Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Drizzle (Printable version)
Soft spiced cookies loaded with carrots, oats, and warm spices, finished with sweet cream cheese drizzle.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
→ Wet Ingredients
08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
10 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
11 - 1 large egg
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Add-ins
13 - 1 cup finely grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
14 - 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
15 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
16 - 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
→ Cream Cheese Drizzle
17 - 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
18 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
19 - 1 tablespoon milk
20 - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until evenly distributed.
03 - In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined and smooth.
05 - Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
06 - Fold in grated carrots, oats, walnuts or pecans if using, and raisins if using until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
07 - Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
08 - Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers are set. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together until smooth and creamy. Drizzle over cooled cookies using a spoon or small piping bag. Allow glaze to set before serving.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- They deliver all the comfort of carrot cake in under 35 minutes flat
- The texture is incredible with soft centers and slightly crisp edges
02 -
- Overmixing the dough after adding flour makes tough cookies so stop as soon as everything is combined
- Grating carrots finely is crucial because large pieces create wet spots in the cookies
03 -
- Use the smallest holes on your grater for carrots that virtually disappear into the dough
- Room temperature ingredients prevent the dough from separating and ensure even baking