Description
Delicious, soft cookies that capture the essence of carrot cake with a creamy filling, perfect for a comforting treat without the commitment of a full cake.
Ingredients
For the cookie dough
- 1 cup butter, softened (Use plant-based butter for dairy-free option.)
- 1 cup brown sugar (Pack it tightly.)
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 large egg (For vegan, substitute with a flax egg.)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (Use 1:1 gluten free flour if needed.)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (Increase if you like a stronger flavor.)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (Add a pinch for enhanced flavor.)
- 1 cup grated carrots (Pat dry if very wet.)
For the cream cheese filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (Use a dairy free alternative if needed.)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional mix-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (Pecans or walnuts, optional.)
- 1/2 cup raisins (Optional add-in.)
- 1/3 cup shredded coconut (Optional add-in.)
Instructions
Prepare the cream cheese filling
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Portion into small balls (1 to 1.5 teaspoons each) and freeze for 30 to 45 minutes.
Make the cookie dough
- Cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add the dry mix to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots gently without overmixing.
Stuff and shape the cookies
- Take a scoop of dough and flatten it in your palm.
- Place a frozen cream cheese ball in the center and wrap the dough around it, pinching seams closed.
- Roll into a smooth ball to ensure a good seal.
Bake the cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12 to 16 minutes until golden at the edges.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
Store cookies in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Freeze baked cookies for longer storage, thawing overnight in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Cuisine: American