carrot cake cookies

Lucy

Delight in these soft, chewy carrot cake cookies packed with warm spices and a hint of sweetness. Perfect for dessert or a quick snack

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 11

Total Time 27

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 cookies

Calories 180 kcal

Unsalted Butter 1/2 cup, softened: This forms the base of your dough and contributes to the rich, tender texture of the cookies. Always use unsalted butter for better control of the salt content.
Brown Sugar 3/4 cup: Brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper, caramel-like flavor, which is a hallmark of carrot cake.
Egg 1 large: The egg binds the ingredients together, ensuring your cookies hold their shape.
Vanilla Extract 1 teaspoon: This adds warmth and a lovely aroma to complement the other flavors.

All-Purpose Flour 1 1/2 cups: The main structure for the cookies. You can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
Baking Powder 1 teaspoon: This will help your cookies rise to the perfect height, making them soft and fluffy.
Baking Soda 1/2 teaspoon: Provides extra lift and ensures the cookies have a light texture.
Ground Cinnamon 1 teaspoon: The essential spice in carrot cake, giving your cookies that cozy, warm flavor.
Ground Nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon: A touch of nutmeg complements the cinnamon and adds a layer of complexity.
Ground Ginger 1/2 teaspoon: For an extra zing that balances the sweetness of the sugar and carrots.
Salt 1/4 teaspoon: A little salt enhances all the other flavors, making the cookies taste even better.

Freshly Grated Carrots 1 1/2 cups: This is the star of the recipe, giving your cookies the signature carrot cake taste and natural sweetness.
Walnuts 1/2 cup, chopped: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, balancing the soft texture of the cookie.
Raisins 1/4 cup: Sweet raisins add chewiness and contrast beautifully with the spices and carrots.
Shredded Coconut 1/4 cup: If you’re a fan of coconut, this will add texture and a subtle tropical flavor.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent your cookies from sticking and make clean-up a breeze.

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This will ensure that your spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough, giving every bite that perfect carrot cake flavor.

In a separate large bowl, beat together unsalted butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer or a whisk. You’ll want to mix them until they become light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This step is essential for a soft, chewy cookie texture.

Once your butter and sugar are well creamed, add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. The egg helps bind the dough, while the vanilla adds a warm, aromatic depth of flavor.

Stir in the freshly grated carrots. These will add both moisture and that signature carrot cake taste. Be sure to mix the carrots thoroughly, but don’t overwork the dough. We want to keep that perfect texture!

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix at this stage – it’s important for the cookies to stay soft and tender.

If you’re using any optional add-ins like chopped walnuts, raisins, or shredded coconut, fold them in at this point. This is where you can get creative and personalize your cookies to suit your taste.

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. If you prefer larger or smaller cookies, simply adjust the scoop size.

Bake your carrot cake cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary. When done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once your cookies have cooled, it’s time to dig in! These carrot cake cookies are soft, sweet, and packed with the flavors of your favorite carrot cake. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Nutrition Information

Keyword Carrot cake cookies, carrot dessert recipe, chewy carrot cookies