly. The cookies may be denser and have a nuttier flavor. You can also consider using a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a balance between health and texture.

How can I make the cookies vegan?

To make these cookies vegan, substitute the following ingredients:

Butter: Use vegan butter or coconut oil.

Egg: Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit until it thickens) or a store-bought egg replacer.

Cream Cheese Frosting: Use a vegan cream cheese substitute for the frosting.

Conclusion:

These Carrot Cake Cookies are a wonderful twist on a beloved dessert, bringing all the comforting flavors of carrot cake into a handheld treat. Whether for a cozy afternoon snack or a festive gathering, these cookies are sure to impress. Bake a batch today and indulge in the deliciousness of these delightful cookies topped with cream cheese frosting!