Name: Carrot Cake Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Yield: 36 cookies
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (270 g); 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¾ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226 g); 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar (220 g); ½ cup granulated sugar (100 g); 1 large egg, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup grated carrot (about 2 medium carrots / 90 g); 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (80 g); ½ cup finely chopped pecans (optional, 80 g); 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (226 g); ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (113 g); 2 cups powdered sugar (240 g); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

8 steps

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and both sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla, beat until combined, and scrape down the bowl.
With the mixer on low, add the dry mixture and mix until almost combined. Add the grated carrots, oats, and pecans if using; mix just until combined.
Scoop the dough into 1½-tablespoon balls (about 35 g each) and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets.
Bake for about 12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers are still soft. For crispier cookies, bake 2 to 3 minutes longer. Cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. With the mixer on low, gradually add the powdered sugar. Scrape down the bowl, add the vanilla, then beat on medium until fluffy, about 1 minute.
Spread the frosting over the completely cooled cookies before serving.

Recipe notes

Helpful tips

Weigh the flour for the most accurate measurement. If measuring by volume, fluff it, spoon it into the cup, and level the top.
Freshly grated nutmeg has a stronger flavor than pre-ground nutmeg.
Bring the egg, butter, and cream cheese to room temperature before mixing.
Do not overmix the dough after adding the flour; mix the carrots, oats, and pecans only until combined.
Cool the cookies completely before frosting so the frosting does not melt.