There’s something magical about the warm, spiced aroma of Carrot Cake Cookies baking in the oven. Picture a soft, chewy cookie with all the cozy flavors of a traditional carrot cake—sweet shredded carrots, warm cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg—all wrapped up in a handheld treat. [IMAGE] These cookies are perfect for those days when you crave carrot cake but want something a little easier to make and enjoy.

I first made these cookies when I was craving carrot cake but didn’t have the time (or energy!) for layers and frosting. These Carrot Cake Cookies have since become a family favorite, bringing smiles with every bite.

Why You’ll Love These Carrot Cake Cookies

These Carrot Cake Cookies are everything you love about carrot cake, in a convenient, portable form. With their soft, tender centers and the warm spice of cinnamon and nutmeg, these cookies are like little bites of carrot cake heaven.

Quick and Easy: Unlike traditional carrot cake, there’s no need for multiple layers, frosting, or decorating. These cookies come together in a flash and bake up in under 15 minutes.
Perfect Texture: Each bite is soft and chewy with a bit of crunch from chopped walnuts and a touch of sweetness from raisins, making every mouthful exciting.
Great for Sharing: These cookies travel well and are perfect for sharing at potlucks, parties, or family gatherings. They’ll quickly become everyone’s new favorite!
Make-Ahead Friendly: These cookies store well, so you can bake them ahead of time for a treat that’s ready whenever you need it.

Whether you’re a fan of carrot cake or just love a good spiced cookie, these Carrot Cake Cookies will quickly find a spot on your regular baking rotation.

Ingredients Notes

The ingredients in these Carrot Cake Cookies are simple but come together to create a deliciously complex flavor profile. Here’s a look at the key ingredients that make these cookies so special.

Carrots: Freshly shredded carrots are the star here, adding natural sweetness and moisture. Use a fine grater to ensure the carrots incorporate well into the dough.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg give these cookies that classic carrot cake flavor. Feel free to add a pinch of ground ginger for extra warmth.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar keeps these cookies soft and adds a hint of molasses flavor that complements the spices beautifully. It’s the secret to a moist, chewy cookie.
Walnuts and Raisins: Walnuts add a satisfying crunch, while raisins bring little bursts of sweetness. If you’re not a fan of raisins, you can substitute dried cranberries or skip them altogether.
Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional): For that true carrot cake experience, a simple cream cheese glaze adds a tangy sweetness that takes these cookies to the next level.

A sturdy hand mixer or stand mixer is helpful for mixing the cookie dough, especially when incorporating the carrots and other add-ins.

How to Make Carrot Cake Cookies

These cookies are straightforward to make, with just a few easy steps from start to finish. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own batch of Carrot Cake Cookies.

Prepare the Dough: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add in an egg and vanilla extract, and continue beating until fully combined.
Add the Carrots and Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Gently fold in the shredded carrots, walnuts, and raisins.
Scoop and Bake: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press down on each ball to slightly flatten. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Be careful not to overbake; you want these cookies to stay soft and chewy.
Cool and Glaze (Optional): Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re adding the cream cheese glaze, mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies for that extra layer of flavor.

These Carrot Cake Cookies take around 30 minutes from start to finish, making them a quick yet indulgent treat you can whip up anytime.

Storage Options

Carrot Cake Cookies are perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week. Here are some tips on how to store and keep them fresh:

Room Temperature: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Layer parchment paper between each layer of cookies to prevent sticking.
Refrigeration: To keep them fresher for a bit longer, store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors meld even more as they sit, making each bite even more delicious.
Freezing: If you’d like to keep them on hand for longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to 3 months and can be thawed at room temperature whenever you’re ready to enjoy them.

When reheating, a quick zap in the microwave (10-15 seconds) will make the cookies taste like they just came out of the oven!

Variations and Substitutions

This Carrot Cake Cookies recipe is flexible and can be adapted to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas to make them your own.

Add Coconut: Shredded coconut adds a tropical twist and enhances the texture. Stir in about ¼ cup for a unique flavor.
Swap the Nuts: Try pecans instead of walnuts for a different nutty taste. If you’re avoiding nuts altogether, simply omit them without sacrificing flavor.
Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Ensure your baking soda is also gluten-free, as some brands may contain traces.
Chocolate Chips: If you want a hint of chocolate, add a handful of white or dark chocolate chips to the dough. It’s a non-traditional twist, but delicious!
Spice It Up: Experiment with other spices, such as ground cloves or allspice, for a more robust flavor profile.

Feel free to get creative! These cookies are very forgiving and adapt well to different flavors and textures.

With these Carrot Cake Cookies in your recipe collection, you’ll always have a quick and delightful treat to whip up for any occasion. Enjoy each delicious, spiced bite, and don’t forget to share—these cookies are too good to keep to yourself!