Carrot Cake Cookies

Carrot Cake Cookies: A Delightful Twist on a Classic Dessert

If you love carrot cake, you’re going to adore these Carrot Cake Cookies! They combine all the classic flavors of carrot cake—sweet carrots, warm cinnamon, chewy raisins, and coconut—into soft, chewy cookies. Sandwiched together with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these cookies are perfect for a sweet treat, special occasion, or even just because! Easy to make and oh-so-delicious, they’re sure to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Classic Carrot Cake Flavors: These cookies capture all the best elements of carrot cake in a convenient, handheld form.
• Cream Cheese Filling: The tangy cream cheese frosting adds richness and brings the whole cookie sandwich together.
• Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are ideal for potlucks, parties, or just sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut
• 1 cup California Raisins

For the Frosting:

• 6 oz cream cheese, softened
• 8 tbsp butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line several baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:

• In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:

• Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.

5. Add Carrots, Coconut, and Raisins:

• Gently fold in the finely grated carrots, unsweetened coconut, and raisins until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

6. Form the Cookies:

• Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. If you prefer a uniform shape, use damp hands to smooth the edges of the dough balls.

7. Bake:

• Bake for 9-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the tops no longer appear shiny. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Make the Frosting:

• While the cookies cool, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and whip until light and fluffy.

9. Assemble the Cookies:

• Once the cookies have cooled, use a tablespoon-sized scoop to add a dollop of frosting to the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie (flat sides together) and gently press to spread the frosting evenly. Repeat with the remaining cookies.

10. Let the Frosting Set:

• Allow the frosting to set for 1-2 hours before serving. Store the assembled cookies between layers of wax paper in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days.

Nutrition & Time Breakdown:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes (plus frosting time)
• Servings: 20-24 sandwich cookies
• Calories: 350 kcal per cookie

Tips & Variations:

• Add Nuts: For extra crunch, you can fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives for a vegan version.
• Storing: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts:

These Carrot Cake Cookies are a fun and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of carrot cake in a more portable form. The chewy cookies, paired with the creamy cream cheese frosting, create a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a special gathering or as a weekend treat, these cookie sandwiches will surely impress!

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