Creamy, warmly spiced, and delightfully chewy, these Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting capture all the comfort of a classic carrot cake in a handheld treat. Imagine soft cookies packed with grated carrots, coconut, raisins, and walnuts, crowned with a tangy cream cheese frosting — snack time just got celebratory. Fun fact: carrot cakes were originally popular because carrots were used as a cheap sweetener during wartime — who knew history could taste so good?

This recipe is special because it simplifies a traditional layered cake into quick, family-friendly cookies that bake in minutes and please a crowd. They’re easy enough for busy weeknights, impressive for potlucks, and just as cozy as our Carrot Cake Roll. If you love portable desserts, try this one; it’s a great companion to the more elaborate dessert recipes like our carrot cake roll with cream cheese frosting filling. Get ready — these cookies are about to become a regular in your baking rotation.

What is Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

What’s in a name? Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are exactly what they sound like: all the flavors of carrot cake—spices, shredded carrot, raisins, coconut, and nuts—baked into soft cookies and finished with creamy frosting. Curious how a cake became a cookie? Maybe someone wanted cake without the fuss of layers and decided to shrink it down to a perfect bite. Who wouldn’t? After all, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” So whether you’re sneaking one for yourself or sharing with friends, these cookies are an easy way to spread joy. Give them a try — I promise a grin with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This

• Flavor-packed comfort: The warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger combined with sweet raisins and coconut create a nostalgic, cozy profile that smells like home.
• Economical and satisfying: Making these at home saves money compared with bakery versions, and the ingredients mostly come from your pantry — a real win for budget-friendly baking.
• Texture and topping: The chewy oats and walnuts give a pleasant bite while the smooth cream cheese frosting adds a tangy contrast that makes every cookie feel luxurious.

If you enjoy the bright cream-cheese finish on our banana cake with cream cheese frosting, you’ll love how this cookie version offers the same luscious topping in a casual, shareable form. Ready to bake? These cookies are calling your name.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This recipe is straightforward: cream the butter and sugars, mix dry ingredients, fold in oats and mix-ins, chill, scoop, and bake. The result is soft, slightly chewy cookies with pockets of sweet raisins and a velvety cream cheese frosting. Prep time is minimal, but chilling the dough for at least 2 hours helps the cookies hold shape and develop flavor. Total time: about 2 hours 25 minutes including chilling; active prep + bake about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup golden raisins (soaked; drain before using)
• 3/4 cup grated carrots (packed)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened (for frosting)
• 1 to 1.5 cups powdered sugar, sifted (for frosting)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla (for frosting)

Directions

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large bowl with a handheld mixer, cream together butter and sugars for 2-3 minutes until lightened in color and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla and keep mixing to combine. Scrape down sides of the bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Whisk together.
4. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat on low until just combined.
5. With the mixer still on low, add the oats, coconut, raisins, carrots, and walnuts.
6. Place dough in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Scoop dough into mounds and place on cookie sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until set around the edges but still soft in the center.
9. Let cookies cool for a few minutes and transfer to a wire rack.

For the frosting:

10. In the stand mixer, cream together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
11. Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until light and fluffy. Spread or pipe onto cooled cookies.

What to Serve With

These cookies are versatile and pair well with a variety of drinks and sides to create a pleasant spread:

• Hot beverages: A strong coffee, chai tea, or a spiced latte complements the cookies’ warm spices.
• Cold beverages: Fresh milk or a lightly sweetened iced tea balances the richness of the frosting.
• Fresh fruit: Sliced apples, pears, or a simple fruit platter add bright, juicy contrast.
• Cheese board: Mild cheeses like brie or creamier chèvre can make for an unexpected, elegant pairing.
• Ice cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream turns these into a dessert sandwich.

Top Tips for Perfecting

• Swap and save: If you don’t have golden raisins, regular raisins or finely chopped dates work well. For a nut-free version, omit walnuts and add extra oats or sunflower seeds.
• Soak raisins: Soaking raisins in warm water for 10 minutes plumps them so they stay juicy in the cookie.
• Chill time matters: Don’t skip the 2-hour chill; it prevents excessive spreading and intensifies flavor. If short on time, freeze scoops for 20–30 minutes before baking.
• Frosting texture: If your frosting is too stiff, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until spreadable. If too thin, add a little more sifted powdered sugar.
• Avoid overbaking: Remove cookies when edges are set but centers still look slightly soft — they’ll firm up as they cool.

For another cozy cream-cheese paired dessert idea, check out this seasonal favorite: pumpkin cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Refrigerator: Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freezing: Unfrosted cookie dough or baked unfrosted cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting. Frosted cookies can be frozen on a tray, then transferred to a container with layers separated by parchment; thaw in the fridge to avoid condensation on the frosting.
• Reheating: For a freshly-baked feel, warm a cookie in the microwave for 8–10 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 4–6 minutes. If refrigerated, let cookies come to room temperature for the best texture before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without nuts?
Yes. Omit the walnuts and add 1/4 cup extra oats or 1/4 cup sunflower seeds for crunch, or simply leave them out for a nut-free cookie.

How long do the cookies need to chill?
At least 2 hours in the refrigerator. If you’re in a hurry, freeze scoops of dough for 20–30 minutes to firm them up before baking.

Can I use boxed cake mix instead of making the dough from scratch?
This recipe is designed from scratch to deliver the right texture and mix-ins. Boxed cake mix will change the texture and isn’t recommended for this specific cookie style.

How do I make the frosting less sweet?
Reduce powdered sugar slightly and increase the cream cheese or add a half teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to introduce a tang that balances sweetness.

Can I make these dairy-free?
Use a plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Check that powdered sugar is bone-char-free if fully vegan ingredients are required.

Conclusion

These Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are an easy way to bring bakery-worthy flavor to your kitchen with minimal effort. They’re cozy, shareable, and perfect for snack time, brunch, or a simple dessert that delights both kids and adults. Try them for your next gathering — you’ll love how quickly they disappear. For a similar twist and inspiration, here’s a great version from another trusted recipe source: Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting – Cooking Classy