If you are looking for a delightful treat that combines the wholesome goodness of carrots with the chewy, comforting texture of cookies, the Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe transforms the classic flavors of carrot cake into a portable, fun-sized snack that’s perfect for any time of day. Moist, lightly spiced, and studded with raisins and walnuts, these cookies bring a fresh twist to an old favorite, making them irresistibly delicious and nutritious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together perfectly in this Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe, each playing a key role in building flavor, texture, and color. From the natural sweetness of maple syrup to the warm spices, every component adds something special.
- Grated carrots: Provides moisture, a subtle sweetness, and a beautiful orange hue.
- Rolled oats: Adds chewiness and a wholesome texture to the cookies.
- Almond flour: Gives a tender crumb and a slight nutty flavor while keeping the cookies gluten-free.
- Maple syrup: Natural sweetener that enhances the overall warmth and sweetness.
- Raisins: Offer bursts of chewiness and natural fruity sweetness.
- Chopped walnuts: Adds crunch and a rich, earthy flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Provides a cozy spice that is essential to the carrot cake profile.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds depth with its subtle nutty aroma.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all other flavors.
How to Make Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s perfectly hot when your cookies go in. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together your grated carrots, rolled oats, almond flour, maple syrup, raisins, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir thoroughly until every ingredient is evenly distributed, creating a harmonious dough brimming with flavor and texture.
Step 3: Shape Your Cookies
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form 12 even-sized balls of dough. Place them spaced out on your prepared baking sheet and gently flatten each with the back of a spoon. This helps your cookies bake evenly and develop that perfect tender texture.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch for golden edges and a firm feel when gently pressed. That’s the sweet spot where these carrots and spices have melded into cookie heaven.
Step 5: Cool Before Enjoying
Let your carrot cake cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This step helps them set nicely before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling ensures your cookies will hold their shape and all those wonderful flavors settle perfectly.
How to Serve Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an added touch of elegance and flavor, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top or spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting. Toasted coconut flakes or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can also elevate the presentation and taste to impress your guests or treat yourself.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, a creamy latte, or a cold glass of milk. For a wholesome snack plate, serve alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples or juicy berries to balance their sweetness and add refreshing bursts of flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to up the wow factor? Stack your Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe with layers of frosting or cream cheese between them to create cookie sandwiches. Alternatively, use them as a crunchy topping on your morning yogurt or oatmeal for a delightful crunch and spice hit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your freshly baked cookies, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them moist and chewy for up to three days, making it easy to grab a wholesome snack anytime.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies to enjoy later by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze exceptionally well and will keep fresh for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a tasty treat.
Reheating
To revive their freshly baked warmth, pop your chilled or frozen carrot cake cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or warm them briefly in a microwave. This brings back their soft, cozy texture and releases those inviting spices.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
Absolutely! While almond flour adds a lovely moistness and nuttiness, you can substitute with all-purpose flour for a slightly different but still delicious texture and flavor.
Are these cookies suitable for vegans?
Yes! This Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe uses maple syrup as the sweetener and does not include any animal products, making it naturally vegan-friendly.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely. Chopped dried cranberries, shredded coconut, or even mini chocolate chips make fantastic additions if you want to personalize your cookies further.
How moist are these cookies?
They are delightfully moist thanks to the grated carrots and almond flour, with a chewy oatmeal texture that feels satisfying without being too dense.
What is the best way to grate carrots for this recipe?
Use a fine or medium grater to shred the carrots evenly, ensuring they blend beautifully into the dough and release just the right amount of moisture.
Final Thoughts
If you want a cookie that feels like a warm hug with every bite, the Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe is a must-try. It’s a careful balance of wholesome ingredients, cozy spices, and delightful texture that comes together effortlessly. Whether for an afternoon pick-me-up or a shareable treat, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your collection of go-to recipes.
Print
Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delightfully moist and flavorful carrot cake cookies made with wholesome ingredients like grated carrots, rolled oats, almond flour, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup and raisins. These cookies are spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, making them a perfect healthy treat for any time of day.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Add-ins
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick during baking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine grated carrots, rolled oats, almond flour, maple syrup, raisins, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, shape the dough into 12 evenly sized balls. Place them spaced out on the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon to promote even baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the cookies feel firm to the touch.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or leave out nuts for a nut-free version.
- Ensure carrots are finely grated for better texture and binding.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Optional: Add a sprinkle of shredded coconut or a few chocolate chips for extra flavor.
