π Introduction
If you love carrot cake but donβt have time to bake a whole one, these Easy Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies are your new go-to treat! π°β‘οΈπͺ
Soft, chewy, and filled with warm spices, shredded carrots, and oats, these cookies taste just like your favorite carrot cake β but in a handheld, easy-to-make form. With a hint of cinnamon, brown sugar, and optional cream cheese drizzle, each bite is cozy, comforting, and perfectly balanced.
Theyβre wholesome enough for a snack but delicious enough to feel like dessert. Perfect for Easter brunch, afternoon tea, lunchboxes, or fall baking sessions, these cookies are simple, quick, and packed with flavor. π₯π
π§° Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
π Ingredients
For About 20 Cookies:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ΒΎ cup all-purpose flour
- Β½ tsp baking soda
- Β½ tsp baking powder
- Β½ tsp cinnamon
- ΒΌ tsp nutmeg
- ΒΌ tsp salt
- Β½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- Β½ cup brown sugar
- ΒΌ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ΒΎ cup finely grated carrots (about 2 medium)
- ΒΌ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ΒΌ cup raisins (optional)
For Optional Cream Cheese Drizzle:
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 Tbsp powdered sugar
- Β½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1β2 tsp milk (to thin if needed)
π©βπ³ Directions
- Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter & Sugars
- In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add Wet Ingredients
- Beat in egg and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures
- Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and mix until combined.
- Fold in grated carrots, nuts, and raisins (if using).
- Scoop & Bake
- Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10β12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are soft.
- Cool & Glaze
- Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Drizzle with cream cheese glaze once fully cooled, if desired.
π½οΈ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 20 cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: ~22 minutes
π§ Storage & Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep up to 5 days for extra freshness.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (with or without glaze).
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10β15 seconds for that fresh-baked texture.
π₯ Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan: Substitute butter with coconut oil and egg with flaxseed meal.
- Pineapple Twist: Add 2 tablespoons of crushed pineapple for tropical sweetness.
- Coconut Carrot Cookies: Stir in ΒΌ cup shredded coconut.
- Healthy Breakfast Cookies: Reduce sugar slightly and add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds.
β 10 FAQs
- Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly softer. - Do I need to peel the carrots?
Not necessarilyβjust wash them well before grating. - Can I skip the nuts and raisins?
Absolutely! The cookies will still be soft and flavorful. - Can I use pre-shredded carrots?
Itβs best to grate fresh ones for moisture and flavor. - Can I add frosting instead of drizzle?
Yes, spread cream cheese frosting on top for extra indulgence. - Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yesβchill for up to 24 hours before baking. - How do I keep them soft?
Store with a slice of bread in the container to retain moisture. - Can I make them smaller or larger?
Sureβadjust baking time by 1β2 minutes accordingly. - Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes! White or dark chocolate chips pair beautifully with the spices. - Do these taste like carrot cake?
Yes β theyβre chewy, spiced, and lightly sweet with that same comforting carrot cake flavor.
π Conclusion
These Easy Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect cross between a cozy oatmeal cookie and your favorite carrot cake β chewy, tender, and perfectly spiced. With wholesome oats, sweet carrots, and a hint of cinnamon, theyβre simple enough for everyday baking yet special enough to share at brunch or bake sales.
Enjoy them plain for a wholesome snack or topped with cream cheese drizzle for dessert-level deliciousness. π₯πͺβ¨

π₯πͺβ¨ Easy Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies Recipe β Soft, Chewy & Spiced to Perfection!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Beat in egg and vanilla until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and mix until combined.
- Fold in grated carrots, nuts, and raisins (if using).
- Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10β12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are soft.
- Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Drizzle with cream cheese glaze once fully cooled, if desired.
Notes
Yes, but the texture will be slightly softer. Do I need to peel the carrots?
Not necessarilyβjust wash them well before grating. Can I skip the nuts and raisins?
Absolutely! The cookies will still be soft and flavorful. Can I use pre-shredded carrots?
Itβs best to grate fresh ones for moisture and flavor. Can I add frosting instead of drizzle?
Yes, spread cream cheese frosting on top for extra indulgence. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yesβchill for up to 24 hours before baking. How do I keep them soft?
Store with a slice of bread in the container to retain moisture. Can I make them smaller or larger?
Sureβadjust baking time by 1β2 minutes accordingly. Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes! White or dark chocolate chips pair beautifully with the spices. Do these taste like carrot cake?
Yes β theyβre chewy, spiced, and lightly sweet with that same comforting carrot cake flavor. π Conclusion These Easy Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect cross between a cozy oatmeal cookie and your favorite carrot cake β chewy, tender, and perfectly spiced. With wholesome oats, sweet carrots, and a hint of cinnamon, theyβre simple enough for everyday baking yet special enough to share at brunch or bake sales. Enjoy them plain for a wholesome snack or topped with cream cheese drizzle for dessert-level deliciousness. π₯πͺβ¨