Name: Carrot Cake Cookies from Cake Mix Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 21 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 15.25 ounces carrot cake flavored cake mix (boxed); 2 eggs; ⅓ cup butter, melted; ½ cup grated carrot; ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves; ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional); ¼ cup butter, softened to room temperature; 2 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ½ tablespoons heavy cream; 2 ½ cups powdered sugar (more if needed); ⅛ teaspoon salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 247 reviews

If you are looking for a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds—moist, flavorful carrot cake and the fun, hand-held convenience of cookies—you have to try my Carrot Cake Cookies from Cake Mix Recipe. This recipe is an absolute gem when you want a quick yet scrumptious dessert that doesn’t require making a full cake from scratch. These cookies are tender, spiced perfectly with cinnamon and ginger, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that makes every bite melt in your mouth. Trust me, once you make these Carrot Cake Cookies from Cake Mix Recipe, they’ll become your go-to for potlucks, afternoon snacks, or anytime you crave something sweet with a little autumnal charm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl on a white marbled surface contains three clear layers of ingredients. On the left side, there is a smooth, light brown creamy base with some visible swirls, topped with a light dusting of a darker brown powder. On the top right, there is a rough layer of chopped walnuts, light brown and beige in color, clustered together. On the bottom right, there is a bright orange layer of shredded carrots with a slightly moist texture. The ingredients sit separately in the bowl without being mixed. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind these cookies lies in a handful of simple, carefully selected ingredients that work together to create that iconic carrot cake flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a special role, whether it’s adding moisture, warmth, crunch, or creaminess to the final bite.

15.25 ounces carrot cake-flavored cake mix: This boxed mix provides the perfect base with built-in spices and sweetness.
2 eggs: Eggs bind the dough and give the cookies structure without drying them out.
⅓ cup melted butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
½ cup grated carrot: Fresh carrot contributes moisture, natural sweetness, and that unmistakable carrot cake essence.
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth to the spice profile.
½ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a gentle zing that perfectly complements the carrot.
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Offers a subtle nutty warmth that enhances aromatic complexity.
⅛ teaspoon ground cloves: Just a hint to round out the spicy notes.
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional): Provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor if you like texture in your cookies.
¼ cup softened butter (room temperature): Essential for that creamy, smooth frosting base.
2 ounces softened cream cheese: The star of the frosting, lending tang and silkiness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and aroma.
2 ½ tablespoons heavy cream: Helps to loosen the frosting for easy spreading.
2 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting; adjust if needed for desired consistency.
⅛ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and elevates flavor.

How to Make Carrot Cake Cookies from Cake Mix Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Essentials

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies won’t stick and bakes them evenly for that perfect texture.

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the carrot cake mix, eggs, and melted butter. Stir these together until fully incorporated for a smooth, rich dough. Next, fold in the grated carrots, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and chopped walnuts if using. These added spices and carrots bring authenticity and that irresistible carrot cake vibe to your cookies.

Step 3: Scoop and Bake

Use about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place them evenly spaced on your prepared sheet, leaving roughly two inches between each. This spacing helps them bake perfectly without merging. Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges look set but the centers remain slightly soft. This is key for that chewy, melt-in-your-mouth softness you want.

Step 4: Cool the Cookies

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool for five minutes right on the pan. This step lets them firm up slightly, making transfer to a wire rack easier without breaking. Once transferred, allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies are cooling, whip up the frosting by beating together the softened butter and cream cheese until fluffy and smooth. Then stir in vanilla, heavy cream, and salt, beating on high speed for 2 minutes to create a silky, creamy base. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar one cup at a time until the frosting is thick enough to spread easily.

Step 6: Frost and Decorate

Using a spatula or knife, spread roughly a tablespoon of cream cheese frosting onto each cooled cookie. For an extra pop of color and texture, sprinkle with orange sprinkles or chopped walnuts. These finishing touches not only look festive but elevate the overall flavor experience.

How to Serve Carrot Cake Cookies from Cake Mix Recipe

The image shows a black wire cooling rack holding ten round cookies with a rough, bumpy texture and small pieces of orange bits inside. Four of the cookies on the rack have a thick layer of white creamy frosting spread evenly on top, creating a soft swirl pattern. Below the rack is a white bowl filled with the same smooth white frosting, with a metal spreader resting on the bowl’s edge, the spreader covered partly with frosting. The background is a white marbled texture, and the overall feel is bright and clean. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can make a big difference. I love those tiny orange sprinkles—they mimic the carrot theme and add a cheerful pop. For a more rustic touch, chopped walnuts add crunch and sophistication. You can even dust a light sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the frosting for added aroma and flair.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with light beverages like chamomile or ginger tea, which complement the warm spices without overpowering the flavor. For an indulgent touch, serve alongside a frothy latte or a glass of cold milk that balances the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing these to a gathering, arrange them on a wooden serving platter with a few sprigs of fresh mint for contrast. Stack them in small towers tied with twine for an irresistible gift. Want to get fancy? Serve alongside small bowls of cream cheese frosting for dipping or drizzle some melted white chocolate for a pretty finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Carrot Cake Cookies from Cake Mix Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This maintains the softness and fresh flavor without drying them out.

Freezing

To freeze, place unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Frost them fresh after thawing to prevent the cream cheese frosting from becoming sticky or watery.

Reheating

Gently warm the cookies in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds if you want that fresh-baked feeling. Avoid heating the frosted cookie too long or the frosting may melt. Alternatively, serve them cooled with a side of cream cheese frosting for dipping if reheated unfrosted.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor for this recipe?

While carrot cake mix is ideal for that signature flavor, you can experiment with spice cake or even yellow cake mixes combined with extra spices to mimic the carrot cake taste, but the classic carrot cake mix really makes this recipe shine.

Is it necessary to add nuts to these cookies?

Nuts add a lovely crunch and depth of flavor, but they are completely optional! If you have nut allergies or prefer a smoother texture, simply leave them out—the cookies will still be delicious.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

If you can find a gluten-free carrot cake mix, this recipe can easily be adapted. Just ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free too. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavor will still be on point.

How long do these cookies keep their freshness?

If stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and soft for about 3 days. Beyond that, they may start to dry out, so freezing is a great option for longer storage.

Can I skip the frosting?

You could enjoy these cookies unfrosted for a simpler snack, but the cream cheese frosting is what really elevates these cookies and completes the carrot cake experience. I highly recommend not skipping it!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to bake these delightful Carrot Cake Cookies from Cake Mix Recipe—they truly are one of the easiest and tastiest ways to enjoy carrot cake in cookie form. Whether it’s for a casual snack or a festive occasion, these cookies bring smiles and cozy warmth to every bite. So grab your ingredients, whip up a batch, and enjoy sharing this little slice of happiness with friends and family!