Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
These Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on classic carrot cake, turning it into an easy-to-eat, handheld treat. With moist, spiced cookies made from grated carrots and a luscious cream cheese frosting, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. A comforting dessert for gatherings, potlucks, or homemade gifts, these cookies will surely become a favorite. Try them today for the ultimate combination of warm flavors and creamy frosting!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 13-15 minutes per batch
- Total Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes
- Yield: About 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup butter (sweet cream, salted, softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 heaping teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups grated or chopped raw carrots
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Carrots: Grate or finely chop 2 cups of raw carrots.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Incorporate Carrots: Fold in the grated carrots gently.
- Shape and Bake: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 13-15 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar until the frosting reaches a creamy consistency.
- Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.
Notes
- Add 1 cup of chopped nuts or 1/2 to 1 cup of raisins for added texture and flavor.
- Spice it up with a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg.
- Chilling the dough before baking can help prevent spreading too much.
