If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the cozy, spiced flavor of carrot cake with the convenience of a cookie, then you are in for a real treat. The Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe takes the classic charm of carrot cake and transforms it into handheld delights that are as fun to make as they are to eat. These soft, moist cookies sandwich a luscious layer of creamy, slightly tangy frosting, bringing together a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and richness that will have you reaching for just one more. Whether for a festive gathering or a simple indulgence, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients that work harmoniously to deliver the signature taste and texture of carrot cake in cookie form. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the right softness, spice, and that gorgeous orange hue that makes carrot cake so inviting.
- Carrot cake mix: This is the star that brings all the iconic flavors and spices together effortlessly.
- Eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture to keep your cookies soft and tender.
- Oil: Oil makes the cookies extra moist and helps blend the ingredients smoothly.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is essential for that rich, tangy frosting that perfectly complements the spiced cookie.
- Butter: Butter adds a velvety texture and depth to the frosting’s flavor.
- Powdered sugar: This ensures your frosting is smooth and sweet without any grit.
- Vanilla extract: Vanilla brings warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully in the frosting.
How to Make Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining your cookie sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Then whip together the carrot cake mix, eggs, and oil in a bowl. Expect the batter to be stiff—it’s thicker than typical cake batter. This sturdiness is perfect for shaping the cookies into sandwiches later on.
Step 2: Shape Your Cookies
Using a rounded teaspoon, scoop out portions of the dough and roll each into a ball. Place them spaced evenly on your prepared sheets, then gently press each ball down with your palm or the bottom of a glass to create a flattened, cookie shape. This step is key to ensuring even baking and the perfect cookie size for sandwiching.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. You want them to be set yet soft. Once done, allow them to cool on the pan for a couple of minutes to firm up before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This will make spreading the frosting easier and help your sandwiches stay intact.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cookies are baking, start on what might be the best part—the frosting! Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy and smooth. Then gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until you achieve a creamy, dreamy texture perfect for spreading.
Step 5: Assemble Your Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Once your cookies are completely cooled, spread about a tablespoon of your luscious cream cheese frosting onto the bottom side of half the cookies. Top with the remaining cookies to form sandwiches. Store these sweet stacks in a sealed container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting firm and the cookies fresh. But let’s be honest, they rarely last long enough to require storage!
How to Serve Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Consider adding a whimsical touch to your carrot cake cookie sandwiches by sprinkling them lightly with finely chopped walnuts or pecans. A dusting of cinnamon or a few edible flowers can also elevate the presentation, making them irresistible at any party or teatime.
Side Dishes
These cookie sandwiches pair beautifully with warm spices and fresh flavors, so enjoy them alongside a cup of chai tea, spiced coffee, or a glass of cold milk. A fresh fruit salad with citrus or berries can help balance the richness and complement the spices in the cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra-special touch, serve these Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe on a rustic wooden board with some fresh flowers or carrot-shaped cake picks. Stacking them pyramid-style or wrapping individual sandwiches in cellophane tied with twine creates perfect edible gifts or party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any cookie sandwiches left (which might be a challenge!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the cream cheese frosting fresh and the cookies soft for up to 5 days. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookie sandwiches for longer storage. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Since these cookies are best enjoyed soft and fresh, avoid microwaving to reheat as it may make the frosting too runny. Instead, let them come to room temperature after thawing — the frosting will regain its creamy consistency, and the cookie will soften slightly for the ideal bite.
FAQs
Can I use homemade carrot cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer making your carrot cake base from scratch, you can certainly adapt the recipe by creaming your wet and dry ingredients accordingly. Just remember the dough should be stiff enough to shape into cookies, so adjust the moisture as needed.
What can I substitute for oil in the cookie dough?
If you want to reduce the oil, unsweetened applesauce works well as a substitute, helping retain moisture without extra fat. Use the same amount as the oil for a lighter version.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the cookie dough?
Yes! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins can enhance the texture and flavor while staying true to traditional carrot cake. Just fold them in during the batter mixing step before shaping the cookies.
How thick should I spread the cream cheese frosting?
Spreading about a tablespoon of frosting per cookie sandwich is ideal. It provides enough creaminess to balance the spices without overwhelming the cookie. Feel free to adjust based on your preference!
Are these cookie sandwiches suitable for freezing after assembly?
You can freeze them after assembling, but it’s best to freeze the cookies and frosting separately if possible. Frost your cookies fresh after thawing for the best texture and flavor, especially if the frosting is delicate.
Final Thoughts
There is something so downright joyful about the Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. From the tender, spiced cookies to the rich and tangy frosting nestled in between, every bite feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or sneaking a treat just for yourself, these cookies bring a smile on every occasion. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to make your kitchen smell like heaven—you won’t regret giving this delightful twist on carrot cake a whirl!
Print
Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookie sandwiches
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful carrot cake cookie sandwiches filled with creamy vanilla cream cheese frosting. These easy-to-make treats combine the moist flavors of carrot cake in a soft cookie form, sandwiched with a smooth, sweet cream cheese frosting. Perfect for sharing or satisfying your dessert craving with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 box carrot cake mix
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup oil
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese or neufchatel, softened
- 4 tablespoons butter (half stick), softened
- 1 & 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or a silpat for easy cleanup. In a mixing bowl, beat together the carrot cake mix, eggs, and oil until fully combined; expect the batter to be stiff.
- Shape cookies: Scoop rounded teaspoons of dough and roll each into a ball. Place them spaced out on the prepared cookie sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with your palm or the bottom of a glass to form evenly sized cookies.
- Bake cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. After baking, let the cookies set on the pan for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make frosting: While the cookies bake and cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is creamy and well combined.
- Assemble sandwiches: Spread about one tablespoon of cream cheese frosting onto the flat side of half the cookies. Top each frosted cookie with one of the remaining cookies to create cookie sandwiches.
- Storage: Store the assembled cookie sandwiches in a sealed container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They can be enjoyed immediately, but refrigeration helps preserve the frosting’s texture.
Notes
- Use neufchatel cheese as a lower-fat alternative to cream cheese if preferred.
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened for a smooth frosting texture.
- You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
- These cookie sandwiches are best stored in the fridge due to the cream cheese frosting.
- For a decorative touch, dust the sandwich edges with powdered sugar or finely shredded carrot.
