Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Carrot cake lovers, rejoice! These Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies combine everything you adore about the classic dessert into a delightful, handheld treat. With a soft and chewy texture, warm spices, and a rich cream cheese filling, each bite is pure bliss. They’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
These sandwich cookies are perfect for spring gatherings, Easter celebrations, or as an everyday indulgence when you’re craving something special. The natural sweetness of shredded carrots, combined with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, creates a perfectly spiced cookie that pairs beautifully with the creamy, tangy filling.
If you love carrot cake but don’t want to go through the hassle of baking and frosting a whole cake, these cookies are your answer. They deliver all the flavors and textures you love in a more convenient, bite-sized form. Plus, they make for a great homemade gift for friends and family!
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe is simple to follow and guarantees delicious results. Read on for the full recipe, plus expert tips, substitutions, and serving ideas to make these cookies even more irresistible!
Why You’ll Love These Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies
- Carrot Cake Flavor Without the Fuss – Get all the flavor of classic carrot cake in a simple, easy-to-eat cookie.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether for Easter, birthdays, or afternoon snacks, these cookies are always a hit.
- Creamy & Spiced Just Right – The balance of warm spices and tangy cream cheese makes for a flavor-packed bite.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Bake the cookies in advance and assemble them when ready to serve.
Perfect Pairings
Enjoy these cookies with a hot cup of chai tea or a spiced latte for an extra cozy experience. If you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes for an incredible dessert pairing. For a fun brunch addition, serve alongside fresh fruit and a mimosa.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Carrots – Pre-shredded store-bought carrots can be too dry. Freshly grated carrots add moisture and better flavor.
- Chill the Dough – If your dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before baking.
- Don’t Overbake – These cookies should remain soft in the center, so keep an eye on them in the oven.
- Piping Tip – For an elegant look, use a piping bag to apply the cream cheese filling neatly.
Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely shredded carrots
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
- ½ cup raisins optional
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Cream Butter & Sugar – In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Add Carrots & Dry Ingredients – Gradually mix in the shredded carrots, followed by the dry ingredients. Fold in walnuts and raisins if using.
- Scoop & Bake – Drop tablespoon-sized dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let cool completely.
- Make the Filling – In a bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Sandwiches – Spread or pipe a layer of filling onto the bottom of one cookie and place another cookie on top. Repeat with the remaining cookies.
- Enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Variations & Substitutions
- Nut-Free Version – Omit walnuts/pecans for a nut-free cookie.
- Vegan Option – Use plant-based butter and cream cheese, and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water).
- Raisin Alternative – Swap out raisins for dried cranberries for a slight tartness.
- Extra Spice – Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for a deeper, spicier flavor.
Common Questions
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely. Freeze the cookies (without filling) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and assemble when ready to eat.
Can I add coconut?
Definitely! Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the batter for extra texture and sweetness.
These Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies are bound to become a household favorite! They deliver all the warmth and nostalgia of traditional carrot cake but in a portable, snackable format. Try them today and let us know how they turn out!
