Description

Delight in these moist and flavorful Carrot Cake Cookies made from a carrot cake mix, spiced to perfection with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. These cookies are topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, creating the perfect balance of spice and sweetness. Ideal for anytime snacking or special occasions, they offer all the taste of classic carrot cake in a convenient cookie form.

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

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)

Cream Cheese Frosting

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Make the Cookie Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the carrot cake mix, eggs, and melted butter. Stir in the grated carrot, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and chopped walnuts if using. Mix until evenly combined.
Form the Cookies: Using about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough per cookie, scoop and place onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving approximately 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges look set. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies moist.
Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the cookies are cool before frosting to prevent melting.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy. Add vanilla extract, heavy cream, and salt, and beat on high speed for 2 minutes until creamy. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing until the frosting is thick and spreadable. Adjust powdered sugar quantity if necessary based on humidity or desired thickness.
Ice and Decorate the Cookies: Spread about a tablespoon of the cream cheese frosting on each completely cooled cookie. Optionally, garnish with orange sprinkles or additional chopped walnuts for festive presentation.

Notes

Ensure cookies are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese icing.
Adjust powdered sugar in the frosting for desired consistency, especially in humid conditions.
Chopped walnuts are optional but add a lovely crunch and flavor.
For variation, try decorating with orange or carrot-themed sprinkles.
Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American