If you love carrot cake, you’re going to fall in love with these Carrot Cake Cookies! They’re soft, chewy, naturally sweetened, and filled with warm spices—just like your favorite carrot cake but in cookie form! 🍪✨
These wholesome, gluten-free cookies make a perfect snack, breakfast treat, or even a healthier dessert. Plus, they’re packed with oats, almond flour, and naturally sweet carrots, making them a guilt-free indulgence.
Let’s get baking! 🥕💛
Why You’ll Love These Carrot Cake Cookies
✔️ Soft & Chewy: Like a cross between a cookie and a soft oatmeal bar.
✔️ Tastes Like Carrot Cake: All the warm, cozy flavors—without needing a fork!
✔️ Gluten-Free & Naturally Sweetened: Made with almond flour, oats, and naturally sweet ingredients.
✔️ Perfect for Meal Prep: A great grab-and-go snack for busy mornings.
✔️ Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or even a cream cheese drizzle!
What Do They Taste Like? 🤤
These cookies are soft, slightly chewy, and bursting with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet carrots. The oats add a little texture, while the almond flour keeps them moist and tender. They taste like a cozy, spiced carrot cake with a hint of natural sweetness.
Add chopped pecans, raisins, or shredded coconut for even more flavor!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup grated carrots 🥕 (freshly grated for the best texture)
- 1 cup rolled oats 🥣 (for a chewy texture)
- 1/2 cup almond flour 🌰 (adds richness and moisture)
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar 🍬 (for natural sweetness)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey 🍯 (adds moisture and enhances flavor)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted 🥥 (or butter for a richer taste)
- 1 egg 🥚 (or flax egg for a vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿 (for warmth and depth)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon 🍂 (classic carrot cake spice)
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ✨ (optional, but adds great flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 🎂 (helps with texture and rise)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt 🧂 (balances the sweetness)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts 🥜 (adds crunch)
- 1/4 cup raisins or shredded coconut 🥥 (for extra sweetness)
- Cream cheese drizzle 🧁 (for a classic carrot cake finish!)
Tools You’ll Need
✔️ Mixing bowls
✔️ Grater
✔️ Whisk & spatula
✔️ Baking sheet
✔️ Parchment paper
How to Make Carrot Cake Cookies
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the coconut sugar (or brown sugar), maple syrup, melted coconut oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
- Stir in the almond flour, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Fold in the grated carrots (and any optional add-ins like nuts or raisins).
Step 4: Scoop & Bake
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each cookie slightly, as they won’t spread much while baking.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and set.
Step 5: Cool & Enjoy!
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- If desired, drizzle with a cream cheese glaze or enjoy as-is!
Optional Cream Cheese Drizzle
For a true carrot cake experience, mix together:
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened 🧀
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar 🍬
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream 🥛
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿
Drizzle over cooled cookies and enjoy!
How to Store & Freeze
🛑 Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
❄️ Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw for a few minutes before enjoying!
Tips for the Best Carrot Cake Cookies
✔️ Use Freshly Grated Carrots: Pre-shredded carrots are too dry—freshly grated ones keep the cookies moist.
✔️ Don’t Overbake: These cookies stay soft and chewy, so bake until just golden on the edges.
✔️ Make Them Vegan: Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).
✔️ Customize Your Texture: Like them chewier? Use quick oats. Prefer a heartier bite? Stick with rolled oats.
✔️ Love Extra Sweetness? Add 2 tablespoons more maple syrup for a sweeter cookie.
What to Serve with Carrot Cake Cookies
☕ Coffee or Chai Tea: Warm spices pair beautifully with a hot drink.
🍯 Honey or Maple Butter: Spread on top for an extra indulgence.
🍦 Vanilla Ice Cream: The perfect pairing for dessert time!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make these cookies nut-free?
Yes! Simply omit the almond flour and replace it with ½ cup oat flour or all-purpose flour.
2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! They store well in the fridge or freezer, making them perfect for meal prep.
3. Can I add shredded coconut?
Yes! Add ¼ cup shredded coconut for extra texture and tropical flavor.
4. How can I make these cookies more cake-like?
For a fluffier cookie, add ½ teaspoon baking powder along with the baking soda.
Wrapping It Up 🥕🍪✨
These Carrot Cake Cookies are the perfect mix of warm, spiced, soft, and chewy goodness. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, an easy dessert, or a fun way to enjoy carrot cake without all the fuss, these cookies check all the boxes!
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a review, snap a photo, and tag me on Pinterest or Instagram—I can’t wait to see your delicious carrot cake cookies! 🥕✨🍪
More Healthy & Delicious Cookie Recipes:
🍌 Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
🥜 No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Balls
🍏 Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious, spiced bite! 😊🥕🍪