Creamy Carrot Cake Bliss Cookies

Introduction

If you love the flavors of carrot cake but want a portable and bite-sized version, then these creamy carrot cake bliss cookies are just what you need. These cookies are packed with all the deliciousness of a classic carrot cake but in a convenient cookie form. They are soft, tender, and bursting with the flavors of carrots, cinnamon, and cream cheese. Perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or as a sweet treat on the go, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups grated carrots
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps

Step 1: Preparing the Cookie Dough

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

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

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts or pecans, if using.

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. Chilling the dough will help the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 2: Baking the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each cookie with the back of a spoon or your fingers.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still be slightly soft, but they will firm up as the cookies cool.

Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a dollop of cream cheese frosting on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie. Repeat this process until all the cookies are filled.

Variations

While these creamy carrot cake bliss cookies are delicious as is, you can also try some variations to suit your taste preferences:

Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the cookie dough for an extra burst of sweetness.
Sprinkle some shredded coconut on top of the cream cheese frosting for added texture and flavor.
For a healthier twist, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.

Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your carrot cake bliss cookies turn out perfect every time:

Grate the carrots using the fine side of the grater to ensure they blend well into the cookie dough.
For a more pronounced carrot flavor, squeeze out any excess moisture from the grated carrots before adding them to the dough.
Make sure the cream cheese and butter for the frosting are softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth consistency.
If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk to achieve the desired spreading consistency.

Conclusion

Indulge in the flavors of carrot cake with these creamy carrot cake bliss cookies. With their soft and tender texture, delightful carrot and spice flavors, and a luscious cream cheese filling, these cookies are a true delight for any carrot cake lover. Perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying as a special treat, these cookies will surely become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag or airtight container. When ready to bake, let the dough thaw in the refrigerator overnight before proceeding with the baking instructions.

2. How should I store the baked cookies?

Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you prefer a chilled cookie, you can also store them in the refrigerator, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

3. Can I make these cookies without nuts?

Absolutely! The nuts are optional and can be omitted from the recipe without affecting the overall texture and flavor of the cookies.

4. Can I use a different frosting instead of cream cheese frosting?

Yes, if you prefer a different frosting, you can use a vanilla buttercream or even a spiced cream cheese frosting with added cinnamon and nutmeg.

5. Can I use pre-shredded carrots?

It is best to grate your own carrots for this recipe as pre-shredded carrots may not be as finely grated and can result in a slightly different texture. However, if you are short on time, you can use pre-shredded carrots, but make sure to chop them into smaller pieces before adding them to the dough.