Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies combine the warm, spiced flavors of traditional carrot cake with a creamy, tangy filling. These soft and chewy cookies are packed with grated carrots, cinnamon, and nutmeg, creating a delicious treat reminiscent of classic carrot cake. The rich cream cheese filling complements the spiced cookies perfectly, making them an irresistible dessert or snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Offers all the flavors of carrot cake in a convenient, handheld treat.
Soft and chewy texture with a luscious cream cheese filling.
Perfect for special occasions, holidays, or everyday indulgence.
Can be made ahead and stored for easy serving.
A great way to use fresh carrots in a dessert.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cookies:

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Grated carrots
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the filling:

Cream cheese, softened
Unsalted butter, softened
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
Fold in the grated carrots and nuts (if using).
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
Prepare the filling by beating the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread or pipe the cream cheese filling onto the bottom of one cookie and top with another to form a sandwich.
Serve immediately or chill for a firmer texture.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes about 12-15 sandwich cookies
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 32 minutes

Variations

Raisin Addition: Mix in a handful of raisins for extra sweetness.
Coconut Twist: Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical flair.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Spice it Up: Increase the cinnamon and nutmeg or add a pinch of ground ginger for a more intense spiced flavor.
Nut-Free Version: Omit the nuts for those with allergies or preferences.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze the assembled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Room Temperature: If consuming within a day, they can be kept at room temperature in a cool, dry place.

FAQs

How do I prevent the cookies from becoming too soft?

Make sure to measure the ingredients accurately, avoid overmixing the dough, and allow the cookies to cool completely before assembling them.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the filling can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it soften at room temperature before using.

Can I use store-bought cream cheese frosting instead?

Yes, but homemade filling provides a fresher and richer flavor.

What’s the best way to grate carrots for this recipe?

Use a fine grater to ensure the carrots blend well into the dough without making it too chunky.

Can I make these cookies smaller?

Yes, just drop smaller spoonfuls of dough and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Can I substitute the butter with oil?

Butter provides the best texture, but you can use coconut oil or vegetable oil as an alternative.

How do I make the cookies chewier?

Using more brown sugar than granulated sugar and slightly underbaking them will help achieve a chewier texture.

Can I add oats to the cookie dough?

Yes, adding oats will give the cookies a heartier texture. Adjust the flour slightly to accommodate the extra ingredient.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to reduce spreading.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, use dairy-free butter, vegan cream cheese, and an egg substitute like applesauce or flaxseed egg.

Conclusion

Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies are the perfect way to enjoy the beloved flavors of carrot cake in a convenient, handheld dessert. With their soft, spiced cookies and luscious cream cheese filling, they are a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether served fresh or stored for later, these cookies are sure to impress. Try different variations to suit your taste and enjoy this indulgent dessert