If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy a slice of carrot cake without needing a fork, these Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies are the perfect solution. Soft, tender, and packed with all the familiar flavors of traditional carrot cake, they deliver everything you love—warm spices, sweet carrots, nuts, raisins, and tangy cream cheese frosting—in a convenient, grab-and-go format.
Developed by Katie Rosenhouse for Chowhound, this recipe transforms a nostalgic layer cake into playful sandwich cookies that feel equally at home at a spring picnic, bake sale, brunch table, or afternoon coffee break. One bite, and it’s easy to forget you’re eating a cookie instead of cake.
Why These Carrot Cake Cookies Are So Special
Carrot cake has long been a favorite for its balance of sweetness, spice, and texture. These sandwich cookies capture that same charm while adding a few extra perks.
What makes them stand out:
- Soft, cake-like cookies instead of crisp cookies
- Freshly grated carrots for moisture and natural sweetness
- Shredded coconut, raisins, and walnuts for texture
- Warm cinnamon and ginger for classic spice
- Creamy, tangy cream cheese filling
- Optional glaze for a bakery-style finish
They’re essentially mini carrot cakes, but easier to serve, easier to share, and much easier to pack.
A Nostalgic Treat with a Modern Format
According to recipe developer Katie Rosenhouse, this recipe is inspired by a beloved family classic. Growing up with homemade carrot cake as a staple dessert, she reimagined it into a fun, portable version that still delivers the same comforting flavors.
These sandwich cookies are especially popular for:
- Spring gatherings and Easter desserts
- Lunchbox treats (for kids or adults)
- Bake sales and potlucks
- Picnics and outdoor events
They feel nostalgic and playful at the same time—comfort food with a fresh presentation.
Ingredients Overview
For the Carrot Cake Cookies
You’ll mostly need pantry staples, plus a few fresh ingredients:
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Dark brown sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Kosher salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground ginger
- Freshly grated carrots
- Shredded coconut
- Toasted walnuts
- Raisins
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- Unsalted butter
- Cream cheese
- Vanilla extract
- Kosher salt
- Confectioners’ sugar
Optional Glaze
- Confectioners’ sugar
- Whole milk
- Orange food coloring (for a classic carrot-cake look)
Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Prep & Bake Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Bake Time: 8–10 minutes per batch
- Cooling & Assembly Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
- Yield: 12 sandwich cookies
- Course: Dessert
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare Baking Sheets
Line two standard baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients
With the mixer off, add flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger. Mix until a smooth, cohesive dough forms.
Step 6: Drain the Carrots
Wrap finely grated carrots in a paper towel and squeeze out excess moisture. This step prevents soggy cookies.
Step 7: Fold in Mix-Ins
Stir the carrots into the dough along with shredded coconut, ¼ cup of walnuts, and raisins until evenly distributed.
Step 8: Portion the Dough
Scoop 2-tablespoon portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly. You should have about 24 cookies.
Step 9: Add Walnut Topping
Top half of the cookie dough mounds with the remaining ¼ cup walnuts, gently pressing them in.
Step 10: Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until cookies are set and firm to the touch. Cool completely before assembling.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Step 11: Beat Butter and Cream Cheese
In a clean mixer bowl, beat butter, cream cheese, vanilla, and salt until smooth and creamy.
Step 12: Add Sugar
Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, beating until fluffy and fully combined.
Step 13: Transfer to Piping Bag
Transfer frosting to a piping bag and snip a small opening at the tip.
Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
Step 14: Pair Cookies
Match cookies into pairs, flipping the plain cookies (without walnut topping) upside down to serve as the bases.
Step 15: Pipe Filling
Pipe a generous layer of cream cheese frosting onto each bottom cookie.
Step 16: Top and Sandwich
Place the walnut-topped cookies over the frosting, gently pressing to create sandwiches.
Optional Glaze Finish
Step 17: Prepare the Glaze
Mix confectioners’ sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 18: Add Color
Add a small amount of orange food coloring, if desired.
Step 19: Drizzle and Serve
Drizzle glaze over the assembled cookies before serving. Alternatively, refrigerate cookies until ready to enjoy.
Flavor & Texture Notes
These carrot cake sandwich cookies strike a perfect balance:
- Soft and tender cookie layers
- Sweet, spiced aroma from cinnamon and ginger
- Crunchy contrast from walnuts
- Chewy bursts from raisins and coconut
- Tangy richness from cream cheese frosting
Each bite feels indulgent yet comforting—just like classic carrot cake.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Make Ahead: Cookies and frosting can be prepared separately and assembled later
- Serve Chilled or Room Temp: Slightly chilled gives firmer frosting; room temp feels more cake-like
Serving & Pairing Ideas
These cookies pair beautifully with:
- Coffee or espresso drinks
- Lattes or cappuccinos
- Light dessert cocktails
- Afternoon tea
They’re especially lovely for spring brunches or dessert tables.
Customization Ideas
- Nut-Free: Omit walnuts
- Raisin-Free: Swap raisins for crushed pineapple or dried cranberries
- Extra Spice: Add nutmeg or cloves
- No Glaze: Skip drizzle for a cleaner look
Final Thoughts
These Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies offer the best of both worlds—the flavor of a classic homemade cake and the convenience of a cookie. Soft, spiced, and filled with creamy frosting, they’re a dessert that feels nostalgic, playful, and undeniably satisfying.
Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe proves that carrot cake truly shines in any form.