Description
Scrumptious carrot cake cookies blend classic dessert flavors into adorable handheld treats. Warm spices, cream cheese frosting, and rich texture create an irresistible snack that delights both bakers and sweet enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base:
- 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) finely grated fresh carrots
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Sweeteners:
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (165 grams) light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium mixing bowl, then set aside for later use.
- Use an electric mixer to cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
- Incorporate vanilla extract and eggs into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly after each egg addition.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated without overmixing.
- Fold grated carrots into the dough, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Portion dough into rounded tablespoon-sized balls, placing them 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookie edges turn golden and centers appear set, allowing slight softness.
- Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks for complete cooling.
- Whip cream cheese and butter in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually blend powdered sugar into cream cheese mixture, adding vanilla and salt for enhanced flavor.
- Once cookies are completely cool, generously spread cream cheese frosting across the top of each cookie.
- Serve and relish these delectable carrot cake cookies.
Notes
- Replace some butter with applesauce or mashed banana to reduce fat and add natural sweetness, creating a healthier version of the cookies.
- Use gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delightful treats.
- Toast chopped walnuts or pecans before adding to the dough to enhance their nutty flavor and create extra crunch.
- Experiment with alternative spices like ginger or cardamom to give the cookies a unique and unexpected twist on the traditional carrot cake flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 134
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 27 mg