If you’re a fan of everything carrot cake but love the comfort and convenience of a cookie, then you are in for a treat with this Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe! These delightful cookies capture all the warm spices, tender texture, and that iconic cream cheese frosting flavor in a perfectly portable form. From the aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg to the moist crunch of fresh carrots, each bite brings the cozy feeling of a homemade carrot cake, but wrapped up in a soft cookie with a luscious surprise of cream cheese frosting hidden inside. Whether it’s snack time, dessert, or a special occasion, these cookies are guaranteed to spread smiles and requests for the recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference, and this recipe keeps it simple yet special. Each component plays an important role, from the spices adding warmth to the carrots providing natural sweetness and moisture, and of course, the cream cheese that makes the frosting irresistibly creamy and tangy.
- Cream cheese (6 oz, room temperature): For a smooth, tangy base that enriches the cookie dough filling.
- White granulated sugar (3 tablespoons): Balances sweetness in the cream cheese filling.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds fragrant warmth to both dough and filling.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): Provides structure to the cookies, giving them a tender crumb.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise slightly and become delightfully soft.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors perfectly.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Imparts that classic carrot cake spice.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle depth and warmth.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted and cooled): Ensures rich flavor and a moist, tender texture.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Brings natural molasses notes and chewiness.
- White granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Gives balance and sweetness to the dough.
- Fresh carrots (1 cup, finely grated): The hero ingredient, adding moisture, sweetness, and that signature carrot crunch.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the dough’s flavor complexity.
- Large egg yolks (2, room temperature): Contribute richness and bind the dough.
- Cream cheese (2 oz, room temperature, for frosting): For that luscious, creamy frosting topping.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, room temperature, for frosting): Adds silkiness to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar (3/4 cup, sifted): Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon, for frosting): Rounds out the frosting with extra flavor depth.
How to Make Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prep the frozen cream cheese filling
Start by beating together 6 ounces of room temperature cream cheese with 3 tablespoons of white granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until perfectly smooth and creamy. Then, scoop out 14 dollops onto a lined tray and freeze until solid. This freezing step is critical because it keeps the cream cheese filling intact when you stuff the cookies later.
Step 2: Prepare the carrots
Finely grate fresh carrots until you have a full cup. Pack them tightly and press between paper towels to remove extra moisture. This step ensures the cookies stay soft and moist without becoming soggy or too wet.
Step 3: Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. This mixture brings the signature spice notes and leavens the dough just right.
Step 4: Combine wet ingredients
Beat together 1 cup melted and cooled unsalted butter with 1 cup packed brown sugar and 1/2 cup white granulated sugar for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Stir in your grated carrots, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 room temperature egg yolks until just combined.
Step 5: Bring it all together
Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix on low speed until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix. This preserves the tender, cakey texture that makes these cookies so irresistible.
Step 6: Assemble the cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes to hydrate fully. Scoop 2-tablespoon dough balls, then press a deep well in the center of each ball. Insert a frozen cream cheese filling dollop and seal the dough completely around it, ensuring no filling peeks out.
Step 7: Bake to perfection
Freeze the stuffed dough balls for 10 minutes to help them keep their shape during baking. Then bake one sheet at a time for 13 to 15 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 to 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the cream cheese frosting
Beat together 2 ounces of room temperature cream cheese and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter until smooth. Add 3/4 cup sifted powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and beat until fluffy. Use the frosting to pipe decorative carrot shapes or dollop onto each cooled cookie for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these treats, consider sprinkling some finely chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the cream cheese frosting or adding a tiny edible carrot decoration made from icing. A light dusting of cinnamon powder adds warmth and makes the presentation pop, inviting everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a hot cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee to complement the spicy-sweet flavors beautifully. For a nourishing contrast, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad with citrus and berries, which cuts through the richness and balances every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
These Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe are a fantastic addition to any dessert tray. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh mint or a scattering of edible flowers for an inviting look. Wrap them individually in parchment and tie with a ribbon for charming party favors or gift ideas.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy the cream cheese frosting at its best, keep the cookies refrigerated for up to a week, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for maximum flavor and softness.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies or unbaked stuffed dough balls. For baked cookies, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To freeze dough balls, place them on a tray until solid, then store in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating
Warm cookies slightly in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes to revive softness and enhance the cream cheese frosting’s meltingly smooth texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make the frosting too runny and the cookie edges chewy.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?
While cream cheese is key for the authentic tangy frosting and filling, you can try mascarpone or ricotta for a milder flavor. Keep in mind the texture and taste will differ slightly from the original Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.
How do I make sure the frosting inside does not leak?
Freezing the cream cheese filling solid before stuffing, then sealing the dough tightly around it and giving the assembled cookies an additional brief freeze ensures the filling stays intact without leaking during baking.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes, by using dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and vegan butter substitutes, you can create a dairy-free version. Just be mindful that the texture and flavor will vary, but the spirit of the Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe will still be delightful.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh carrots?
Freshly grated carrots are essential for moisture and texture, but as a substitute, finely grated zucchini (squeezed to remove moisture) can work in a pinch. Keep in mind the slight change in flavor but the overall softness will remain.
How long will these cookies keep fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for about 3 days. Refrigeration extends freshness to about 7 days, which is perfect if you want to enjoy them over the week.
Final Thoughts
There is just something so comforting and joyful about baking these Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. From the first bite, you’ll be hooked on their tender, spiced dough wrapped around that creamy, dreamy frosting surprise. Whether for a cozy afternoon treat or to share with loved ones, these cookies are destined to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So don your apron, gather those ingredients, and enjoy the wonderful experience of making and sharing something truly special!
Print
Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 14 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Carrot Cake Cookies, filled with a creamy cream cheese center and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Each bite combines the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with the natural sweetness of fresh carrots, perfect for a comforting dessert or festive treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 6 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 cup finely grated fresh carrots, moisture removed
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 large egg yolks, room temperature
Cream Cheese Filling
- 6 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 2 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: Beat the 6 oz cream cheese with 3 tablespoons white granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until smooth. Scoop 14 dollops onto a lined tray and freeze until solid to create the creamy filling centers.
- Prepare carrots: Finely grate fresh carrots and pack into a cup. Press carrots between paper towels to remove excess moisture to prevent sogginess in the cookies.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
- Mix wet ingredients: Beat cooled melted butter with brown sugar and white granulated sugar for 2 minutes until well combined.
- Add carrots and eggs: Mix in the grated carrots, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and egg yolks until just combined.
- Combine dry and wet: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix on low speed just until incorporated, careful not to overmix.
- Preheat and rest dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes to develop texture.
- Form cookies with filling: Scoop 2-tablespoon dough balls, press a deep well in the center, insert a frozen cream cheese filling dollop, and seal completely to enclose the filling.
- Freeze before baking: Place the stuffed dough balls on the tray and freeze for 10 minutes before baking to help maintain shape.
- Bake cookies: Bake the cookies one sheet at a time for 13 to 15 minutes until edges are set and tops are slightly golden.
- Cool cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 to 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make frosting and decorate: Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Pipe decorative carrot shapes on top of cooled cookies if desired for a charming presentation.
Notes
- Removing moisture from grated carrots is essential to prevent soggy cookie dough.
- Freezing the cream cheese filling and stuffed dough balls helps retain the creamy center and cookie shape during baking.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- The frosting can be piped or spread depending on desired decoration style.
