Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting:

Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake. These soft and chewy cookies are packed with the warm spices, sweet carrots, and a luscious cream cheese frosting that we all love in a traditional carrot cake. Whether you’re looking for a portable treat, a sweet addition to a party, or a way to satisfy your carrot cake cravings, these cookies are a must-try.

Ingredients:

For the Carrot Cake Cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup finely grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Carrot Cake Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. In another bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
6. Stir in the finely grated carrots, chopped nuts (if using), and raisins (if using).

Step 2: Bake the Cookies

1. Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the edges are golden.
3. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Frost the Cookies

1. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous dollop of cream cheese frosting on the flat side of one cookie.
2. Sandwich it with another cookie, creating a delightful frosting-filled cookie sandwich.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve your Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting and savor the sweet, spiced goodness in each bite.

 

Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting offer all the flavors of a classic carrot cake in convenient, bite-sized treats. These soft and chewy cookies, filled with grated carrots, warm spices, and the creamy richness of cream cheese frosting, are perfect for any occasion. Share them with family and friends or enjoy them as a personal indulgence. Either way, they’re sure to bring smiles to faces and satisfy your sweet cravings.