Crumbl carrot cake cookies

These Crumbl carrot cake cookies are a delightful treat that embodies the essence of a classic holiday carrot cake. With their warm spices and luscious cream cheese frosting, these cookies bring joy to any gathering, from birthday parties to cozy family nights. Their unique flavor and texture make them a standout dessert that is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: These cookies are packed with aromatic spices, making each bite a flavorful experience reminiscent of traditional carrot cake.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, baking these cookies is straightforward, even for beginners.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for celebrations or everyday snacks, they can suit any occasion you have in mind.
• Creamy Frosting: Topped with homemade cream cheese frosting, these cookies offer a rich contrast to their soft texture.
• Fun to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or dried fruits for an extra twist!

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into baking your delicious cookies, gather the essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your process and make it more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer (optional)
• Grater

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
• Baking sheet: A quality baking sheet ensures even baking and helps achieve that perfect cookie texture.

Ingredients

To create these delicious Crumbl carrot cake cookies, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cookies

• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup carrots (shredded)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 yolk
• 3 tbsp heavy cream (at room temperature)
• 1 & 3/4 cup AP flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp allspice
• 1/4 tsp ginger
• pinch cloves
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 3 tbsp butter (salted or unsalted, softened)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar

For Topping

• Pecans (for topping)

How to Make Crumbl carrot cake cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for achieving perfectly baked cookies.

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough

In a mixing bowl:
1. Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
2. Add in the shredded carrots and mix well.
3. Incorporate the vanilla extract, yolk, and heavy cream until combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, cloves, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture until fully combined.

Step 4: Shape and Bake Cookies

On a parchment-lined baking sheet:
1. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the sheet.
2. Bake for about 12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

While cookies cool:
1. In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until creamy.
2. Mix in vanilla extract followed by powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

Once cooled:
1. Generously frost each cookie with the cream cheese frosting.
2. Top with crushed pecans for added texture.

Enjoy your homemade Crumbl carrot cake cookies fresh out of the oven or store them in an airtight container!

How to Serve Crumbl carrot cake cookies

Crumbl carrot cake cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, these cookies can be served to enhance your dessert experience.

With a Cup of Tea

• Pair these cookies with a warm cup of tea for a cozy afternoon snack. The spices in the cookies complement the flavors of herbal or black tea beautifully.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange crumbl carrot cake cookies on a dessert platter alongside other baked goods. This adds variety and makes for an eye-catching display at any event.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla or cream cheese ice cream for a deliciously rich dessert. The warmth of the cookie contrasts perfectly with the cold ice cream.

Topped with Fresh Fruit

• Add slices of fresh fruit like strawberries or oranges on the side. Their freshness balances the sweetness of the cookies and adds a pop of color to your plate.

How to Perfect Crumbl carrot cake cookies

To achieve the ultimate crumbl carrot cake cookies, keep these tips in mind for optimal flavor and texture.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even mixing.
• Shred Fresh Carrots: For the best flavor, use freshly shredded carrots rather than pre-packaged ones. Fresh carrots add moisture and natural sweetness to your cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix your dough until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle when incorporating dry ingredients.
• Chill the Dough: If time allows, chilling your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavors and prevent spreading during baking.

Best Side Dishes for Crumbl carrot cake cookies

Crumbl carrot cake cookies pair well with several side dishes that complement their sweet and spiced profile. Consider serving them alongside any of these options for a complete treat experience.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy contrast.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses pairs well with the rich flavors of the cookies.
4. Coffee Cake: Enjoying these cookies with coffee cake makes for a delightful coffee break treat.
5. Chocolate Mousse: The lightness of chocolate mousse complements the denser texture of crumbl carrot cake cookies.
6. Nut Mix: A bowl of spiced nuts provides crunchiness and an additional layer of flavor alongside your sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crumbl carrot cake cookies, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch for:

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can lead to a dense cookie. Always use softened butter and room temperature eggs for the best texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Combine the ingredients until just mixed for a light, tender cookie.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can dry out the cookies. Use a kitchen scale or spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps flavors meld and improves texture. If time allows, chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Ignoring bake times: Each oven is different. Start checking your cookies a minute or two before the suggested time to avoid overbaking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Crumbl carrot cake cookies

• Freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.

Reheating Crumbl carrot cake cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat cookies on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Warm individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about Crumbl carrot cake cookies, here are some common questions:

How do I make Crumbl carrot cake cookies more flavorful?

You can enhance flavor by adding chopped nuts, raisins, or coconut flakes into the dough before baking.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crumbl carrot cake cookies?

Yes! You can use plant-based butter instead of regular butter or replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a different taste.

How do I store my Crumbl carrot cake cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I freeze Crumbl carrot cake cookies?

Absolutely! They freeze well. Just ensure they are cooled completely before storing in an airtight container.

What is the best way to frost Crumbl carrot cake cookies?

For best results, allow your cream cheese frosting to soften at room temperature before spreading it onto your cooled cookies.

Final Thoughts

Crumbl carrot cake cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or spices according to your preference. These treats bring holiday flavors any time of year and are perfect for sharing with friends and family!