Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe with you because it’s like enjoying dessert and a little slice of carrot cake all in one cozy bite. When I first tried making these at home, I was amazed at how the cookies managed to be soft, flavorful, and topped with that irresistible creamy frosting — just like the popular Crumbl version we all crave. You’ll find that these cookies are perfect for an afternoon treat, a party favor, or just that comforting snack you didn’t even know you needed.

What makes this Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe so special is how the warm spices and shredded carrots softens the cookie base, creating a chewy texture that balances perfectly with the cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings or surprising friends with something homemade, this recipe is reliable, approachable, and sure to impress even if you’re new to baking. Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish — I know you’ll appreciate that quick win!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe uses ingredients that perfectly blend into that classic carrot cake flavor — plus a dreamy cream cheese frosting to top it all off. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand before you get started, with some tips for choosing the best versions.

• Butter: Softened for the cookie base and frosting, butter brings richness and moisture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds warmth and a slight molasses flavor that complements the spices.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with browning.
• Shredded Carrots: Freshly shredded works best for moisture and texture; avoid pre-packaged to control moisture content.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its sweet, aromatic notes.
• Egg Yolk: Adds richness and binds the dough.
• Heavy Cream: At room temperature; it adds creaminess and tenderness to the dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structure-building base for the cookie.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Work together to give the cookies a light lift without puffing them up too much.
• Spices (Cinnamon, Allspice, Ginger, Cloves): These warm spices create the hallmark carrot cake flavor — you can tweak amounts to your taste!
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Cream Cheese: Softened for the luscious frosting that’s not too tangy or sweet.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates that smooth, creamy frosting texture.
• Pecans: Chopped as a delightful crunchy topping to finish each cookie.

Variations

I love playing around with this Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe because it’s so versatile! Feel free to tweak the nuts, spices, or frosting to make it your very own—you’ll enjoy customizing it for holidays or dietary needs.

• Add-ins: I sometimes stir in mini chocolate chips or crushed pineapple for a fun twist that adds extra flavor and moisture.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives to make it vegan-friendly — just be sure to chill the dough slightly for easier handling.
• Spice Level: Adjust the ginger and cloves if you prefer a milder or more robust spice profile.
• Nut-Free Option: Skip the pecans and, if you want crunch, try toasted coconut flakes on top instead.

How to Make Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F — getting the temperature just right is key for even baking. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat; this prevents sticking and helps your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until you get a smooth, creamy texture. I like to use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for this, but a hand mixer works just fine. This step is important because it helps blend the sugars into the butter for a tender cookie.

Step 3: Add Carrots and Wet Ingredients

Next, stir in the shredded carrots, vanilla extract, egg yolk, and heavy cream until everything is well combined. I discovered this trick of adding heavy cream at room temperature helps the dough stay soft and manageable without drying out the cookies.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, cloves, and salt in a separate bowl, then add this dry mix to your wet ingredients. Mix just until the flour disappears — over-mixing can make the cookies tough, which is a mistake I used to make until I learned to be gentle here.

Step 5: Shape and Bake Your Cookies

Scoop out eight equal portions of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball to about ¾ to 1-inch thick — too thin and they dry out, too thick and they won’t cook evenly. Bake for 12 minutes, keeping an eye on them; you want slightly golden edges but still soft centers.

Step 6: Cool Before Frosting

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 20 minutes — this is critical! If you frost warm cookies, the frosting will melt and get messy. I always remind myself patience here makes the difference between dreamy cookies and a frosting disaster.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies cool, whip up the frosting by creaming softened cream cheese and butter until smooth using a mixer with a whisk attachment. Then add vanilla extract and powdered sugar and beat on medium-high for 4 to 5 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy — this step is the secret to that classic, creamy texture.

Step 8: Frost and Top the Cookies

Pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting over each cooled cookie with a round tip for a neat look. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped pecans for that wonderful crunch contrast — my family goes crazy for this final touch. Then dig in and enjoy!

How to Serve Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these cookies with chopped pecans because they add a satisfying crunch that contrasts so nicely with the soft cookie and creamy frosting. Sometimes, I’ll add a light dusting of cinnamon or even a little edible glitter for a festive touch when serving guests.

Side Dishes

These cookies are delicious on their own, but if you want to serve something alongside, a glass of cold milk or a spiced chai latte works beautifully. For brunches, I like to pair them with a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthday parties or special occasions, I arrange the cookies on a pretty wooden board with some fresh carrot greens and mini cupcakes to create a carrot cake-themed dessert table. Wrapping individual cookies in parchment and tying them with twine also makes charming edible gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. They stay great for up to 4 days this way, and I find the flavors actually deepen over time.

Freezing

If I want to prep in advance, I freeze the unfrosted cookies on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready, I thaw, frost them fresh, and they taste nearly as good as when baked. Cream cheese frosting doesn’t freeze well, so freezing cookies before frosting is my go-to trick.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers warm, I let the cookie thaw to room temp, then pop it in a microwave for 10-15 seconds — just enough to soften the cookie without melting the frosting too much. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven feel that makes them so addicting.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe quickly became one of my favorite go-to treats because it brings that nostalgic carrot cake flavor in a convenient, hand-held form — perfect anytime you need a little pick-me-up. The balance of spices, moist carrots, and creamy frosting makes these cookies so addictive, and I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll have people asking for the recipe!

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