Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 1/2 cups grated carrots (about 6 full-size carrots)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, beating until fully blended.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, kosher salt, and ground ginger to the wet mixture. Stir just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Carrots and Walnuts: Gently fold in the grated carrots and toasted walnuts to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
- Scoop Cookies: Use a 2-tablespoon scoop to drop cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Place the cookie sheet in the oven and bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: In a clean mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese for 3 to 4 minutes until smooth and well blended. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy.
- Assemble Whoopie Pies: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag or a zip-top plastic bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe a swirl of frosting onto half of the cooled cookies. Top each frosted cookie with another cookie to form a sandwich.
Notes
- Using freshly grated carrots results in better texture and moisture than pre-shredded carrot.
- Walnuts are optional but add a lovely crunch and flavor contrast.
- Ensure the butter and cream cheese for the frosting are softened to room temperature for a smooth blend.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to keep the cookies tender.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American