Frosting are a delicious twist on classic carrot cake, offering the same moist, spiced flavor in cookie form with a creamy frosting. Here’s a recipe to make these delightful treats:
Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
For the Carrot Cake Cookies:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely grated carrot (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins or chopped pineapple (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots, and if using, the chopped nuts and raisins or pineapple.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Frost the Cookies:
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.
- For added decoration, you can sprinkle a few chopped nuts or a pinch of cinnamon on top of the frosting.
- Serve:
- Enjoy your Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting with a cup of tea or coffee, or as a delightful dessert for any occasion.
These cookies offer all the flavors of classic carrot cake in a convenient, bite-sized form and are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves this classic treat!