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Cozy Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

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These cozy carrot cake cookies combine warm spices and freshly grated carrots with a soft, chewy texture, topped with an easy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a comforting treat any time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (about 110g) finely grated carrots
  • 1/4 cup (30g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (40g) shredded unsweetened coconut (optional)
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Grate the carrots finely using a microplane or fine grater. Set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. In a large bowl, beat the wet ingredients: oil, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  5. Fold in the grated carrots gently to the wet mixture. Then add the dry ingredients gradually and fold until just combined.
  6. Optionally, fold in chopped nuts and shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
  7. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are golden and centers spring back when lightly pressed.
  9. Cool the cookies completely on a wire rack before frosting.
  10. Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, beating until smooth and fluffy.
  11. Spread or pipe the frosting over cooled cookies.
  12. Chill the frosted cookies for about 30 minutes if you want the frosting to set firmly, or serve immediately.

Notes

Grate carrots finely to avoid chunky texture. Do not overmix batter to keep cookies tender. Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Cool cookies completely before frosting to prevent melting. Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake cookies, cream cheese frosting, cozy cookies, easy carrot cookies, spiced cookies, potluck dessert, family recipe

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/cozy-carrot-cake-cookies-recipe-with-easy-cream-cheese-frosting/