Description
If you love the flavors of carrot cake but crave a handheld dessert, these Soft Carrot Cookies with Cream Cheese are the perfect solution. They’re tender, spiced, and feature a creamy surprise inside that will delight everyone from kids to grown-ups. Perfect for holidays, parties, or an indulgent snack!
Ingredients
- 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
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Ground nutmeg: ½ teaspoon
- Ground ginger: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Grated carrots: 1 ½ cups
- Chopped pecans: 1 cup
- White chocolate chips: 1 cup
- Cream cheese (softened): 8 ounces
- Powdered sugar: 1 cup
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
Step 4: Mix the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in grated carrots, pecans, and white chocolate chips.
Step 5: Make the Filling
In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Take a scoop of cookie dough, flatten it slightly, and add a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling to the center. Cover with another flattened scoop of dough, sealing the edges to enclose the filling completely. Repeat for all cookies.
Step 7: Bake
Arrange the cookies on the baking sheets, leaving space between them. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 8: Serve
Serve warm or store in an airtight container for later. Enjoy the soft, spiced cookies with their luscious cream cheese centers!
Notes
- Use freshly grated carrots for the best flavor and moisture.
- If the dough is sticky, refrigerate for 20 minutes before shaping.
- Store cookies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American