Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Swirl

Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe My Cream Cheese Swirl Secret

By Fia MartinezSeptember 9, 2025Updated: September 8, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Carrot Cake Cookies, Anyone?

Fancy a slice of carrot cake, but want something a bit different? I've got you covered! These Carrot Cake Cookies are the business.

They deliver that classic spiced carrot cake vibe, but in a cute, dunkable cookie.

A Carrot Cake Cookie Love Story

These beauties take inspiration from the classic American carrot cake. Originating, you know, probably someone craving something sweet with their veggies! The recipe is medium difficulty.

It takes roughly an hour to an hour and ten minutes. This includes chilling. You will get about 18-24 cookies.

Sharing is optional!

Why You'll Obsess Over These Carrot Cake Cookies

Honestly, Carrot Cookies are a fantastic way to sneak in a bit of veggies into your treats. I mean, who's gonna argue with that? Perfect for a cozy afternoon tea or a fun bake sale.

These Homemade Carrot Cake Cookies are special because they give you the best of both worlds. Cake and cookies!

Want to know the ingredients for this amazing Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe ? Let's jump right into it!

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Carrot Cake Cookies

Okay, so you wanna bake some Carrot Cake Cookies ? Sweet! I promise these Cake Cookies Recipe are gonna be a hit.

Think of them like mini Carrot Cake Desserts . Get ready to make some magic!

Main Ingredients for Your Spiced Carrot Cookies

Let's gather our bits and pieces. Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you’ll probably already have knocking about in the cupboard. These are Easy Carrot Cake Cookies too, bonus!

All-purpose flour: 1 cup (125g) .
Baking powder: 1 teaspoon .
Baking soda: ½ teaspoon .
Ground cinnamon: ½ teaspoon .
Ground nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon . Honestly, freshly grated is best if you have it.
Ground ginger: ¼ teaspoon .
Salt: ¼ teaspoon .
Unsalted butter: ½ cup (113g or 1 stick) , softened – really important for creaminess!.
Granulated sugar: ½ cup (100g) .
Packed light brown sugar: ¼ cup (50g) . Brown sugar adds moisture and chew.
Large egg: 1 . Free range if you can!
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon .
Finely grated carrots: 1 cup (approx. 120g) . About 2 medium carrots . Get the finest grater.
Chopped walnuts, toasted: ½ cup (approx. 50g) . Optional , but really levels them up.

Cream Cheese Frosting Cookies: The Icing on the...Cookie!

This cream cheese frosting is what makes these Carrot Cookies truly divine. We are talking like Homemade Carrot Cake Cookies level.

Cream cheese: 4 ounces (113g) , softened again, so important!
Unsalted butter: ¼ cup (57g or ½ stick) , softened.
Powdered sugar: 2 cups (240g) .
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon .
Milk or cream: 1-2 tablespoons . For thinning, if needed.

Seasoning Notes for your Walnut Carrot Cake Cookies

Cinnamon and nutmeg are key. Ginger gives it a nice little kick. Don’t skip the salt! A pinch really brings out the sweetness.

Feel free to add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom if you are feeling fancy. If you're a fan of Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe with a little more oomph , these options are great!.

Equipment Needed for a simple Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe

Nothing too fancy here. You’ll probably have it all already.

Baking sheets
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Stops sticking!
Mixing bowls (large and medium)
Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer). Honestly, makes life so much easier.
Measuring cups and spoons
Grater
Small saucepan (for toasting walnuts)
Cookie scoop (optional)
Piping bag or Ziploc bag. For frosting!

Right, gather your gear. Next up: the baking! You got this.

Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Swirl

Okay, so you fancy a bit of Carrot Cake, right? But like, in cookie form? These Carrot Cake Cookies are about to blow your mind.

Imagine all those warm, spiced carrot cookies flavours, the moistness, the hint of walnut but in a perfectly dunkable treat.

Honestly, these are dead easy to make, even if your baking skills usually peak at a packet of biscuits. Get ready for Homemade carrot cake cookies !

Prep Steps: Let's Get Organised!

First things first: mise en place, darling. Get everything out and measured. It seriously saves time. And don't even think about skipping grating those carrots.

About 2 medium carrots will do the trick. Essential mise en place is key, you know?

Time saving organization tips ? Soften that butter and cream cheese beforehand! I always forget and end up microwaving them… which never ends well! And a quick word of warning: always wash your hands before starting.

step-by-step: Banging Out These Beauties

Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Line those baking sheets with parchment.
If you’re using walnuts (and you should, they're fantastic in walnut carrot cake cookies ), toast them in a dry pan for about 5 minutes . Watch them like a hawk.
Whisk together the dry stuff: flour, baking powder, soda, spices, and salt.
Cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla. Don't overmix.
Gradually add the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Fold in the carrots and walnuts.
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes . This is crucial!

Now, scoop 'em onto the baking sheets and bake for 12- 14 minutes . Let them cool, and then get ready for the glorious frosting!

Pro Tips for Absolute Cookie Perfection

Chill that dough . I cannot stress this enough! Also, don't overmix. Overmixing = tough cookies, and nobody wants that. To avoid those common mistakes follow this Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe

Want to get ahead? You can totally make the dough the day before and keep it in the fridge. Just let it soften a bit before scooping.

These Easy carrot cake cookies are delicious!

And that Cream cheese frosting cookies ? Oh my gosh! It's the perfect tangy counterpoint to the sweet and spiced cookie.

Enjoy those soft and spiced Carrot Cake Cookies. You've earned it!

Recipe Notes for the Best Ever Carrot Cake Cookies

Right then, let's talk about how to make these Carrot Cake Cookies truly unforgettable. I swear, this Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe is so good, even nan will be impressed! Honestly, sometimes baking can be a bit hit-or-miss, you know? But these Homemade Carrot Cake Cookies are pretty foolproof.

Serving these Carrot Cake Desserts Like a Pro

Want to make these babies look extra special? A simple dusting of cinnamon on top of the Cream Cheese Frosting Cookies adds a touch of elegance.

Or, if you’re feeling fancy, pipe the frosting into little rosettes. Serve them with a cuppa Earl Grey or a builder's brew, whatever floats your boat.

A glass of cold milk is also a winner. For a proper treat, pair one of these bad boys with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

I can't think of anything better, can you?

Storing Your Easy Carrot Cake Cookies Like a Boss

Listen, if these Carrot Cookies even make it to the next day, here's the lowdown. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge.

They'll last for about 3-4 days. I haven't tried freezing them myself, but I reckon they’d be fine if you wrap them well.

Just let them thaw properly before you tuck in. Reheating? Not really necessary, but a few seconds in the microwave won’t hurt if you want that just baked warmth.

Spice Up Your Cake Cookies Recipe : Variations

Fancy a twist? Add a handful of raisins to the batter for a bit of extra chewiness. Some grated orange zest will give these Spiced Carrot Cookies a lift, and give your Walnut Carrot Cake Cookies a little more punch.

For a healthier spin, you could try using applesauce to replace some of the butter, but shhh, don't tell anyone! And if you are needing a dietary adaptation, just switch out the flour for a gluten-free blend.

Nutrition Nitty Gritty

Okay, so these are cookies, yeah? Each cookie is roughly 250-300 calories, and around 15-20g of fat. You get about 2-3g of protein and 25-30g of carbs.

Of course, this is just an estimate, and depends on how big you make them and how much frosting you pile on.

The real benefit? Pure, unadulterated joy!

So, go on, give these Carrot Cake Cookies a go. You honestly won't regret it. Happy baking, and remember, it's all about having a bit of fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Carrot Cake Cookies flat and spread out?

Flat cookies can be a real bummer, a bit like a soggy bottom on a Great British Bake Off tart! Usually, it's because the butter was too warm, or you didn't chill the dough long enough. Chilling the dough allows the butter to solidify, preventing excessive spreading in the oven.

Also, be sure you're measuring your flour correctly (spoon and level) and avoid overmixing the dough.

Can I make Carrot Cake Cookies ahead of time? How should I store them?

Absolutely! Unfrosted cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. If you're frosting them, it's best to store the frosted Carrot Cake Cookies in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting. They'll last for about 5 days in the fridge.

Think of it as meal prepping, but for delicious cookies!

I'm not a fan of walnuts. What else can I add to my Carrot Cake Cookies?

No worries, not everyone is nuts about nuts! You can easily swap the walnuts for pecans, chopped macadamia nuts, or even dried cranberries or raisins. Toasted coconut flakes would also be a delicious addition, giving them a tropical twist. Get creative it's your cookie masterpiece!

Can I make these Carrot Cake Cookies vegan or gluten-free?

You bet! For vegan Carrot Cake Cookies, substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and ensure your cream cheese frosting is also vegan. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Remember, baking times may vary slightly with gluten-free flour.

My cream cheese frosting is too runny. How can I fix it?

Runny frosting can be a sticky situation! Gradually add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Make sure your cream cheese and butter were properly softened (but not melted!).

If you’ve already added too much powdered sugar, a tiny splash of milk or cream can help thin it out, but go easy less is more in this scenario!

Are these Carrot Cake Cookies healthy? What's the nutritional info?

While these Carrot Cake Cookies are a delicious treat, they are still a dessert! Each cookie contains roughly 250-300 calories, 2-3g of protein, 15-20g of fat, 25-30g of carbohydrates, 15-20g of sugar, and less than 1g of fiber.

They offer a bit of carrots, but should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Think of it as a "sometimes" food, not an "everyday" food even Mary Berry would agree!