Name: Carrot Cake Cookie Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 24
Ingredients: 1 box of carrot cake mix; 1 C water; 1/2 C canola oil; 3 large eggs; 1 cupcake pan with cupcake liners; 1 C pecan chips; 1 container of carrot cake frosting; 3/4 C unsalted sweet cream butter, softened; 3/4 C packed brown sugar; 1/2 C sugar; 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk; 3 tsp pure vanilla extract; 2 1/4 C flour; 2 1/2 tsp cornstarch; 1 1/2 tsp baking soda; 2 tbsp vanilla pudding mix; 1/4 tsp kosher salt; 1 C white chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe

You’re in for a treat with this Carrot Cake Cookie Recipe! These cookies will easily become a favorite. Packed with warm spices and sweet carrot goodness, they’re impossible to resist. Plus, baking them will fill your kitchen with the coziest aroma.

If you’re like me, you’re always searching for easy dessert recipes that feel homemade but don’t take forever. These cookies fit the bill! With their soft texture and rich flavor, even picky eaters will enjoy them. Plus, they’re healthier than most sweets, thanks to the carrots.

Whether you’re planning a party or craving an after dinner treat, these cookies are perfect. Baking at home has never felt this satisfying! Even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, these cookies are doable. This cookie is perfect for dessert, snacks, or even gifting to friends. It’s like carrot cake in a cookie! Grab your mixing bowl, and let’s get started!

Kid Approved Treats

When it comes to kid-approved treats, the options are endless, and they’re all so much fun to make! These recipes are sure to bring smiles, giggles, and happy bellies to your family.

Maybe you try one, maybe you try them all. I can’t wait to see how much your kiddos love them!

Ingredients Needed To Make These Carrot Cake Cookies

These ingredients come together to create magic! Every single item plays a role in making these Carrot Cake Cookies soft, flavorful, and downright irresistible. From the warm spices in the carrot cake mix to the creamy sweetness of the frosting, each element complements the other for a perfectly balanced treat.

Ingredient List and Why Each is Important

box of carrot cake mix
This is the base of the recipe, bringing those classic spiced carrot cake flavors to life in cookie form.
water
The water helps moisten the cookie dough, ensuring a soft and tender texture.
canola oil
Adds moisture and richness, making these cookies extra soft and almost melt-in-your-mouth.
large eggs
The eggs act as a binder and add structure, so the cookies hold their shape while baking.
pecan chips
A touch of crunch and a nutty flavor elevate each bite and balance the sweetness beautifully.
container of carrot cake frosting
Frosting ties the cookies together, adding extra sweetness and that irresistible carrot cake finish.
unsalted sweet cream butter
The butter provides richness and a creamy texture to the cookie dough, making every bite buttery-smooth.
brown sugar
A key ingredient for softness, brown sugar adds deep caramel notes to the cookie dough.
sugar
Traditional sweetness that balances the flavor for just the right amount of indulgence.
pure vanilla extract
Vanilla enhances every flavor and gives that warm, homemade taste we all love!
flour
Flour is essential for the structure of the cookies, so they stay soft but not overly crumbly.
cornstarch
Cornstarch adds a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture to the cookies.
baking soda
Helps the cookies rise just a bit while baking, giving them a slightly fluffy middle.
vanilla pudding mix
A secret ingredient that keeps the cookies ultra moist and adds subtle sweetness.
kosher salt
Salt brings out all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the spices.
white chocolate chips
Melty white chocolate gives little bursts of creamy sweetness in every single bite.

With this lineup of ingredients, you’ll have cookies that are soft, perfectly spiced, and full of delightful textures. It’s the ultimate treat your family will keep asking for!

You deserve a recipe that’s as simple as it is delicious, and this Carrot Cake Cookie Recipe checks every box. They’re one of those easy baking recipes you’ll find yourself returning to over and over. What’s even better? It’s a family-friendly dessert that brings everyone together. You can get the kids involved in mixing the dough or sneaking a taste of cream cheese frosting (we won’t tell!). And while they’re baking, that irresistible aroma fills your home with pure comfort. Why wait? You’ve found the perfect treat that’s both effortless and memorable—time to make it happen!

While you’re here make sure you check out our ultimate list of over 45 Easter desserts.

Best Tips for Making Carrot Cake Cookies

This recipe might seem like it has a lot of steps, but it’s simpler than it looks! With a few helpful tricks, you’ll have a delectable dessert ready in no time.

Start with Fresh Ingredients
The flavor of your treats depends on the quality of your ingredients. Check that your spices, like cinnamon or nutmeg, are fresh and fragrant. Using top-notch ingredients will elevate the taste.

Don’t Skip Softened Butter
Bringing your butter to room temperature is crucial for that perfectly soft, rich texture in your baked goods. Set it out about 30 minutes before starting to ensure it mixes smoothly into the batter.

Measure Carefully
Precision is key in baking. Use the scoop-and-level method for flour so the batter doesn’t become dense, and pack your brown sugar tightly to maximize its sweet, caramel notes.

Chill the Dough
For the best results, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Chilling helps control spreading and enhances chewy texture.

Line Your Baking Sheets
Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to line your trays. This prevents sticking while ensuring even baking and no burnt edges.

Customize with Add-Ins
Experiment with flavors! Add shredded coconut, golden raisins, or extra pecans to give the treats more texture and a unique twist.

Don’t Overbake
Keep an eye on them and remove from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden. They’ll continue baking on the hot tray, leaving the centers soft and moist.

Perfect the Frosting
Want to wow with presentation? Use a piping bag and a star tip to swirl cream cheese frosting on top. It’s quick and transforms your treats into bakery-level showstoppers.

Proper Storage Matters
Store the finished treats in an airtight container to lock in freshness. Adding a slice of bread will keep their texture soft and chewy for days.

Make it a Family Affair
Baking can be a fun group activity! Get kids involved with easy tasks like mixing or decorating. It’s a great way to spend quality time and create sweet memories.

With these tips, you’ll bake perfectly spiced, moist carrot cake delights every time. They’re so good, you’ll feel like a pro baker right in your own kitchen!

Tips for Keeping Your Baked Treats Fresh

After putting in all that effort, you deserve to keep your baked goods tasting amazing for as long as possible. Here’s how you can store them to preserve their texture and flavor!

Airtight Containers Are Key
For almost every type of treat, an airtight container is a must. It keeps out moisture and air, ensuring your creations stay fresh longer. If you have soft and crispy varieties, store them separately to maintain their distinct textures.

Handle Frosted Creations With Care
If you’ve added frosting, like cream cheese or buttercream, arrange them in a single layer within the container. If you need to stack, use parchment paper between layers to avoid messy smudges.

Keep Soft Treats Moist
To retain softness, such as in baked goodies like Carrot Cake Cookies, try placing a slice of fresh bread in the container. The bread works to keep the moisture in without making anything soggy.

Crunchy Treats Need a Dry Home
If crispness is the goal, make sure to store your baked goods in a dry environment. Opt for a container with minimal space to prevent air circulation, or use a tin lined with parchment.

Freeze for Long-Term Enjoyment
Want to save some for later? Freezing is a great option. Start by freezing your items in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. If frosting is involved, freeze them plain and decorate after thawing for the best results.

Don’t Skip the Cooling
Before storing, ensure everything is completely cool. Warm baked goods not only create condensation but can also ruin the texture or smear frosting.

Skip the Fridge for Most Recipes
Refrigeration can dry out baked items quickly, so it’s not ideal unless perishable ingredients are involved. Frosted treats or those with dairy-based fillings are an exception and should be stored cold in a tightly sealed container.

Prevent Sticking
For treats with sticky toppings or delicate features, use parchment or wax paper between layers. This is particularly handy for those dipped in chocolate or with intricate decorations.

Reviving Stale Desserts
If your treats lose their edge, revival is possible! Crunchy ones can be refreshed in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes, while softer ones can get a quick warm-up in the microwave to bring back that just-baked goodness.

Label Your Storage
When freezing or storing different varieties, don’t forget to label the container with the type and date. This makes keeping track of them simple and ensures you enjoy them while they’re at their peak.

Lenox 788576 Butterfly Meadow Large All-Purpose Bowl , Yellow Mud Pie Glass Easter Egg 7 1/4 Stainless Steel Baking Sheet Tray Cooling Rack with Silicone Baking Mat Set, Cookie Pan with Cooling Rack, Set of 9 (3 Sheets + 3 Racks + 3 Mats), 10/12/16 Inch, Easy Clean Dash Stand Mixer (Electric Mixer for Everyday Use): 6 Speed Stand Mixer with 3 Quart Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl, Dough Hooks & Mixer Beaters for Dressings, Frosting, Meringues & More – Aqua HOTEC Heat Resistant 600℉ Food Grade Silicone Rubber Spatula Set for Baking, Cooking, and Mixing Non Stick Dishwasher Safe BPA-Free Multicolor Set of 5

With these tips, your baked goods will stay delicious for days, if not weeks. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or saving a batch for yourself, they’ll taste just as irresistible as they did fresh from the oven!

You can easily freeze dough in advance to have fresh treats ready to bake anytime. This is perfect for planning ahead, especially for holidays or special events. Here are some helpful tips:

Portion Your Dough Before Freezing
For drop doughs like chocolate chip or oatmeal, scoop into balls using a spoon or scoop before freezing. This way, you can bake only what you need without defrosting the entire batch.

Create Logs for Slice-and-Bake Dough
Shape slice-and-bake recipes into logs, wrap tightly in plastic, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, slice off rounds straight from the freezer for perfectly uniform pieces.

Roll Out Sheet Dough Before Freezing
For doughs that require cutting shapes, like sugar or gingerbread, roll it flat between parchment sheets before freezing. This saves time later since you can cut shapes once the dough softens evenly.

Wrap and Protect from Freezer Burn
Always wrap dough tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and preserve the flavor.

Label Everything
Include labels with the type of dough, date, and baking instructions (time and temperature). This is especially useful when freezing multiple types of treats.

Flash Freeze for Easy Storage
If you’ve portioned your dough into individual balls, place them on a lined baking tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer to freezer bags to keep them from sticking together, making it easy to grab just what you need.

Adjust Bake Time for Frozen Dough
Most doughs can go straight from the freezer to the oven. Just bake for 1-2 minutes longer. Slice-and-bake logs may need a brief thaw for easier slicing.

Layer Smartly with Parchment or Wax Paper
If freezing in multiple layers, separate them using parchment or wax paper. This will keep layers from sticking and maintain the dough’s texture.

Know What Freezes Well
Butter- or shortening-based doughs freeze beautifully, while recipes with high water content may not hold up as well. For delicate options like meringues, bake and freeze them after baking instead.

Freeze in Convenient Portions
Pack your dough in amounts that match how many treats you plan to bake at one time. This prevents wasting dough you don’t need immediately.

Use Within 3 Months
For the best results, bake frozen dough within three months. While you can technically freeze it longer, using it sooner guarantees that fresh, homemade flavor.

Make Holiday Prep Easier
Save time during the busy season by preparing and freezing dough ahead of time. Whether you’re decorating festive shapes or baking something rich and spicy, frozen dough makes holiday baking hassle-free.

Follow these suggestions, and you’ll always have a stash of frozen dough to enjoy. Warm, fresh-baked goodies are just a few minutes away, making every baking day a little sweeter. Have fun baking!

Carrot Dessert Ideas

Carrots aren’t just for savory dishes or a quick healthy snack; they’re the secret ingredient to some truly delectable desserts! There’s something magical about pairing the natural sweetness of carrots with flavors like cinnamon or creative frosting, and even better when you throw a delightful twist into the mix. If you’ve never explored carrot desserts, this is your sign to start!

From the classic to the creative, these carrot-inspired desserts are guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Get your apron on and bring some carrot-filled magic into your kitchen!