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Carrot Cake Cookies with Browned Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 69 reviews

These Carrot Cake Cookies combine the rich flavors of a classic carrot cake into soft, perfectly spiced cookies topped with a luscious browned butter cream cheese frosting. Perfectly moist with finely shredded carrots and cinnamon, these cookies satisfy cake cravings in a portable, bite-sized form.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ¾ cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 ½ teaspoons cinnamon

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks, room temperature)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup dark brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or vanilla paste)
  • 2 eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 ½ cups finely shredded fresh carrots

Frosting

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • 6 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or vanilla paste)
  • 4–8 Tablespoons milk

Optional Topping

  • ½ cup pecans (finely chopped)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the cookies.
  2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir well and set the mixture aside.
  4. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat the 1 cup of room temperature unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and dark brown sugar on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until smooth, light, and fluffy.
  5. Add Vanilla and Eggs: Incorporate the vanilla extract and eggs into the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
  6. Mix in Carrots: Stir in the finely shredded fresh carrots until evenly distributed.
  7. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly until no flour streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
  8. Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop, place dough onto the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  9. Bake Cookies: Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the tops look almost dry and slightly spring back when touched gently.
  10. Cool Cookies: Remove from oven and transfer cookies to a wire rack or clean baking sheet to cool completely before frosting.
  11. Prepare Browned Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup of butter. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter turns a deep golden color and brown flecks appear at the bottom, about 2-3 minutes.
  12. Cool Browned Butter: Remove from heat and let it cool slightly to avoid melting the cream cheese when combined.
  13. Mix Frosting Base: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and browned butter together on low speed initially, then increase to medium until fully combined.
  14. Add Flavor and Sugar: Stir in the vanilla extract, then gradually add powdered sugar a little at a time to avoid dust clouds, mixing until combined. The frosting will initially be dry and crumbly.
  15. Adjust Frosting Consistency: Add milk one tablespoon at a time to achieve a smooth, creamy texture suitable for spreading or piping.
  16. Frost Cookies: Once cookies have completely cooled, spread or pipe the frosting atop each cookie.
  17. Add Optional Topping: If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans over the frosted cookies for added texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure carrots are finely shredded for the best texture in the cookies.
  • Do not overmix the dough when combining the dry and wet ingredients to maintain a tender texture.
  • Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • Browned butter adds a rich, nutty flavor to the frosting.
  • If frosting is too thick, adjust consistency with milk gradually to avoid making it too runny.
  • Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.

Keywords: carrot cake cookies, carrot cookies, cream cheese frosting, browned butter frosting, spiced cookies, soft cookies, dessert cookies

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/carrot-cake-cookies-with-browned-butter-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/