I’m so excited to share this delightful Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that perfectly captures the essence of a classic carrot cake in a soft, chewy cookie form. These cookies are wonderfully moist, warmly spiced, and boast a tender crumb thanks to oat flour and almond butter, all topped off with a luscious cream cheese frosting that takes every bite to a next-level treat. Whether you’re craving a cozy afternoon snack or a fun breakfast surprise, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser and sneakily healthy too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface holds several dry ingredients divided into sections, including rolled oats, oat flour, white flour, baking soda, and cinnamon, all neatly placed inside. Alongside the bowl is a wooden spoon resting inside it. Around the bowl are small white dishes containing brown sugar, chopped nuts, tahini, vanilla extract, and a small glass bowl with a pale liquid. On the top right is a white plate with a pile of bright orange shredded carrots. The scene is well-lit and clean with soft natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of these Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each plays an essential role, from providing texture to infusing that signature spice blend and natural sweetness that makes this cookie irresistible.

Ground flaxseed: Acts as a fantastic egg substitute while adding fiber and omega-3s.
Warm water: Helps activate the flaxseed to create a perfect binding agent.
Oat flour: Gives the cookies a tender, slightly chewy texture and a mild nuttiness.
Rolled oats: Adds delightful chew and rustic texture to every bite.
Almond flour: Contributes moisture and a subtle richness to the cookie dough.
Baking powder: Helps lift the cookies for a light, soft crumb.
Baking soda: Works with the acidic ingredients for perfect browning and rise.
Cinnamon: The warm spice star, it fills the kitchen with irresistible aroma.
Nutmeg: Adds depth and a hint of cozy warmth.
Sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
Grated carrots: The star ingredient providing natural sweetness and moisture.
Almond butter: Brings creaminess and subtle nuttiness to the mix.
Coconut oil, melted: Keeps the cookies soft and moist while adding a gentle tropical note.
Maple syrup: Natural sweetener that pairs beautifully with the spices.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the cookie’s overall flavor with a fragrant touch.
Chopped walnuts or pecans: Adds crunchy texture and extra nuttiness.
Vegan cream cheese frosting (optional): Creates the indulgent finishing touch that makes the cookies extra special.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Flaxseed Mixture

Start by combining the ground flaxseed with warm water in a small bowl. This step is key since the flaxseed needs 5 minutes to thicken into a gel-like consistency that acts as a perfect vegan binder, holding all the cookie ingredients together beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together oat flour, rolled oats, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt. This blend is where the foundation of your cookie’s texture and warm spice profile is built, so make sure everything is well combined for even flavor throughout.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix grated carrots, almond butter, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Then stir in the thickened flaxseed mixture. This combination adds incredible moisture and richness, making these cookies soft and tender with a secret boost of nutrition.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold them together until just combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so fold in the chopped walnuts last to add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor without breaking up your dough too much.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Scoop out about ¼ cup of dough per cookie onto parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving enough space for spreading. Bake at 350°F one tray at a time for 20 to 24 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. Let them cool on the pan briefly before transferring to a wire rack—this helps them set without losing moisture.

Step 6: Frost and Enjoy

Once completely cool, pipe or spread the optional cream cheese frosting over your cookies for that classic carrot cake experience. This luscious frosting adds tangy sweetness that perfectly balances the warmly spiced cookie beneath.

How to Serve Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows about thirteen round oatmeal cookies arranged loosely on a white marbled surface. Each cookie is golden brown with a rough texture, featuring visible small oat pieces and darker spots that likely come from nuts or spices, as well as thin orange strands that look like carrot bits. The cookies vary slightly in size and shape, some edges are more rounded while others appear a bit more uneven or cracked, giving them a homemade feel. The lighting highlights the crumbly texture, making the cookies look crisp and hearty photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your presentation by sprinkling a few extra chopped nuts or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosting. You could also add a tiny carrot-shaped decoration with orange and green icing to celebrate the theme and wow your guests.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cozy cup of chai tea, rich coffee, or even a chilled glass of almond milk for a comforting snack break. A bowl of fresh fruit alongside also balances the sweetness, making your treat feel complete and well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

These cookies are adorable on their own, but consider serving a stack tied up with twine as a gift or dessert centerpiece. You can also cut them in half and layer with frosting in between for mini sandwich-style treats — fun and bite-sized!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store baked and frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh and moist for up to 4 days, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends.

Freezing

You can freeze the plain cookies without frosting by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transferring to a sealed freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.

Reheating

Warm cookies slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low-heat oven to refresh their softness. If frosting is added, avoid microwaving too long to keep the cream cheese frosting intact.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of oat and almond flours?

Yes, you can substitute with all-purpose flour, but expect a slightly different texture—regular flour may produce denser cookies without the nutty flavor oat and almond flours offer.

Is this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! The flaxseed acts as the egg substitute, and using vegan cream cheese frosting keeps everything plant-based and delicious.

How do I make the vegan cream cheese frosting?

A simple mix of vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, a touch of vanilla extract, and optional lemon juice works perfectly to replicate classic cream cheese frosting with a dairy-free twist.

Can I omit the nuts if I have allergies?

Yes, you can skip the walnuts or pecans or swap them for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch without the nut allergy risk.

Are these cookies healthy?

While they shouldn’t replace fruits or vegetables on your plate, these cookies use wholesome ingredients like oats, almond butter, and flaxseed, providing extra nutrients compared to typical sugary cookies, making them a nourishing indulgence.

Final Thoughts

This Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has become a personal favorite for those moments when you want something comforting, flavorful, and a little bit special. It combines the best parts of a classic carrot cake into a handheld treat that’s easy to share and enjoy anytime. Give these cookies a try—you might just find your new go-to snack that everyone will adore!