Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe

There's nothing like the warm, cozy aroma of Carrot Cake Cookies baking in the oven. These little gems bring together everything you love about a traditional carrot cake—spiced flavors, moist texture, and that hint of sweetness from the carrots—wrapped up in a perfectly chewy cookie.

this Recipe

I first tried these cookies when I wanted all the flavors of a carrot cake but without the fuss of baking and decorating a full cake. They’ve become a household favorite, especially during the holidays when warm spices are just what we crave.

Why You'll Love These Carrot Cake Cookies

Get ready to meet your new go-to cookie recipe. These Carrot Cake Cookies are a delicious twist on a classic dessert, perfect for anyone who loves the flavor of carrot cake but wants the convenience of a cookie.

One of the best parts of this recipe is how quick and easy it is to make. While a traditional carrot cake can take over an hour, these cookies are ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those times when you need a sweet treat in a hurry.

Plus, they're incredibly moist and chewy. The shredded carrots add natural sweetness and moisture, while a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves brings warmth to every bite.

These cookies are also a great option for anyone looking to add a little extra nutrition to their treats. With real carrots, you’re sneaking in some veggies without sacrificing taste—great for picky eaters.

Finally, these cookies are easily adaptable. Whether you want to add raisins, nuts, or even a cream cheese glaze, you can customize them to suit your cravings.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to these Carrot Cake Cookies lies in the quality and balance of its ingredients. Every component adds something special, whether it's flavor, texture, or that perfect chewy consistency.

All-Purpose Flour: This provides the structure for the cookies. If you're looking to make them gluten-free, try substituting with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour, but keep in mind it may change the texture slightly.

Shredded Carrots: Freshly grated carrots add natural sweetness and moisture. Make sure to grate them finely so they blend well into the cookie dough without adding too much bulk.

Brown Sugar: Brown sugar keeps these cookies soft and chewy. It also adds a hint of caramel flavor that pairs wonderfully with the spices.

Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Cloves: These warming spices are essential to that classic carrot cake flavor. Cinnamon is the star here, but just a touch of nutmeg and cloves makes each bite more complex and aromatic.

Optional Add-ins: Consider adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch. Raisins also work well if you like that hint of sweetness and chew in your cookies. If you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of cream cheese glaze on top is a delicious finishing touch.

No special equipment is needed for this recipe—just a mixing bowl, grater, and baking sheet.

How To Make These Carrot Cake Cookies

Creating these Carrot Cake Cookies is straightforward and fun. Let me walk you through the process step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.

In a large bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mixing these ahead of time helps distribute the spices evenly, so you get consistent flavor in every bite.

In another bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until creamy and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial as it creates the base for a soft, chewy cookie. Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.

Gently fold in the grated carrots, then gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; stirring just until everything is combined will keep your cookies light and tender.

Scoop out the dough into tablespoon-sized portions and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still slightly soft.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period allows the cookies to set perfectly, creating that perfect balance of a chewy center and crisp edges.

Storage Options

These Carrot Cake Cookies store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead option. Here’s how to keep them fresh for as long as possible.

For short-term storage, place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 3 days.

If you’d like to keep them longer, these cookies also freeze well. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer. Simply thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

When it comes to reheating, a few seconds in the microwave will bring back that just-baked softness. If you want to add a cream cheese glaze, do so after reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Carrot Cake Cookies recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some fun ways to make it your own.

For a healthier twist, consider replacing half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. It adds a subtle nuttiness and boosts the fiber content without changing the flavor too much.

If you’re a fan of nuts in your carrot cake, go ahead and mix in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans. They add a lovely crunch and complement the chewy texture of the cookie.

Raisins or dried cranberries are a classic addition to carrot cake and work beautifully in these cookies. Stir in about half a cup if you like a bit of extra sweetness and texture.

Want to make these cookies vegan? Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and replace the butter with a plant-based alternative. The cookies may be slightly softer but still delicious.

For a decadent touch, drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple cream cheese glaze. Just mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk until smooth, and drizzle it over the cookies for a hint of tangy sweetness.

With these Carrot Cake Cookies, you’re bound to create a new family favorite. Grab a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy every chewy, spiced bite of this delicious twist on classic carrot cake!

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