Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe

Turn this classic spring cake into a batch of cookies. You can spread the cream cheese icing on top of finished carrot cake cookies or make a sandwich cookie.

Original_Sam-Henderson-Carrot-Cake-Cookie-Detail_s3x4

Before You Start

These are soft cookies. Don't try to remove them from the tray too soon.

To reduce some of the moisture, try squeezing some of the liquid out of the grated carrots by placing them in cheesecloth or in some paper towels.

The dough should rest for at least 2 hours before baking, but feel free to leave it overnight.

Chilling the dough balls before baking is critical. It will prevent some spreading of the cookie.

To keep the icing firm you may wish to store these in the refrigerator.

Ingredients

For the cookie:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups grated carrot (3-4 medium)
1 cup raisins
1 1/4 cups chopped walnuts
1 cup rolled oats

For the icing:

8 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped

Directions

For the cookie:

1. Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Whisk to fully blend. Set aside.
2. Cream together butter and both sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix thoroughly.
4. With mixer on lowest speed, gradually add flour mixture and mix only until moistened.
5. Add carrot, raisins, walnuts and oats. Mix just until incorporated.
6. Cover dough and let rest in refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
7. Preheat oven to 350° F.
8. Using a cookie scoop, place dough on parchment-lined baking sheets. Chill for 15 minutes before baking.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned.
10. Remove from oven, but allow cookies to sit on tray for 2 minutes before transferring to wire rack.
11. Cool completely before icing.

For the icing:

1. Cream together cream cheese and butter.
2. Add confectioners' sugar and vanilla.
3. Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Apply to top of cookie with an offset spatula (Image 1).
5. Sprinkle on finely chopped nuts (Image 2).

Next Up

Pink Snowball Cake Recipe

This cake is sure to be the center of attention at any spring or Easter gathering. Bake a dome-shaped chocolate cake, fill with marshmallow creme, frost with pastel pink icing and top with toasted coconut.

Lemon Pots de Creme Dessert Recipe

The naturally sunny color and bright, citrusy flavor of these custards are reminiscent of spring. They're wonderful served with homemade creme-filled chocolates for Easter.

Bird's Nest Spring Wreath

Give your front door a cheery spring makeover with this easy-to-craft wreath that features a DIY bird's nest complete with hand-painted robin's eggs.

Strawberry Strata Recipe

This "breakfast casserole" could be eaten anytime and makes a lovely dessert, but is perfect for an Easter brunch. The crunchy bread crust, soft berries and ricotta make every bite sweet and delectable.

Chocolate Coconut Candy Recipe

These white and dark chocolate covered coconut balls, filled with a raspberry surprise, are the perfect spring treat or addition to any Easter basket.

Pink Snowball Cakelettes Recipe

These cakelettes are reminiscent of a favorite childhood treat but in miniature form. You can eat them right away, but they're more flavorful and moist the next day.

Speckled Egg Petit Fours Recipe

These colorful speckled egg cakes make a cute addition to Easter baskets or spring dessert buffet tables.

How to Craft a Faux Bird's Nest With Robin's Eggs

Bring spring indoors with an easy-to-craft decorative bird's nest you can whip up while watching your favorite show. Fill the realistic-looking nest with painted robin's eggs, dyed eggs or Easter candy.

Carrot Crispy Rice Treats Recipe

With only three ingredients, you can make these tasty treats last minute.

How to Make Royal Icing Nests

These little nests will beautifully display candy Easter eggs and other small treats. They solidify to a hard candy finish to create a delicate, porcelain-like look.

More from:

Easter

What's New in Handmade

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.