Carrot cake lovers, rejoice! These Soft Carrot Cookies with Cream Cheese combine the warm, spiced flavors of carrot cake with the convenience of a handheld treat. Each bite features tender, spiced cookie dough, sweet carrots, and a creamy cheesecake filling that makes these cookies utterly irresistible. Whether it’s for a party, dessert, or a special snack, these cookies will wow everyone who tries them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft Carrot Cookies with Cream Cheese are the ultimate dessert for any occasion. Here’s why they’re worth making:

• Tender and Moist: Thanks to grated carrots and the perfect balance of ingredients.
• Creamy Filling: A luscious cream cheese center takes these cookies to the next level.
• Full of Flavor: Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger give these cookies a comforting taste.
• Easy to Make: Straightforward steps and simple ingredients make this recipe approachable.
• Great for Sharing: Perfect for parties, holidays, or gifting to friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredient	Amount
Unsalted butter (softened)	1 cup
Granulated sugar	1 cup
Brown sugar	1 cup
Large eggs	2
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
All-purpose flour	2 ½ cups
Baking soda	1 teaspoon
Cinnamon	1 teaspoon
Nutmeg	½ teaspoon
Ginger	½ teaspoon
Salt	½ teaspoon
Grated carrots	1 ½ cups
Chopped pecans	1 cup
White chocolate chips	1 cup
Cream cheese (softened)	8 oz
Powdered sugar	1 cup

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of the spices for consistent flavor.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
• Gently fold in the grated carrots, chopped pecans, and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

• In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 6: Assemble the Cookies

• Using a cookie scoop, form a ball of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your hand.
• Add a spoonful of the cream cheese filling to the center of the dough.
• Top with another flattened scoop of dough, sealing the edges to enclose the filling completely.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

• Place the filled cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each one.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the tops are set.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Enjoy the delightful combination of soft carrot cookie and creamy cheesecake filling in every bite.

Tips for Success

Use Fresh Carrots

• Freshly grated carrots add moisture and the best flavor. Avoid pre-shredded carrots, which can be too dry.

Chill the Dough if Necessary

• If the dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before assembling.

Seal the Edges Well

• Ensure the edges of the cookie dough are sealed tightly around the filling to prevent leakage during baking.

Bake Evenly

• Rotate the baking sheets halfway through to ensure even baking.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per cookie (based on 24 cookies):

Nutrient	Amount (Approx.)
Calories	220
Total Fat	11g
Carbohydrates	28g
Protein	3g
Sugar	18g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.

2. Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely. Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

3. Can I omit the nuts?

Yes, you can leave out the pecans or substitute them with another ingredient like raisins or additional chocolate chips.

4. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened but not melted, and chill the dough if it feels too warm.

5. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and slightly denser texture.

6. How do I store leftovers?

Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Creative Variations

Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies

• Skip the cream cheese filling and use it as a frosting between two carrot cookies.

Coconut-Carrot Cookies

• Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist.

Chocolate-Dipped Carrot Cookies

• Dip the cooled cookies halfway in melted white or dark chocolate and let them harden.

Zesty Orange Carrot Cookies

• Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a citrusy flavor boost.

Serving Suggestions

These Soft Carrot Cookies with Cream Cheese are perfect for:

• Tea Parties: Serve with a cup of hot tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Holiday Gatherings: A unique addition to your dessert table.
• Gifting: Wrap them in cellophane bags tied with ribbons for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Final Thoughts

Soft Carrot Cookies with Cream Cheese are a dessert that combines the best of two worlds: the warmth and spice of carrot cake with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake. They’re easy to make, delicious, and sure to impress anyone who tries them.

Ready to bake these irresistible cookies? Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a batch of cookies that’s perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family—they’ll thank you for it!

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