Irresistibly Soft Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies with Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting: Your Ultimate Spring Indulgence!

As spring blossoms around us, bringing with it a symphony of vibrant colors and a refreshing breeze, our thoughts naturally turn to lighter, brighter flavors. In many regions, the air is filled with the promise of longer, warmer days, dotted with picturesque wildflowers and the cheerful sounds of outdoor activities. Windows are thrown open to welcome the gentle zephyrs, and sunny smiles abound. It’s a season of renewal, a time to shed the heavy comforts of winter and embrace the sweet, delicate treats that perfectly capture this fresh spirit.

And what better way to celebrate the essence of spring than with a delightful dessert that marries the classic appeal of carrot cake with the comforting charm of a soft-baked cookie? Introducing our incredibly soft, cinnamon-spiced carrot cake sandwich cookies, generously filled with an easy yet utterly decadent cream cheese frosting. These sweet spring treasures are truly difficult to resist for anyone who adores the rich, moist flavors of a classic carrot cake.

The arrival of spring signals a shift not just in nature, but in our culinary desires too. Gone are the heavy stews and rich, dark chocolates. In their place, we crave brightness, freshness, and a touch of sweetness that feels perfectly suited for a sunny afternoon or a festive gathering. These cookies encapsulate that feeling perfectly. Imagine tossing a ball in the park on a temperate evening, clinking glasses of cold lemonade, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment on the porch – these cookies are the ideal companion. They’re a little slice of heaven, bringing a tranquil sweetness before the impending heat of summer truly settles in.

Before discovering the magic of these soft-baked delights, my springtime experience felt incomplete. Now, a big batch of these irresistibly tender, scrumptious carrot cake cookies, generously sandwiched with their signature cream cheese frosting, is an absolute necessity. You’ll quickly understand why they earn the description of “heaven in a cookie.”

These delightful treats truly give some of my longtime favorites, like the renowned Caramel-Stuffed Snickerdoodles, a serious run for their money! They occupy a unique culinary space, almost like a perfect fusion between a fluffy cupcake and a chewy cookie. Each bite delivers a blissful combination of soft, moist texture and warming cinnamon spice, subtly enhanced by hints of nutmeg and ginger. You get the comforting chewiness of a cookie, followed by the irresistible tang and sweetness of rich cream cheese frosting, creating a harmonious balance that simply melts in your mouth.

The moment you take that first bite, any stresses of a challenging day seem to fade away, or a good day is simply made even better. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved, except perhaps for anyone who was hoping for a cookie for themselves – because once you taste these, sharing becomes an almost impossible feat. That’s a fact you’ll soon discover. And with all that wholesome grated carrot and hearty old-fashioned oats baked right in, you can almost convince yourself they’re a healthy indulgence, can’t you?

The secret to their exceptional texture lies in the careful balance of ingredients, creating a cookie that is remarkably soft and moist, never dry or crumbly. The inclusion of finely grated carrots adds natural sweetness and keeps the cookies wonderfully tender, while the oats contribute a satisfying chewiness and a touch of rustic charm. The blend of spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger—is meticulously chosen to evoke the quintessential carrot cake flavor profile, warming the palate and inviting another bite. This isn’t just a cookie; it’s a miniature, handheld carrot cake experience.

You are absolutely going to adore these cookies for a multitude of occasions throughout the spring season and beyond. They are an absolute showstopper for spring parties, a perfect addition to Easter feasting, or any gathering that calls for a dessert that’s both wonderfully sweet and charmingly unique. These cookies were an enormous hit with my friends (yes, I eventually caved and shared a few!), proving to be an effortlessly fun and delightful twist on one of my all-time favorite classic cakes.

Imagine them gracing your Easter dessert table, nestled among other seasonal treats, or serving as the star of a Mother’s Day brunch. Their appealing sandwich format makes them ideal for bridal showers, baby showers, or even sophisticated afternoon tea parties. They’re easy to transport, making them the perfect potluck contribution, ensuring you’ll be asked for the recipe every single time. Their unique blend of flavors and textures truly sets them apart from ordinary cookies, elevating them to a special occasion treat that is both comforting and sophisticated.

Perhaps you’re more of a traditional cake enthusiast than a cookie fan? If so, you absolutely must try my super moist Carrot Cake Bars instead. There are simply no words adequate enough to describe their utterly delicious goodness. They are legendary in my circle, having converted many friends to true carrot cake lovers with their irresistible moistness and vibrant flavor. But for those who crave the portability and delightful bite of a cookie, these carrot cake sandwich cookies are an unparalleled choice.

Baking these cookies is a joyous experience from start to finish. The aroma of warm spices filling your kitchen is an inviting prelude to the deliciousness that awaits. The recipe is straightforward, designed to deliver exceptional results even for novice bakers. The key steps, such as ensuring your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for the creamiest frosting, and chilling your cookie dough for perfect shape and texture, are simple yet crucial for success. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, whether for a special occasion or simply to brighten a regular day with a taste of homemade bliss.

Ready to bring some heartwarming, spiced deliciousness into your home? Let’s get baking!

Soft Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies

Yield:
25 cookie sandwiches

Average Rating: 4.8/5 (16 Reviews)

Ingredients

For Soft Carrot Cake Cookies:

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots

For Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. For Soft Carrot Cake Cookies: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside. This ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine both the brown and granulated sugars with the room temperature butter. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, typically 3 to 4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract, beating until well combined after each addition.
3. In a separate large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger. Sifting helps to eliminate lumps and ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Gradually stir these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just blended. Be careful not to overmix. Finally, gently mix in the old-fashioned oats and the finely grated carrots.
4. Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator until it is firm, for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in a perfectly soft and chewy texture.
5. Drop the chilled dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring to space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before handling, as they will be delicate when warm.
6. Once cooled, frost the flat side of one cookie generously with the prepared Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe below). Gently sandwich it together with another cookie, creating a delicious cookie sandwich.
7. For Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and room temperature butter together until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Sift in the confectioners’ sugar (also known as powdered sugar) to prevent lumps, then continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add the pure vanilla extract and stir to combine thoroughly. This frosting is perfect for these cookies or any other baked treat requiring a rich, tangy topping.
8. Store the finished carrot cake sandwich cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and the integrity of the frosting.
9. Enjoy these delightful, spiced carrot cake cookies with their luscious cream cheese filling!

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest. We’d love to see your delicious creations!