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Delicious Carrot Cake Cookies topped with cream cheese frosting on a plate

Carrot Cake Cookies

Cozy, seasonal treats that capture the essence of classic carrot cake in a delicious cookie form, topped with cream cheese frosting.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American, Seasonal
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies

  • 0.5 cup finely ground carrot bits (about 2 large carrots) Squeeze out excess moisture if carrots are very wet.
  • 1.75 cups all-purpose flour Spoon-and-level for accuracy.
  • 2.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 tsp ground ginger
  • 0.25 tsp ground allspice
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp sea salt
  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large egg yolks, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract Pure vanilla extract is a substitute.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 oz cream cheese, cold
  • 1.5–2 cups powdered sugar Adjust based on sweetness preference.
  • to taste chopped walnuts for topping Optional.

Instructions
 

Prepare the Carrots

  • Wash, peel (optional), and finely grate two large carrots. Pulse in a food processor or chop finely until you have about 1/2 cup (75 g) of finely ground carrot bits.
  • Squeeze out a little excess moisture if carrots are very wet.

Preheat Oven

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Mix Dry Ingredients

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt until evenly combined.

Cream Butter and Sugar

  • In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and light brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.
  • Scrape down the bowl to ensure even mixing.

Add Egg Yolks & Vanilla

  • Add the two room-temperature egg yolks one at a time, mixing until incorporated, then add vanilla bean paste or extract.

Combine Mixtures

  • Gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  • Fold in the finely ground carrot bits until evenly distributed.

Scoop and Bake

  • Scoop dough using a 1.5–2 tablespoon cookie scoop onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies.
  • Lightly flatten each mound before baking.
  • Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops spring back lightly.

Cool

  • Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Make the Frosting

  • In a small bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until smooth.
  • Add the cold cream cheese and beat until fluffy and fully combined.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar until you reach your preferred sweetness and thickness.

Decorate Cookies

  • Use a piping bag or spatula to frost cooled cookies.
  • Top with chopped walnuts if desired.

Notes

Store frosted cookies in airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Unfrosted cookies can be stored at room temperature for 2 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8g
Keyword Carrot Cake Cookies, Cookies, Cream Cheese Frosting, Dessert Recipe, Fall Baking
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