Name: Carrot Cake Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup grated carrots; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans; 1/2 cup raisins

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Freshly baked carrot cake cookies with cream cheese frosting and grated carrots

Discover the Joy of Carrot Cake Cookies

There’s something incredibly comforting about baking cookies that blend the sweet, spiced goodness of carrot cake into a delightful bite-sized treat.

These Carrot Cake Cookies are perfect for when you’re craving a taste of fall or just want to brighten your day with something scrumptious.

Packed with grated carrots, crunchy nuts, and sweet raisins, each cookie offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Plus, the simple ingredients make this recipe both accessible and fun for bakers of all levels. Grab your apron and let’s bake!

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving: 124
Protein: 1.5 grams
Carbohydrates: 17 grams
Fat: 6 grams
Fiber: 1 gram
Sugar: 7 grams
Sodium: 95 mg

Why I Love This Carrot Cake Cookies

These Carrot Cake Cookies are a delightful reminder of cozy afternoons spent baking with family.

There’s a certain magic when the warm aroma of cinnamon and baked carrots wafts through the kitchen, creating anticipation for that first bite.

What I love most is how easy they are to whip up—perfect for when you want to bake something sweet without the fuss of a full cake!

They’re versatile, too; whether served at a gathering, as a sweet snack for lunchboxes, or paired with a cup of tea on a quiet evening, they always hit the spot.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour,
1 teaspoon baking soda,
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon,
1/2 teaspoon salt,
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened,
1/2 cup brown sugar,
1/2 cup granulated sugar,
1 large egg,
1 teaspoon vanilla extract,
1 cup grated carrots,
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans,
1/2 cup raisins

How to Make Carrot Cake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure those cookies bake perfectly.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This mixture brings all the flavors together.

Step 3: Cream the Sugars and Butter

In another bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. It should look like clouds of sweetness!

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. This is where the comforting smells start to waft!

Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the butter mixture until just mixed—don’t overdo it; lumps are okay!

Step 6: Fold in the Good Stuff

Stir in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts or pecans, and raisins. The bright orange carrots and nuts provide a beautiful texture and flavor contrast.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them space to spread out as they bake.

Step 8: Bake Those Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Your kitchen is about to smell heavenly!

Step 9: Cool Down

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key!

Tips & Variations

Serving Suggestions: These cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with a warm cup of tea or coffee elevates the experience.
Dietary Adjustments: For a gluten-free option, try substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Storage Tip: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well—just make sure to place parchment paper between layers for easy access.
Fun Additions: Feel free to add in some shredded coconut, chopped pineapples, or a pinch of nutmeg for an extra twist.

Delicious Variations

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Combine oats and raisins for classic chewy cookies.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: Make quick chocolate chip cookies for a rich dessert.
Ginger Molasses Cookies: Bake these spiced cookies for a taste of the holidays.
Banana Bread Cookies: Use ripe bananas for soft and sweet cookies.

Serving Suggestions for Carrot Cake Cookies

Serve these cookies warm or at room temperature. They’re ideal as an afternoon snack or dessert anytime! For a unique pairing, try them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple yet fantastic dessert experience.

Also, you might enjoy serving them alongside a slice of a tangy cream cheese frosting cake, complementing the flavors beautifully.

Storage and Leftovers

To keep your Carrot Cake Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

You can also freeze them for up to three months; just make sure to let them cool completely before wrapping in plastic wrap or placing in a freezer-safe bag.

Helpful Questions

Can I make these cookies without nuts?
Absolutely! Just skip the nuts or use seeds for a similar crunch.
What if I don’t have raisins?
No problem! You can substitute them with chopped dates or chocolate chips for a tasty twist.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
They’ll be lightly golden around the edges; a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes! You can chill the dough in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes the flavors even better!
What can I do if my cookies spread too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and try chilling the dough before baking for more structure.

Enjoy your baking adventure with these delightful Carrot Cake Cookies!