• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
BBQing With The Nolands Baking Up Love

Noshing With the Nolands

Cooking + sharing what we love

  • Home
  • Recipe Index
    • By Course
      • Appetizers
      • Breakfast
      • Brunch
      • Dessert
      • Dinner
      • Drinks
      • Kid Recipes
      • Lunch
      • Salads
      • Sandwiches
      • Side Dishes
      • Snacks
      • Soup Recipes
    • By Ingredient
      • BBQ
      • Beef
      • Breads, Muffins and Scones
      • Chicken
      • Eggs
      • Pasta
      • Pork
      • Seafood
      • Turkey
    • By Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Canning and Pickling
      • Crock-Pot and Instant Pot
      • Smoker Recipes
    • By Diet
      • Gluten Free
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
    • By Holiday
      • Canada Day
      • Christmas
      • Easter
      • Halloween
      • St. Patrick’s Day
      • Thanksgiving
      • Valentine’s Day
  • About
  • How-To
BBQing With The Nolands Baking Up Love

Dessert

Noshing With the Nolands » Dessert

Carrot Cake Cookies

By Tara Noland on March 19, 2024 | Updated March 19, 2024

  • Share
Jump to Recipe Add us as a Google Trusted Source

Carrot cake is probably my number one cake flavor, so why not make Carrot Cake Cookies so that you can enjoy those flavors even more? This recipe is a super simple recipe that takes no time to whip up. Make the little carrots for the top with the kids for a fun project too. If you are here for our original recipe, it is still at the bottom, so you can enjoy either.

Want more carrot cake recipes? Then try our Best Carrot Cake Recipe or Easy Carrot Snack Cake. Or for another Easter treat try our Easter Bunny Cupcakes.

Close-up picture of Carrot Cake Cookies.

These cookies are like little slices of cake, soft and moist, and taste just like carrot cake.

Can you Make Cookies with Carrot Cake Mix?

Yes, this is what our new recipe is all about. Super simple to make, plus they are moist, delicious, and smothered with a gorgeous cream cheese icing, and decorated with an easy candy carrot.

Horizontal pictures of a cookie with a bite taken.

Helpful Items For This Recipe

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small portion from qualifying purchases at no extra charge to you.

Piping Bags and Tips Set – 100pcs Disposable Piping Bags, 12 Inch Icing Bags

Wilton Orange Candy Melts, 12 ounce

Wilton Dark Green Candy Melts, 12 ounce

What is in Carrot Cake Cookies?

Ingredients for carrot cake cookies.

You just need to go to your local craft and grocery store for these easy-to-find ingredients.

Ingredients

Carrot Cake Mix – Use your favorite; I do like Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines.

Eggs – Use regular large-sized eggs for this recipe.

Oil – Use a neutral oil like canola for this recipe.

White Frosting – This is a quick recipe, and there is no shaming here using canned frosting. No one will ever know.

Green and Orange Melting Candies – These are easy to find in any craft store.

Piping Bags – When you are buying your candy melts, grab some piping bags, too. I always have a stash of these on hand.

Parchment Paper – This is used to pipe the candy carrots onto.

How to Make Carrot Cake Cookies

Ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Finished batter in a bowl.
Pulling the whisk up from the batter.

Start by adding your cake mix, eggs, and oil to a large mixing bowl. Mix on high until well combined.

Place in the fridge for a half hour.

Cookie dough on a baking sheet ready for the oven.

Scoop out one heaping tablespoon into a ball and place it on a well-greased baking sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes or just until your edges are golden. Let cool completely.

One cookie with swirled icing on top.

Ice the top of each cookie with your white frosting, either using a piping bag or spreading it on.

Candy carrot on parchment.

Lay a piece of parchment paper out flat. Melt down your melting candies according to the instructions. Place orange in one piping bag and green in the other. Cut a small tip off the end of each bag.

On your parchment paper, take your orange chocolate and make a zigzag motion back and forth, getting smaller and smaller, forming your carrot.

Take your green chocolate and create a stem on top. Place the parchment paper in the freezer for one minute until set.

Two cookies and candy carrot on top and around.

Peel your carrot off the parchment paper and gently place it on top of your cookie.

Serve and enjoy these super soft, super delicious cookies!

Recipe Pro Tips!

Holding a cookie with a bite taken.

Can I Freeze Carrot Cake Cookies?

Yes, I would freeze them without the carrot decoration, though. You can freeze any leftovers frosted in an air-tight container for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator.

How to Store Carrot Cake Cookies

Keep the candy carrot off the cookie until ready for serving. Both the cookies and the candy carrots can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator in an air-tight container.

Can I Add Other Ingredients to these Cookies?

Yes, you can add additions to these cookies like raisins, coconut, and pecans or walnuts.

Carrot Cake Cookies close-up on a plate.

The cream cheese icing on the top is just the right amount to give you that delicious carrot cake taste, too.

The Easter bunny or anyone would be thrilled with these cookies, plus they couldn’t be easier to make. Happy Spring, everyone!!

Also, if you ever wanted to make Palm Sunday Easter Bread, then have a look here!

Want More Spring and Easter Cookies or Dessert Ideas?

Want some awesome desserts to celebrate the upcoming holidays? Here is a sampling of our favorites. Enjoy!!

  • Bunny Bum Cookies hero.

    Bunny Bum Cookies

  • Lemon Lush Dessert hero.

    Lemon Lush Dessert

  • Close up of Easter Egg Instant Pot Cheesecake

    Easter Egg Instant Pot Cheesecake

Pin it HERE!!

Carrot Cake Cookies Pin.

Pin it HERE!!

Carrot Cake Cookies Pin.
Carrot cake cookies on a plate.

Carrot Cake Cookies (new easy recipe)

Tara Noland
These easy Carrot Cake Cookies are made from a mix, so they couldn't be easier. Use a little canned frosting and a homemade candy carrot, and you are done!
5 from 15 votes
Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved! Pin Recipe
Prep Time 8 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 53 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 15 Cookies
Calories 133 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 1 box of Carrot Cake Mix
  • 2 Eggs
  • ½ a cup of Oil
  • White Frosting
  • Green Melting Candies
  • Orange Melting Candies
  • 2 Piping Bags
  • Parchment Paper

Instructions
 

  • Start by adding your cake mix, eggs, and oil to a large mixing bowl. Mix on high until well combined.
  • Place in the fridge for a half hour.
  • Roll one heaping tablespoon into a ball and place on a well-greased baking sheet.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes or just until your edges are golden. Let cool completely.
  • Ice the top of each cookie with your white frosting.
  • Lay a piece of parchment paper out flat. Melt down your melting candies according to the instructions. Place orange in one piping bag and green in the other. Cut a small tip off the end of each bag.
  • On your parchment paper, take your orange chocolate and make a zigzag motion back and forth, getting smaller and smaller, forming your carrot.
  • Take your green chocolate and create a stem on top. Place the parchment paper in the freezer for one minute until set.
  • Peel your carrot off the parchment paper and gently place on top of your cookie.
  • Serve and enjoy these super soft, super delicious cookies!

Equipment

Wilton W1911-12-1356 Candy Melts 12oz-Dark Green
Wilton W1911-12-1356 Candy Melts 12oz-Dark Green
Wilton Orange Candy Melts, 12-Ounce
Wilton Orange Candy Melts, 12-Ounce
firstake Piping Bags and Tips Set - 100pcs Disposable Piping Bags, 12 Inch Icing Bags, Thickened Pastry Bags, Anti Burst Frosting Bags, Non-slip Cake Decorating Bags for Baking Cupcake and Cookies
firstake Piping Bags and Tips Set – 100pcs Disposable Piping Bags, 12 Inch Icing Bags, Thickened Pastry Bags, Anti Burst Frosting Bags, Non-slip Cake Decorating Bags for Baking Cupcake and Cookies

Notes

See the post for additonal tips and information.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 133kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 1gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 43mgSugar: 6g
Nutrition calculation is an estimation only. If you need nutritional calculations for medical reasons, please use a source that you trust.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

The Original Recipe for Carrot Cake Cookies from Scratch!

Carrot cake cookies with a squiggle of icing.

Carrot Cake Cookies (Original Recipe)

Tara Noland
A delicious carrot cake cookie that tastes just like a slice of the real cake!
5 from 13 votes
Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved! Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 12 minutes mins
Total Time 32 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 32 cookies

Ingredients
 

  • 1 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp. baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
  • 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup butter room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 cup grated carrots
  • 1/2 cup pecans finely chopped

Icing

  • 4 oz. light cream cheese room temperature
  • 1/2 cup icing sugar confectioner’s sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/2 Tbsp. 2% milk

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350F. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg; set aside.
  • Using a standup mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla and mix. Add in 1/2 of the flour, then add in the carrots and the pecans. Mix lightly. Add in the remaining flour and mix until just incorporated. Scrape down sides of bowl if needed.
  • Spread out silicone liners and, with a cookie scoop or Tbsp., spoon out about 1 Tbsp. of cookie dough. Leave spacing of about 2" between cookies. Bake until browning on the edges but still soft to touch, 11-12 min. Cool on cookie sheet for 5 min. Then, cool completely on a cooling rack. If not icing immediately, place in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out.
  • For the icing. In a standup mixer with a paddle attachment, mix cream cheese until smooth, about 4 minutes. Mix in icing sugar and salt, add the milk, and mix until just combined and smooth. Place into an icing bag and decorate as shown. I used a Wilton #7 tip.

Notes

Adapted from Cooking Classy. See post for more tips and information.
Nutrition calculation is an estimation only. If you need nutritional calculations for medical reasons, please use a source that you trust.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
  • Share

posted in: Cookies, Dessert, Easter Recipes and Ideas

Previous
No Yeast Bread – Bonnach
Next
Easter Bunny Cupcakes

Reader Interactions

Let us know what you think!

We’d love to know what you and your family think! Make sure to leave a review below and follow us on your favorite social network!

    5 from 15 votes (3 ratings without comment)

    Leave A Reply! Cancel reply

    Share your thoughts!
    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Comments & Reviews

  1. Lauren @ Sew You Think You Can Cook says

    April 1, 2015

    I made carrot cake cookies last year – they didn’t even last an hour in the office. So good! What a wonderful spring treat.

    Reply
  2. Sanjana says

    March 28, 2015

    5 stars
    I made these cookies today. They’re so delicious, I can’t stop eating them! Thanks for this brilliant recipe!

    Reply
  3. Sanjana says

    March 28, 2015

    5 stars
    I made these cookies today. They’re so delicious, I can’t stop eating them! Thanks for this brilliant recipe!

    Reply
  4. Cindys Recipes and Writings says

    March 27, 2015

    I love the flavor of carrot cake. These cookies sing spring!

    Reply
  5. Julie @ Texan New Yorker says

    March 24, 2015

    Such a creative spin on carrot cake, I love it!

    Reply
  6. Diana @ Dandelion Greens Blog says

    March 24, 2015

    These are beautiful! And I’m all about cookies over the cake version 🙂

    Reply
  7. Shaina says

    March 23, 2015

    Yum!! These sound perfect. I’ll take a dozen, please 😉

    Reply
  8. Linda @ 2CookinMamas says

    March 23, 2015

    My husband might get his carrot cake more often if I could do it in the form of a cookie. I will probably make him a happy man when I put these little beauties before him. Thanks for the great recipe!

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      March 23, 2015

      I hope you make him happy, thanks Linda!

      Reply
  9. DB, Foodie Stuntman | Crazy Foodie Stunts says

    March 23, 2015

    This is vey creative! I’ve never thought to prepare carrot cake as a cookie.

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      March 23, 2015

      Thanks so much and thanks again for hosting!

      Reply
  10. CarriesExpKtchn says

    March 23, 2015

    Tara my family LOVES carrot cake and I like that these cookies are soft like one. Just printed out the recipe and can’t wait to try it. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      March 23, 2015

      Thanks Carrie, enjoy!!

      Reply
  11. Tammi @Momma's Meals says

    March 23, 2015

    What a fabulous addition for Spring! I love the cream cheese frosting.

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      March 23, 2015

      Thank you Tammi!

      Reply
  12. Jeanne Horak-Druiff says

    March 23, 2015

    5 stars
    It’s been love at first sight since I saw these pop up in my FB feed this morning! Carrot cake is my all-time favourite and I can’t wait to try its flavours in a cookie 🙂

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      March 23, 2015

      Thank you so much Jeanne, I hope you try them, so good!!

      Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      March 23, 2015

      Thank you so much Jeanne!

      Reply
  13. Minnie@thelady8home says

    March 23, 2015

    The cookies looks so perfect. Just what I would love to have.

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      March 23, 2015

      Thanks Minnie!

      Reply
  14. Jeanne Horak-Druiff says

    March 23, 2015

    5 stars
    It’s been love at first sight since I saw these pop up in my FB feed this morning! Carrot cake is my all-time favourite and I can’t wait to try its flavours in a cookie 🙂

    Reply
  15. Marion@LifeTastesGood says

    March 22, 2015

    I’ve always wanted to make carrot cake in cookie form! These look great, Tara. Love the icing!

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      March 23, 2015

      Thank you Marion!

      Reply
  16. Katie @ Recipe for Perfection says

    March 22, 2015

    I love it when cakes are turned into cookies! Very neat!

    Reply
  17. Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says

    March 22, 2015

    5 stars
    Portable cake! Now this is something I could have fun with. 🙂

    Reply
  18. Nicole Neverman says

    March 22, 2015

    These cookies look fab!! What a wonderful idea 🙂

    Reply
  19. Valerie Cathell Clark says

    March 22, 2015

    5 stars
    These remind me of cookies my grandma made when we were young! They look so yummy!

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      March 22, 2015

      Thank you so much Valerie!

      Reply
« Older Comments

Primary Sidebar

Ken Noland.
Tara Noland.

Hi, We're The Nolands!

Noshing With The Nolands is a collection of wonderful family recipes that we love to make for ourselves, family and friends. Come and dine with us as we go on our culinary journey around the world while bringing you easy recipes to enjoy.

More About Us

New Recipes In Your Inbox

​Get all the latest recipes in your inbox each week, from our family to yours!

Search

FEATURED IN:

Bread, Scones, Muffins and More

Copycat Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf on a board.

Copycat Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf

Aloo Paratha buttered.

Aloo Paratha

30 Loaves to Enjoy or Gift Banner.

30 Loaves to Enjoy or Gift

Bread Machine Pumpkin Bread sliced.

Bread Machine Pumpkin Bread

Featured Recipes

  • Close up of rhubarb dump cake.
    Rhubarb Dump Cake
  • Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls hero.
    Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls
  • Crock Pot Saucy Asian Ribs
  • Copycat Wendy's Apple Chicken Salad hero.
    Copycat Wendy’s Apple Chicken Salad

Trending Recipes

  • Overhead of Chicken Thighs dinner.
    Roasted Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs
  • Banana Crumb Muffins on a plate, shot from overhead.
    Banana Crumb Muffins
  • Rows of Rhubarb Dream Bars.
    Rhubarb Dream Bars
  • Finger Sandwiches on a board.
    Finger Sandwiches
  • Cacio e Pepe plated.
    Cacio e Pepe
  • Old Fashioned Rhubarb Loaf hero.
    Old Fashioned Rhubarb Loaf
  • Super Easy Rhubarb Tarts hero.
    Super Easy Rhubarb Tarts
  • Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce on a white plate.
    Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce – Julia Child’s Recipe

New Recipes In Your Inbox

©2026, Noshing With the Nolands. Privacy Policy Contact Accessibility Back To Top
Design by Pixel Me Designs
×

New Recipes In Your Inbox

​Get all the latest recipes in your inbox each week, from our family to yours!

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.