๐ Introduction
If you love carrot cake but donโt have time to bake a whole one, these Easy Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies are your new go-to treat! ๐ฐโก๏ธ๐ช
Soft, chewy, and filled with warm spices, shredded carrots, and oats, these cookies taste just like your favorite carrot cake โ 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.
Theyโre 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. ๐ฅ๐
๐งฐ Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
๐ Ingredients
For About 20 Cookies:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ยพ cup all-purpose flour
- ยฝ tsp baking soda
- ยฝ tsp baking powder
- ยฝ tsp cinnamon
- ยผ tsp nutmeg
- ยผ tsp salt
- ยฝ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ยฝ cup brown sugar
- ยผ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ยพ cup finely grated carrots (about 2 medium)
- ยผ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ยผ cup raisins (optional)
For Optional Cream Cheese Drizzle:
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 Tbsp powdered sugar
- ยฝ tsp vanilla extract
- 1โ2 tsp milk (to thin if needed)
๐ฉโ๐ณ Directions
- Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) 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 10โ12 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.
๐ฝ๏ธ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 20 cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: ~22 minutes
๐ง 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 10โ15 seconds for that fresh-baked texture.
๐ฅ 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 ยผ cup shredded coconut.
- Healthy Breakfast Cookies: Reduce sugar slightly and add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds.
โ 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 necessarilyโjust 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?
Itโs 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?
Yesโchill 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?
Sureโadjust baking time by 1โ2 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 โ theyโre chewy, spiced, and lightly sweet with that same comforting carrot cake flavor.
๐ Conclusion
These Easy Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect cross between a cozy oatmeal cookie and your favorite carrot cake โ chewy, tender, and perfectly spiced. With wholesome oats, sweet carrots, and a hint of cinnamon, theyโre 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. ๐ฅ๐ชโจ

๐ฅ๐ชโจ Easy Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies Recipe โ Soft, Chewy & Spiced to Perfection!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) 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 10โ12 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 necessarilyโjust 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?
Itโs 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?
Yesโchill 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?
Sureโadjust baking time by 1โ2 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 โ theyโre chewy, spiced, and lightly sweet with that same comforting carrot cake flavor. ๐ Conclusion These Easy Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect cross between a cozy oatmeal cookie and your favorite carrot cake โ chewy, tender, and perfectly spiced. With wholesome oats, sweet carrots, and a hint of cinnamon, theyโre 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. ๐ฅ๐ชโจ