Carrot Cake Cookies: A Deliciously Spiced Treat

These soft and chewy Carrot Cake Cookies capture all the delicious flavors of a classic carrot cake in a bite-sized package. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the fuss of a full-sized cake, this recipe is easy to follow and endlessly customizable. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these irresistible treats!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies.

• For the Cookies:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups grated carrots
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

• For the Cream Cheese Frosting (optional):

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide to Carrot Cake Cookie Perfection

Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cookie. Use an electric mixer for best results.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving to the next step.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the spices throughout the cookies.

Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.

Step 5: Stir in Carrots and Optional Ingredients

Gently fold in the grated carrots, walnuts (if using), and raisins or cranberries (if using). Again, avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Frost (Optional)

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can frost them with the cream cheese frosting (recipe below).

Making the Delicious Cream Cheese Frosting:

Step 1: Cream Together Cream Cheese and Butter

In a medium bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.

Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla

Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Frost the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting.

Tips for Carrot Cake Cookie Success:

• Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices will provide the best flavor.
• Adjust sweetness to your liking: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the amount of sugar slightly.
• Get creative with add-ins: Try adding chocolate chips, chopped apples, or other dried fruits.
• Store properly: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

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