Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup finely grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1/4 cup raisins (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tbsp milk (if needed)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Prepare the Cookie Dough:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, nuts (if using), and raisins (if using) until evenly distributed.
Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until combined and smooth.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk, one at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Frost the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.
Optional: Garnish with additional chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 10-12 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 250 kcal per cookie | Servings: 12
