The Best Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese: Super Easy

There’s something about carrot cake cookies with cream cheese that feels like a warm hug in dessert form. Imagine all the cozy flavors of a classic carrot cake, sweet carrots, cinnamon, and brown sugar, but in a soft, handheld cookie topped with thick, velvety cream cheese frosting. Sounds irresistible, right?

I still remember the first time I made these carrot cookies. It was one of those days when I craved carrot cake but didn’t want to commit to a full-sized cake (because let’s be real, I would’ve eaten half of it myself).

So, I experimented with a carrot cake cookies recipe, and let me tell you, one bite in, and I knew I had a winner. Soft, slightly chewy, with just the right amount of spice, and that cream cheese frosting on top? Absolute perfection.

If you love carrot cake cookies, you’re in for a treat. These cookies are easy to make, packed with flavor, and that thick cream cheese frosting takes them to the next level. Believe me, you’ll be tempted to whip up a double batch!

And if you’re in the mood for another unique cookie recipe, you have to check out my Cottage Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies, they might just surprise you!

Why You’ll Love These Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese

These carrot cake cookies with cream cheese aren’t just any cookies, they’re the ultimate treat for when you want all the flavors of carrot cake without the hassle of baking a whole cake. Here’s why you need to try them:

Carrot Cake, But Make It Handheld – Love carrot cake? Now you can savor it in the delightful form of a cookie! These carrot cookies have all the spiced, sweet goodness of your favorite cake, minus the forks and plates.

Thick Cream Cheese Frosting = Pure Bliss – Not just a drizzle, not just a thin layer. We’re talking about a thick, rich, and creamy frosting that melts in your mouth with every bite. It’s what makes these cookies with cream cheese frosting completely irresistible.

Soft, Moist, and Perfectly Spiced – These cookies have that just-right texture, soft in the center, slightly chewy on the edges, and bursting with warm cinnamon and brown sugar flavors. Basically, a cozy hug in cookie form.

Easy to Make, Hard to Resist – No fancy steps, no complicated techniques. This carrot cake cookies recipe is beginner-friendly, meaning you get bakery-level cookies without the stress.

Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s Easter, a cozy weekend treat, or just a way to use up those extra carrots in your fridge (we all have them), these carrot cake cookies will always be a hit.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

• All-purpose flour– serves as the foundation of the cookie dough, ensuring both structure and a satisfying texture. It allows the cookies to hold their shape while remaining soft and chewy.
• Baking powder- A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a light and airy texture.
• Baking soda- Works with the acidity in the recipe to help the cookies spread and become soft and chewy as they bake.
• Salt- Balances out the sweetness, enhancing the other flavors and making the spices more pronounced.
• Ground cinnamon- Adds a warm, cozy spice that’s key to the classic carrot cake flavor.
• Ground nutmeg- Gives a subtle, aromatic kick that complements the cinnamon and adds depth to the flavor profile.
• Unsalted butter- Creates a rich, tender texture in the cookies and helps balance the sweetness with its creamy, fatty goodness.
• Brown sugar- Brings moisture and a caramel-like flavor, contributing to the softness and chewiness of the cookies.
• Granulated sugar- Provides sweetness and contributes to the slight crispiness on the edges of the cookies.
• Egg- Acts as a binder, holding everything together while adding moisture and structure to the dough.
• Vanilla extract- Enhances the overall flavor and balances out the spices and sweetness with its warm, comforting taste.
• Shredded carrots- The star ingredient that gives these cookies their signature flavor, texture, and a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spices.
• Cream cheese- Forms the tangy, smooth base of the frosting, giving it a rich, creamy texture that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
• Powdered sugar- Sweetens the frosting while helping to create the perfect thick, spreadable consistency.

Note: This is just a quick rundown of the ingredients I used and why, to find all the details and measurements, simply scroll down to my recipe card!

How to Mak Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create these soft, spiced carrot cake cookies with cream cheese frosting that are sure to wow anyone who tries them.

Prep your ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature; this helps them blend smoothly and ensures your cookies and frosting are perfectly creamy.

Mix the dry ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg, whisking until evenly blended.

This step is crucial because it ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, so your cookies bake uniformly and don’t end up with clumps of flour or spices. Set this bowl aside for now.

Cream the butter and sugars

In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.

Mix until it’s light and fluffy, this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The air you incorporate here helps make the cookies soft and tender.

Add the egg and vanilla

Now, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. This binds the dough together, and the vanilla brings a lovely warmth to the cookies.

Stir in the carrots

Time to fold in those grated carrots! Make sure they’re finely shredded so they mix evenly through the dough. These little orange shreds are the magic ingredient that gives these cookies their unique flavor and texture.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together. You don’t want to overmix, this keeps your cookies soft and tender, not tough.

Chill the dough

Cover your dough and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the dough firm up, making it easier to scoop and ensuring your cookies don’t spread too much while baking. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Scoop and bake

Once chilled, scoop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave a little space between each one so they have room to spread.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. The smell that fills your kitchen will make you want to dive right in!

Let the cookies cool

Give your cookies some time to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

This helps them firm up and keeps them from breaking when you move them.

Make the cream cheese frosting

While your cookies cool, make the frosting. Whip the softened cream cheese and butter together until the mixture becomes irresistibly smooth and creamy.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Keep mixing until the frosting is thick and fluffy, just like you’d want for the perfect carrot cake topping.

Frost and enjoy

Spread a thick layer of that creamy, tangy frosting on top of each cookie.

You can use a spatula or pipe it on for a more polished look. Either way, you’ll have a delicious, thick layer of cream cheese frosting that takes these cookies to the next level.

If you’re a fan of gooey, melt-in-your-mouth treats, you’ll absolutely love these Chocolate Chip and Marshmallow Cookies, packed with rich chocolate and gooey marshmallows in every bite! 

What to Serve with These Cookies

These carrot cake cookies with cream cheese are a treat on their own, but pairing them with the right drinks or sides can elevate the experience even more. 

Here are some ideas to make your cookie moment even more special:

A Hot Cup of Tea- A warm, soothing tea like chai or Earl Grey pairs beautifully with these cookies. The spices in the tea complement the cinnamon and nutmeg in the cookies, creating a cozy, comforting vibe perfect for afternoon tea or a relaxing snack.

Freshly Brewed Coffee- For all the coffee lovers out there, a rich, freshly brewed cup of coffee is a perfect match.

A Glass of Cold Milk- Nothing beats the classic pairing of milk and cookies. The cold, creamy milk helps mellow out the spices and balances the sweetness, making each bite of your carrot cake cookies even more enjoyable.

Creamy Ice Cream- If you’re feeling a little indulgent, serve these cookies with a scoop of Homemade Ice Cream.

4 Mistakes to Avoid

Making carrot cake cookies with cream cheese is simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can mess with your cookie perfection. Here are four pitfalls to avoid to ensure your cookies come out just right every time:

1- Overmixing the Dough

• Why it matters: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. It’s easy to get excited and keep stirring, but the key to soft, tender carrot cookies is mixing just until the dry ingredients are combined.
• What to do instead: Once the flour is added, mix gently and only until everything is incorporated. The dough should still be a bit chunky and not perfectly smooth.

2- Skipping the Chilling Step

• Why it matters: Chilling the dough helps control how much the cookies spread while baking. Without this step, you may end up with flat cookies instead of the soft, chewy treats you want.
• What to do instead: Be patient and let the dough chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This will help the cookies hold their shape and bake evenly.

3- Not Grating the Carrots Finely Enough

• Why it matters: Large chunks of carrot can make your cookies too soggy or uneven in texture. You want the carrots to blend seamlessly into the dough without overwhelming each bite.
• What to do instead: Use a fine grater or food processor to shred the carrots. This ensures even distribution throughout the cookie and gives a consistent texture with every bite.

4- Frosting Too Early

• Why it matters: If you frost your cookies while they’re still warm, the frosting will melt off and create a gooey mess. The cream cheese frosting needs to stay thick and rich to be the perfect topping.
• What to do instead: Let the cookies cool completely before adding the frosting. This ensures the frosting stays put and doesn’t melt into a puddle.

Storing Tips for Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese

• Refrigerate for Freshness: Since the frosting contains cream cheese, always store your frosted cookies in the fridge to prevent spoilage. They’ll stay fresh and creamy for up to 5 days.
• Use an Airtight Container: To keep your cookies from drying out, store them in an airtight container. This will preserve the moisture and keep them soft and chewy.
• Separate Layers with Parchment Paper: If you’re stacking your cookies, place parchment paper between layers to avoid the frosting sticking or getting smudged.
• Freeze for Long-Term Storage: If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze them before frosting. Store the unfrosted cookies in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. 

These carrot cake cookies with cream cheese frosting are the perfect balance of warmth, sweetness, and creaminess. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, sharing with friends, or serving at a gathering, they’re sure to be a hit!

You’ll definitely want to check out my Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, a perfect balance of fruity sweetness and creamy indulgence!

Did you try making this recipe? It will make me so HAPPY if you rate it⭐ and share your thoughts in the comments section below!