Carrot Cake Cookies

There’s so much to adore about Carrot Cake Cookies. Here’s why they’re a must-try:

1. All the Flavor, Less Effort : Enjoy the taste of carrot cake without the hassle of layering and frosting a full cake.
2. Perfectly Portable : Bite-sized cookies are easy to share, pack, or gift.
3. Customizable : Add nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to suit your taste.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly : Prepare them ahead of time and store for later—ideal for stress-free entertaining.
5. Kid-Friendly : Little ones will love helping assemble and decorate these fun, sweet treats.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to these cookies lies in their simple yet indulgent combination of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup shredded carrots (finely grated, tightly packed)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• ½ cup raisins or shredded coconut (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to whip up these soft, spiced cookies? Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

1. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix—the dough should be slightly lumpy.
2. Fold in the shredded carrots, chopped nuts, and raisins or coconut (if using) using a spatula or wooden spoon.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

1. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes , or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 6: Cool and Frost

1. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. While the cookies cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, and beat until light and fluffy.
3. Once the cookies are completely cool, pipe or spread a dollop of frosting onto each cookie.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts, if desired.
2. Serve at room temperature and enjoy the rich, spiced flavors in every bite!