Carrot Cake Cookies (Printable)

Soft, spice-filled cookies blending fresh carrots, oats, and warm cinnamon with optional cream cheese drizzle.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

→ Wet Ingredients

08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
10 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
11 - 1 large egg
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Add-ins

13 - 1 cup finely grated carrots (about 2 medium)
14 - 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
15 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
16 - 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

→ Cream Cheese Drizzle

17 - 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
18 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
19 - 1 tablespoon milk
20 - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
03 - In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
04 - Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
05 - Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
06 - Fold in grated carrots, oats, walnuts or pecans if using, and raisins if using.
07 - Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
08 - Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers are set. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies using a spoon or small piping bag. Allow glaze to set before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • These cookies capture everything you love about carrot cake but in handheld form and ready in half the time
  • The cream cheese drizzle transforms them from ordinary to special occasion worthy
02 -
  • Overgrating carrots creates watery cookies, so use the fine side of your box grater
  • Room temperature ingredients prevent the dough from separating and ensure even baking
03 -
  • Grate carrots directly into a measuring cup to catch all those precious juices
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes if your kitchen runs warm to prevent excessive spreading