Name: Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups finely shredded or grated carrots; 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup raisins; 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts (optional); 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups packed dark brown sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; Cream cheese frosting (see notes)

Sweet memories often dance around my favorite carrot cake cookies that blend nostalgic comfort with unexpected crunch.

Grandma’s classic recipe inspired this delightful twist on a beloved dessert.

Soft, spiced morsels packed with warm cinnamon and tender carrot bits promise pure delight.

Crisp edges give way to a chewy center that melts in your mouth.

Hints of nutmeg and vanilla weave through each delectable bite.

Cream cheese frosting optional but highly recommended for maximum indulgence.

Bake a batch and watch smiles spread faster than soft butter on warm bread.

Carrot Cake Cookies That Bring Spice And Sweetness

Quick Weekend Baking Delight: Perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings with minimal kitchen effort.
Adaptable Texture Magic: Soft, chewy cookies that deliver classic carrot cake flavors in a portable, bite-sized format perfect for snacking or dessert.
Family-Friendly Treat: Sneaks nutritious carrots into a delicious cookie that kids and adults will eagerly enjoy without feeling like they're eating something healthy.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, allowing flexible baking times that fit busy schedules and spontaneous dessert needs.

Frosting and Dough for Carrot Cake Cookies

Dry Ingredients:

Flour, Cornstarch: Provides structure and helps bind the cookie dough together. All-purpose flour works best.
Cinnamon: Adds warm, classic spice flavor typical in carrot cake.
Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

Wet Ingredients:

Brown Sugar, Melted Butter: Creates rich, caramel-like sweetness and tender texture. Dark brown sugar gives deeper flavor.
Eggs: Adds moisture and helps bind ingredients together.
Vanilla Extract: Provides deep, complex background flavor.

Mix-In Ingredients:

Oats: Adds hearty texture and nutty flavor. Rolled oats recommended.
Shredded Carrots: Brings moisture and authentic carrot cake taste. Fresh carrots work best.
Raisins: Provides natural sweetness and chewy texture.

Optional Finishing Ingredients:

Cream Cheese Frosting: Classic carrot cake topping with tangy sweetness.
Chopped Walnuts: Adds crunch and traditional carrot cake element.

Carrot Cake Cookies – Simple Baking Method

Step 1: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch until perfectly combined.

Set this magical mixture aside for later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat melted butter and brown sugar on high speed.

Blend for about 2 minutes, making sure to scrape down the bowl’s sides to incorporate every delicious bit.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Crack in the eggs and pour vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture.

Beat for another minute until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly mix the dry ingredient blend into the wet ingredients using low speed.

Stop mixing as soon as everything is just combined to keep the cookies tender.

Step 5: Fold in Texture Boosters

Gently mix in the oats on low speed.

Then carefully fold in:

Shredded carrots
Raisins

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and let it relax in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

This helps develop deeper flavors and prevents spreading.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 8: Shape Cookies

Scoop 2-3 tablespoons of chilled dough onto the prepared baking sheet.

Leave enough space between each cookie for spreading.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 11-13 minutes.

Look for lightly browned edges.

The centers might seem slightly underbaked, but they’ll set as they cool.

Step 10: Cool and Set

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11: Optional Fancy Finish

For an extra indulgent touch, spread cream cheese frosting over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.

Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least an hour to intensify flavors and prevent spreading during baking.
Use a fine grater to ensure carrots blend smoothly into the cookie dough without creating large chunks.
Pat shredded carrots with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, preventing soggy cookies.
Swap walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty crunch and personalized touch.
Portion and freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for quick, fresh-baked treats anytime you crave them.

Carrot Cake Cookies Ready to Serve Again

Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, lasting up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 300℉ oven for 3-4 minutes to restore softness.
If topped with cream cheese frosting, keep refrigerated and consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Great Matches For Carrot Cookies

Pair with Creamy Chai Latte: A warm, spiced chai tea latte complements the cinnamon and carrot cake flavors, creating a cozy and comforting combination that enhances the cookie's sweetness.
Serve Alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop a cold, creamy vanilla bean ice cream next to the cookies for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture, balancing the warm spices and soft cookie.
Match with Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle rich, golden caramel sauce over the cookies to add depth and extra sweetness, highlighting the brown sugar and carrot notes in the dessert.
Complement with Toasted Pecan Sprinkle: Sprinkle toasted, chopped pecans over the cream cheese frosting for a nutty crunch that adds complexity and brings out the cookie's rustic, homemade charm.

Carrot Cake Cookies Interpretations

Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly version.
Vegan Carrot Cake Cookies: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and select plant-based cream cheese for frosting to create dairy-free alternative.
Low-Sugar Carrot Cake Cookies: Swap brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce total sugar content, and use sugar-free dried cranberries instead of raisins for diabetic-friendly option.
Nut-Free Carrot Cake Cookies: Omit walnuts completely, replace with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch, and use seed-based cream cheese frosting for allergy-safe version.

FAQs

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Make sure the dough is chilled for at least an hour before baking. Cold dough helps prevent excessive spreading and maintains the cookie’s shape during baking.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Yes, quick oats work fine, but the texture might be slightly different. Old-fashioned oats provide a better chew and more rustic texture to the cookies.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for lightly browned edges and centers that seem slightly underbaked. The cookies will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet, creating a soft, chewy texture.

Is it necessary to use a hand mixer?

While a hand mixer helps create a smooth batter, you can use a stand mixer or even mix by hand with a whisk. Just ensure ingredients are well combined and no flour pockets remain.

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis

Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

Irresistibly Soft Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Carrot Cake Cookies That Bring Spice And Sweetness

Frosting and Dough for Carrot Cake Cookies