If you adore the comforting flavors of carrot cake but want a fun, portable twist, this Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. These cookies capture all the cozy spices, the sweetness of raisins, and the wonderful texture of walnuts and oats, all wrapped up with fresh grated carrots. They bake up soft yet slightly crisp on the edges, giving you a delightful bite every time. Whether for a snack, dessert, or a sweet breakfast on the go, these carrot cake cookies deliver that classic taste in a perfectly easy-to-make cookie form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role—bringing texture, moisture, natural sweetness, and just the right touch of spice that makes these cookies irresistible.
- 1 cup grated carrots: Freshly grated carrots add moisture and subtle natural sweetness, along with that vibrant orange color that makes these cookies so inviting.
- 1 cup rolled oats: These provide a hearty chew and a wholesome texture that balances the softness of the other ingredients.
- 1/2 cup almond flour: Almond flour keeps the cookies tender and adds a lovely nutty undertone without overpowering the carrot flavor.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup: A natural sweetener that infuses each cookie with warm, rich sweetness perfect for those who want to avoid refined sugar.
- 1/4 cup raisins: These little bursts of sweetness complement the spices wonderfully and bring a chewy contrast.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts: Add crunch and depth, making each bite interesting and satisfying.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This classic spice is a must for that signature carrot cake flavor everyone loves.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Offering a subtle warmth, nutmeg gives the cookies that perfect hint of cozy spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the natural flavors and balance the sweetness.
How to Make Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots, rolled oats, almond flour, maple syrup, raisins, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined and uniform. You’ll see how all these flavors come together in a beautiful, textured dough.
Step 3: Shape Your Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into 12 evenly sized cookies. Place them on your prepared baking sheet and gently flatten each cookie with the back of a spoon. This step helps them spread and bake consistently, yielding that perfect cookie shape and texture.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Firm
Bake the cookies for about 12 to 15 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn a lovely golden brown and for the cookies to feel firm to the touch. The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filling your kitchen will be a sign you’re nearly there!
Step 5: Cool Before Enjoying
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after coming out of the oven. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This lets them set perfectly so they hold together without crumbling.
How to Serve Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are delightful on their own, but if you want to dress them up, try topping each with a small dollop of cream cheese frosting or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a charming festive touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a hot cup of chai tea or a frothy latte. The warm spices in the drinks complement the cinnamon and nutmeg in the cookies beautifully. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait for a balanced and inviting plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn these cookies into sandwich delights by spreading a layer of coconut cream or your favorite nut butter between two cookies. You can also chop them up and sprinkle them over oatmeal or ice cream as a crunchy, flavorful topping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep your carrot cake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to five days, perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends and family.
Freezing
If you want to make ahead or save some for later, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To warm up your cookies after freezing or for a fresh-baked feel, pop them in a microwave for about 15 seconds or heat briefly in a low oven. This restores that soft, tender texture and releases those lovely warm spices.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond flour with regular flour?
Absolutely! You can use all-purpose flour instead of almond flour, but the texture may be a bit less tender and slightly denser. Almond flour adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients well, so try it both ways to see which you prefer.
Are these carrot cake cookies gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free rolled oats and almond flour, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?
Definitely! Feel free to add shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or even dried cranberries for a different flavor twist. Just keep the total volume of mix-ins similar to maintain cookie structure.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it contains no eggs or dairy. Just double-check that your maple syrup and any additional toppings you use are vegan!
How long do these cookies last?
Stored properly, these carrot cake cookies stay fresh at room temperature for about five days. For longer storage, freezing is the best option and they keep flavor and texture well for up to three months.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the combination of flavors and textures in this Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe. It’s wholesome, sweet, and comforting all at once, and perfect whether you’re baking for yourself or impressing guests. Give these delightful cookies a try and bring some cozy, delicious joy into your baking routine—you’re going to love how easy and satisfying they are to make!
Print
Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully moist and naturally sweetened Carrot Cake Cookies made with grated carrots, rolled oats, almond flour, and warm spices. These wholesome treats are studded with raisins and walnuts, making them perfect for a nutritious snack or a cozy dessert.
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 and Mix-in Ingredients
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the grated carrots, rolled oats, almond flour, maple syrup, raisins, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined, forming a cohesive dough.
- Form Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, shape the dough into 12 equal-sized balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon to help them bake evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the cookies feel firm to the touch, signaling they are cooked through.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Make sure to grate the carrots finely so the cookies hold together well.
- Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or other favorite nuts.
- For a cheesier touch, top the cookies with a bit of cream cheese icing once cooled.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature.
- To make them vegan, ensure the maple syrup is pure and not mixed with non-vegan ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
