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Soft Spiced Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

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These soft spiced carrot cake cookies with cream cheese frosting offer a tender crumb and warm spices, perfect for cozy gatherings or sweet treats. They combine moist grated carrots with a luscious tangy frosting for a nostalgic comfort in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened (use dairy-free butter if needed)
  • ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (120g) finely grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots, peeled)
  • ½ cup (50g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  5. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients using a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
  6. Fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts if using.
  7. Drop rounded mounds of dough about 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheet and press down slightly.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft.
  9. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until fluffy and spreadable.
  11. Spread a generous layer of frosting on each cooled cookie using a small spatula or butter knife.
  12. Optional: Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon or chopped nuts.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to keep cookies soft and tender. Use finely grated carrots for best texture. Remove cookies from oven as soon as edges turn golden and centers look set to avoid dryness. Chill frosting if too soft before spreading. Let cookies cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake cookies, cream cheese frosting, spiced cookies, soft cookies, easy cookie recipe, holiday cookies, gluten-free option, vegan adaptation

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/soft-spiced-carrot-cake-cookies-recipe-with-cream-cheese-frosting-easy-and-perfect/