Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies (Printable)
Soft, spiced cookies with grated carrots and creamy frosting
# What You Need:
→ Cookie Dough
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
03 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
05 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
06 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
12 - 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 medium)
13 - 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
14 - 6 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
15 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
16 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
17 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
18 - Pinch of salt
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
03 - Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing just until combined.
06 - Fold in grated carrots and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
07 - Scoop 3-tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing at least 2 inches apart.
08 - Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers are set. Cool cookies on sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, followed by vanilla and salt, beating until fluffy.
10 - Once cookies are completely cool, generously frost each with cream cheese frosting. Garnish with chopped nuts if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The soft chewy texture rivals any bakery cookie but comes together in under an hour
- That thick layer of cream cheese frosting makes them feel like an indulgent treat worth savoring slowly
- They keep beautifully so you can enjoy one fresh from the fridge with morning coffee all week long
02 -
- Overbaking is the enemy here. Pull them when edges are golden and centers look slightly underdone.
- Room temperature ingredients aren't optional. Cold butter won't cream properly and your cookies will turn out dense and flat.
03 -
- Use the large holes on your box grater for carrots instead of the fine side. The texture is so much better and you can really taste the carrot sweetness.
- Pecans instead of walnuts completely transform the flavor profile in the best way. Try both and see which speaks to you.