Description
These copycat Crumbl carrot cake cookies are faster than setting a timer, featuring soft, cakey centers, warm spices, and tangy cream cheese frosting using simple pantry staples.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ginger
- 1 ½ cups finely grated carrots
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (113g) butter, softened
- 2–3 cups (240-360g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing on low until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in finely grated carrots and chopped walnuts (if using) with a spatula.
- Scoop dough mounds onto baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Press down slightly to flatten.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers look soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While cookies cool, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, beating until fluffy.
- Spread a thick layer of frosting on completely cooled cookies.
Notes
Ensure butter and cream cheese are truly softened for best texture. Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies. For a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 4
Keywords: carrot cake cookies, crumbl copycat, cream cheese frosting, easy cookies, baking, dessert, carrot cake