Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love how these Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe turn out every single time — they’re soft, flavorful, and topped with that dreamy cream cheese frosting that just melts in your mouth. When I first tried incorporating shredded carrots into cookies, I was blown away by how moist and tender they made the dough without being too sweet. If you’re a fan of classic carrot cake but want a quicker, hand-held treat, this recipe is going to be your new favorite.

You’ll find that these cookies work perfectly for any occasion, whether it’s an afternoon snack with tea, a special dessert after dinner, or even a festive addition to a brunch spread. Plus, making the cream cheese frosting from scratch really elevates these cookies and your friends and family will swear you bought them at a bakery. Trust me—baking carrot cake into a cookie form is one of those genius baking hacks you’ll want to keep in your repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients blend classic carrot cake flavors with cookie fundamentals, giving you the best of both worlds. When shopping, look for fresh, crisp carrots and quality cream cheese to get that rich, creamy frosting.

• Butter: Using softened butter helps create a creamy dough for perfect texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds warmth and moisture, enhancing the cookie’s flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the brown sugar to keep the sweetness just right.
• Carrots (shredded): Freshly shredded works best to add natural moisture and subtle sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla brightens the overall flavor and complements the spices.
• Egg Yolk: Helps bind the dough and adds richness.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the dough tender and adds a touch of luxury.
• All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base to hold everything together without heaviness.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These help your cookies rise perfectly and stay soft.
• Warm Spices (cinnamon, allspice, ginger, cloves): The signature carrot cake spice combo that makes these cookies irresistible.
• Salt: Enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Cream Cheese (for frosting): Softened for a smooth, tangy topping.
• Powdered Sugar (for frosting): Gives the frosting a creamy, sweet finish without grittiness.
• Pecans: Optional but highly recommended for a satisfying crunch and nutty contrast.

Variations

I love to tweak this Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe depending on the season or who I’m baking for. You can easily switch things up to suit your taste buds or dietary needs and I encourage you to experiment a bit here.

• Nut-Free Version: Simply skip the pecans on top or swap with pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.
• Spice Level: I sometimes add a pinch more ginger or cinnamon if I want a bolder flavor, which my family adores.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend — just watch your baking time as it may vary.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with vegan margarine and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for an easy swap.

How to Make Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Sugars and Butter for a Dreamy Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Then cream together your softened butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a mixer. The creaming process is key here because it incorporates air, making the cookies tender and lift just right.

Step 2: Add the Carrots, Vanilla, Egg Yolk, and Cream

Next, mix in your freshly shredded carrots, vanilla extract, egg yolk, and heavy cream. You’ll notice the dough starts to become soft and silky thanks to the cream and egg yolk. Make sure the cream is at room temperature—that little trick helps everything combine more evenly.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Spices Carefully

Now, sift together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, cloves, and salt, then add this mix to the wet ingredients gradually. Stir gently just until the flour disappears because overmixing can make your cookies tough. You want everything combined but still tender.

Step 4: Shape and Bake Your Cookie Dough

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out 8 equal dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet. Flatten each one gently to about ¾ to 1 inch thick—this helps them bake evenly and get that characteristic soft texture. Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes; the edges should look set but the cookies will remain soft in the center. Resist the temptation to overbake!

Step 5: Cool and Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 20 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. While they cool, whip up that luscious cream cheese frosting by beating together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and powdered sugar, then continue mixing until light and fluffy—4 to 5 minutes usually does the trick.

Step 6: Frost and Garnish

Once the cookies have cooled completely, frost each one generously using a piping bag with a round tip for that classic bakery look. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top for a nutty crunch that complements the soft cookie and tangy frosting perfectly. Then, dig in and prepare for happy smiles!

How to Serve Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these cookies with a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans because it adds just the right crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts with the soft cookie and smooth frosting. Sometimes, I’ll also dust a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the frosting for a pretty finish and an extra hint of spice.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic alongside a hot latte or chai tea. If you’re serving a bigger brunch, pairing them with fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait balances the richness of the cookies beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special gatherings, I like stacking these cookies on a tiered dessert tray with small edible flowers or carrot-shaped sugar decorations to elevate the presentation. Another fun idea is wrapping single cookies in parchment and tying them with twine as charming homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the frosting nice and fresh. They usually stay perfectly soft for up to 3 days when stored this way. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

If you want to freeze them, I suggest freezing the unfrosted cookies first on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a ziplock bag. When you’re ready, thaw and then frost them fresh for the best taste and texture—this way, the frosting stays silky.

Reheating

To refresh older cookies, I give them about 10-15 seconds in the microwave just before serving. This softens them up beautifully without melting the frosting too much — a quick warm-up trick I stumbled upon that really works!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe has become a staple in my home because it strikes the perfect balance of indulgent and approachable. I love how it’s a straightforward way to enjoy the comforting spices and textures of carrot cake in a convenient cookie form. I truly hope you give these a try—you’ll enjoy baking them as much as you’ll enjoy eating them, and they’re sure to become favorites in your cookie jar!

Print