If you love carrot cake, then you’re in for a treat! Carrot cake cookies bring the unique blend of flavors and spices found in carrot cakes straight to your cookie jar. These cookies are the perfect handheld dessert for any occasion, whether you’re gathering with friends or enjoying a quiet afternoon snack. In this article, we will walk you through the best carrot cake cookie recipe that’s both easy to make and full of deliciousness.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour

– 1 cup grated carrots

– 1/2 cup raisins or chopped walnuts (optional)

– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1/3 cup granulated sugar

– 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar

– 1 large egg

– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the cream cheese frosting:

– 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

– 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted

– 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients while stirring with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Once the ingredients are combined, fold in the grated carrots and raisins or walnuts if using.

Step 5: Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten the dough slightly with the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting by creaming together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract and mix until creamy.

Step 8: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie using a small knife or spatula.

Now your delectable carrot cake cookies are ready to be enjoyed! These cookies are best served fresh but can also be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. Keep in mind that due to their moistness, they may soften over time. Enjoy every delightfully spiced bite of these scrumptious carrot cake cookies!