Name: Carrot Cake Whoopie Pies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp ground ginger; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups grated carrots; Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting); 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1–2 tbsp heavy cream or milk (for frosting consistency)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These whoopie pies are soft, moist, and packed with flavor—just like your favorite carrot cake, but easier to eat and perfect for sharing. They’re a great alternative to traditional cupcakes or layer cake, especially for parties, picnics, or lunchbox desserts. Plus, they’re simple to make and can be customized with nuts, raisins, or coconut.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Ground ginger
Salt
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Unsalted butter
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Grated carrots
Optional: chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins
Cream cheese
Powdered sugar
Heavy cream or milk (for frosting consistency)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated.
Fold in the grated carrots and any optional mix-ins.
Scoop small, evenly sized rounds of batter onto the baking sheets, spacing them apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and spring back when touched.
Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
Meanwhile, make the cream cheese filling by beating together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of cream or milk until smooth and fluffy.
Once cookies are cooled, sandwich a generous dollop of frosting between two cookies.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 whoopie pies (24 cookies total).
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

Mini Whoopie Pies: Use a smaller scoop for bite-sized treats.
Nut-Free: Omit nuts if needed for allergies without sacrificing flavor.
Coconut Carrot: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.
Lemon Cream Cheese Filling: Add a little lemon zest to the frosting for a fresh, citrusy note.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra warmth.

Storage/Reheating

Store assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for best texture.
To freeze, wrap each assembled whoopie pie individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought grated carrots?

Freshly grated carrots are best for moisture and texture, but pre-shredded can be used in a pinch.

Can I make the cookies ahead of time?

Yes, bake the cookies a day ahead and store them unfrosted. Assemble just before serving.

How do I make sure the cookies are evenly sized?

Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough for uniform size and even baking.

Is the filling too sweet?

The cream cheese balances the sweetness, but you can reduce the powdered sugar slightly if you prefer a tangier filling.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking.

Can I add pineapple to the batter?

Yes, but be sure to drain it well and reduce other moisture slightly to avoid soggy cookies.

Should the frosting be chilled before piping?

It helps to chill the frosting briefly so it holds its shape better during assembly.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just use additional baking sheets and work in batches.

What if I don’t have a mixer?

You can mix everything by hand with a whisk and spatula—it just takes a bit more effort.

Are these best served chilled or at room temperature?

They’re best at room temperature for the softest texture and most flavorful filling.

Conclusion

Carrot Cake Whoopie Pies are a fun and flavorful twist on two timeless desserts. Whether you’re looking for something unique to bring to a party or simply want to treat yourself to something sweet, these little sandwich cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With their soft cake-like texture and rich cream cheese filling, they’re bound to become a new favorite.