Carrot cake cookies deliver everything you love about classic carrot cake in a portable, naturally sweetened cookie format. These soft, chewy cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while packing in wholesome ingredients like oats, carrots, and applesauce. Plus, they’re topped with a luscious cream cheese or vegan cream cheese icing, making them utterly irresistible.

We developed this recipe to combine indulgent flavors with balanced nutrition. Our team tested several variations to create soft carrot cake cookies that are perfectly spiced, moist, and just the right amount of sweet. Whether you’re looking for a treat for the family or a dessert that aligns with your health goals, you’ll love how these cookies fit into your lifestyle.

Why These Carrot Cake Cookies Are Good for You

Rich in Fiber: The oats and shredded carrots provide natural fiber to support digestion.
Lower Sugar Option: Sweetened with applesauce and a balance of natural sugars for a less processed treat.
Healthy Fats: Uses coconut oil for healthier fat compared to traditional butter-heavy cookies.
Customizable for Diets: Includes options for vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free adaptations.
Vitamin Boost: Carrots add a boost of vitamin A for eye and skin health.

Wholesome Ingredients for These Carrot Cake Cookies

Every ingredient in this recipe has been chosen to maximize both flavor and nutrition. Here are the standouts:

Shredded Carrots: Not just for flavor; carrots provide natural sweetness and are packed with beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. Opt for large grated carrots to ensure even distribution in the dough.
Old Fashioned Oats: These rolled oats add a chewy, hearty texture and contain soluble fiber, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Swap with gluten-free oats if needed.
Applesauce: A great replacement for excess sugar and oil, applesauce keeps the cookies moist while adding a subtle fruity note.
Cinnamon and Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg elevate the flavor while offering antioxidant benefits. Use freshly ground spices for the best aroma and taste.

Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe Details

Servings: 18 to 19 cookies
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Carrot Cake Cookies Ingredients

For the cookies:
⅓ cup neutral oil (grapeseed, canola or vegetable)
¼ cup refined coconut oil or butter, at room temperature
½ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
½ tablespoon vanilla extract
1/16 teaspoon almond extract (optional but recommended)*
2 cups [280 g] all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
1 ¼ cups Old Fashioned oats
¾ cup shredded carrots (large grated)
½ cup chopped walnuts (toasted in a dry skillet for a few minutes until fragrant, if desired)
For the cream cheese icing (or vanilla glaze):
¼ cup cream cheese (or vegan cream cheese)
2 tablespoons butter (or vegan butter)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 to 3 teaspoons milk of choice

How to Make Carrot Cake Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or use non-stick cookie sheets.
In a stand mixer (or large bowl), combine the neutral oil, coconut oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix on Medium speed until fully combined, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the applesauce, vanilla extract, and almond extract, if using, and mix until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and kosher salt.
Turn the mixer to low and gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Add the oats, shredded carrots, and walnuts, mixing until evenly distributed.
Scoop 3-tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2-3 inches of space between each cookie.
Bake one sheet at a time for 14 to 15 minutes, until edges are golden. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Repeat with the remaining dough, ensuring it stays at room temperature for even baking.
To prepare the icing, slightly warm the cream cheese and butter in a microwave or saucepan until soft. Stir until smooth.
Add powdered sugar and 2 teaspoons milk, whisking until a thick but pourable glaze forms. Adjust milk as needed for consistency.
Drizzle or pipe icing over fully cooled cookies. Let the icing set at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

How to Customize These Carrot Cake Cookies for Your Diet

Gluten-Free: Substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose baking flour.
Vegan: Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter for the icing.
Nut-Free: Skip the walnuts or replace with sunflower seeds for a nut-free variation.
Lower Calorie: Reduce the sugar slightly and increase the applesauce by 2 tablespoons.
Keto-Friendly: Swap sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener and use almond flour as the dough base.

Our Team’s Tips for the Best Carrot Cake Cookies

Grate carrots fresh for the juiciest, most flavorful results.
Bake one sheet of cookies at a time for even cooking and golden edges.
Store cookies in an airtight container and drizzle icing before serving if baking ahead.
Toast walnuts beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor.
For even portions, use a cookie scoop or weigh the dough to 50 grams each.

Carrot Cake Cookies FAQs

What makes these easy carrot cake cookies soft?

The combination of applesauce, oil, and brown sugar ensures a moist texture while the oats give them a chewy bite.

Can I make these homemade carrot cookies vegan?

Yes, simply swap the cream cheese and butter for vegan alternatives. You can also use plant-based milk in the icing.

What can I substitute for walnuts in this best carrot cake cookie recipe?

You can use sunflower seeds, pepitas, or simply omit the nuts altogether.

Should I chill the dough before baking?

No need to chill! The dough is designed to work perfectly at room temperature.

If you’re ready to try these delicious carrot cake cookies, we can’t wait to hear how they turn out! Did you tweak the recipe to fit your dietary goals? Share your experience below—we’d love to connect with you.