Soft, chewy cookies that capture the warm spices and grated carrots of classic carrot cake—studded with oats and golden raisins and finished with a tangy cream cheese frosting for an easy, handheld dessert perfect for gatherings or holiday treats.
1 1/2cupsfinely grated fresh carrotsabout 3 medium carrots
1/2cupgolden raisins
1/2cupold-fashioned rolled oats
Cream Cheese Frosting:
8ouncescream cheesesoftened
1/4cupsalted buttersoftened
2cupspowdered sugar
1teaspoonvanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the unsalted butter with the brown and white sugars until the mixture is pale and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition, then stir in the vanilla until incorporated.
Fold the grated carrots into the wet mixture so they are distributed evenly throughout the batter.
Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in batches, stirring gently until just combined—avoid overmixing.
Gently fold in the golden raisins and rolled oats until evenly dispersed.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the cookie edges are lightly golden and the centers appear set.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Frosting:
In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and salted butter together until smooth and lump-free.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, and mix until the frosting is creamy and spreadable; add a pinch of salt if desired to balance sweetness.
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on each cookie and serve.