Description
These soft and chewy Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are like adorable mini carrot cakes in cookie form! They’re packed with shredded carrots, warm spices, and topped with a rich, creamy frosting. Perfect for Easter, spring gatherings, or whenever you crave a cozy, sweet treat!
Ingredients
Cookies:
– 1 cup Salted Sweet Cream Butter, softened
– 3/4 cup Light Brown Sugar, packed
– 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar
– 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
– 2 Large Eggs
– 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
– 1 tsp Baking Soda
– 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg
– 1/2 tsp Ground Ginger
– 2 cups Finely Shredded Carrots (4 medium-large)
– 1 cup Chopped Pecans (optional)
Frosting:
– 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup Salted Sweet Cream Butter, softened
– 3 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
– 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
– 1 cup Chopped Pecans (for rolling edges, optional)
– Green & Orange Food Coloring (optional for decorating)
Instructions
Cookies:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add sugars and mix well. Add vanilla and eggs, beating until smooth.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, spices, and baking soda. Gradually mix into wet ingredients.
4. Fold in shredded carrots and pecans (if using).
5. Scoop dough onto prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown. Cool completely.
Frosting:
1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add vanilla and powdered sugar, mixing until creamy.
3. Spread frosting over cookies and roll edges in chopped pecans if desired.
Optional Decoration:
– Divide frosting, tint portions with green and orange food coloring.
– Pipe tiny carrot designs using decorator bags or Ziploc bags.
Notes
– For extra softness, chill dough for 30 minutes before baking.
– Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
– Baked cookies (without frosting) can be frozen for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American