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Stack of soft carrot cake cookies topped with cream cheese frosting on white plate
John

Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting combine the best flavors of classic carrot cake into soft, spiced cookies topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for holidays, parties, or an everyday treat!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 185
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 2 cups grated carrots freshly grated
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup raisins optional
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir in grated carrots, oats, raisins, and walnuts until combined.
  6. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden. Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack.
  8. Meanwhile, prepare the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
  9. Once cookies are cooled completely, spread or pipe frosting on top. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Notes

For best results, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape. Add toasted coconut for extra texture and flavor if desired.
Nutrition Information
  • Calories: 185
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
  • Sodium: 125mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 22g
  • Protein: 3g