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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

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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!
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posted in: Cookies, Dessert, Easter Recipes and Ideas

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    5 from 15 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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    Comments & Reviews

  1. Stacy says

    March 22, 2015

    Love those little pieces of grated carrot peeking out, Tara! These are far from rustic though. I think they are rather pretty.

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      March 22, 2015

      I guess I was thinking more of the perfection of a sugar cookie and these suited something simpler. Thanks Stacy!!

      Reply
  2. Sue Lau says

    March 22, 2015

    Fabulous idea for cookies!

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      March 22, 2015

      Thanks Sue!

      Reply
  3. Wendy, A Day in the Life on the Farm says

    March 22, 2015

    I printed this off and I am on my way into the kitchen right now to start baking. The rest of the #SundaySupper posts will now have to wait until later LOL….Thanks for the great recipe.

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      March 22, 2015

      I hope you love them Wendy as much as we did, tell me what you like!

      Reply
      • Wendy, A Day in the Life on the Farm says

        March 22, 2015

        They were delicious Tara. My post will be up tomorrow at http://adayinthelifeonthefarm.blogspot.com/2015/03/little-miss-meets-easter-bunny.html

        Reply
  4. nazima says

    March 22, 2015

    I love carrot cake and the spice and flavour of it – so these cookies are just up my street. Yum!

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      March 22, 2015

      Thank you Nazima!

      Reply
  5. Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere says

    March 22, 2015

    My favorite cake, in a double-fisting form! These are wonderful!

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      March 22, 2015

      Thank you so much Sarah!

      Reply
  6. ala says

    March 22, 2015

    LOVE the squiggle! It adds such a fun little touch, and we are just crazy about carrot cake around here so these cookies would be perfect. Cheers!

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      March 22, 2015

      Thank you Ala!!

      Reply
  7. Laura says

    March 22, 2015

    Okay I love this idea so much!!! I adore carrot cake this is going to be a perfect addition to our Easter baking.

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      March 22, 2015

      You will love them then Laura, so soft and moist!!

      Reply
  8. Christie says

    March 22, 2015

    I am a huge carrot cake fan so I am sure I will adore these cookies.

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      March 22, 2015

      Thanks Christie!!

      Reply
  9. Dan from Platter Talk says

    March 22, 2015

    5 stars
    Holy delicious!!! We love this idea for a cookie!

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      March 22, 2015

      Thank you so much Dan!!

      Reply
  10. Janette@culinaryginger says

    March 22, 2015

    5 stars
    I love this idea, much easier to eat than cake.

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      March 22, 2015

      Thank you Janette!!

      Reply
  11. Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says

    March 22, 2015

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

    Reply
  12. Sam @ PancakeWarriors says

    March 22, 2015

    Carrot cake is my favorite!! I just love the cute design on these too – such a great way to get that classic cream cheese frosting without overwhelming the carrot and cinnamon!! I just love these- send me a batch please!

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      March 22, 2015

      Thank you so much Sam!!

      Reply
  13. Emily Leary says

    March 22, 2015

    I love carrot cake and these look just perfect!

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      March 22, 2015

      Thank you Emily!!

      Reply
  14. 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
  15. Hezzi-D says

    March 22, 2015

    These look amazing! I often want carrot cake,but don’t want to make a whole cake. Can’t wait to try these

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      March 22, 2015

      You will love these then Heather, they are just like a slice of carrot cake.

      Reply
  16. Laura Dembowski says

    March 22, 2015

    I’ll take carrot cake in any form and these cookies look delightful!

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      March 22, 2015

      Thank you so much Laura, they are all gone, served up to the church this morning!

      Reply
  17. Dan from Platter Talk says

    March 22, 2015

    5 stars
    Holy delicious!!! We love this idea for a cookie!

    Reply
  18. Janette@culinaryginger says

    March 22, 2015

    5 stars
    I love this idea, much easier to eat than cake.

    Reply
  19. Liz says

    March 22, 2015

    I have only made carrot cake cookies once and they were nowhere as successful as your marvelous recipe! LOVE the cream cheese drizzle! Perfect!!!

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      March 22, 2015

      Thank you so much Liz!!

      Reply
  20. Renee says

    March 22, 2015

    Oh my goodness Tara! I am so baking these cookies for Easter. I love, love, love carrot cake. Cream cheese frosting gets me every time too.

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      March 22, 2015

      Thank you so much, the big tray of them went off to church this morning with hubby. I hope they like them, we sure did!

      Reply
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