Alright, let’s chat, friends! It’s Beatriz from MommiesMore, and today we’re diving into a recipe that’s pure comfort food magic: carrot cake oatmeal cookies! Yes, you heard right! We’re taking the deliciousness of carrot cake and turning it into a simple, satisfying cookie that your whole family will love. I know, I know, “carrot cake” can sound intimidating, but trust me, these carrot cake oatmeal cookies are anything but! They’re perfect for a quick snack, a lunchbox treat, or even a slightly healthier dessert.

I remember the first time I tried to make carrot cake oatmeal cookies. It was… an adventure, to say the least! I wanted to find a way to sneak in some extra veggies for my kiddos without them even noticing. I also wanted to make something that was a bit more wholesome than your average cookie. Turns out, getting the spice blend just right was key, and I learned quickly that a little extra moisture from the carrots makes all the difference in a soft, chewy cookie. It took a few tries, but I finally perfected this carrot cake oatmeal cookies recipe, and now it’s a family favorite!

This carrot cake oatmeal cookies recipe has become a go-to in our house. There’s something so comforting about the warm spices and the soft texture. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those carrots that are always hanging out in the fridge. It’s one of those simple comfort recipes that fills the kitchen with a delicious aroma and brings everyone together.

My goal is to bring you sanity-saving comfort food that doesn’t require a culinary degree. These carrot cake oatmeal cookies do just that! So, if you’re a busy mom looking for a simple, comforting treat to add to your baking repertoire, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get baking! You deserve a dinnertime win with these delicious cookies!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Alright, let’s gather our supplies for this carrot cake oatmeal cookies adventure. Don’t worry, it’s mostly pantry staples! And remember, flexibility is key. If you don’t have something, don’t stress! I’ll share some comfort-focused ingredient swaps along the way.

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our cookies. For a slightly healthier version, you can substitute half with whole wheat flour.
1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the cookies rise and gives them a nice, soft texture.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This is where that warm, comforting carrot cake flavor starts!
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a touch of warmth and spice. If you don’t have nutmeg, a pinch of allspice will work too.
¼ teaspoon ground cloves: Just a pinch for that classic carrot cake depth.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened: This adds richness and moisture to the cookies. You can also use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
¾ cup packed brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness and keeps the cookies soft.
½ cup granulated sugar: For a bit of extra sweetness and crispness.
2 large eggs: These bind the ingredients together and add richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors!
2 cups rolled oats: Adds texture and heartiness to the cookies, making them more filling.
2 cups grated carrots: The star of the show! Make sure they’re finely grated for the best texture. This is the time to find those simple ingredients at your regular grocery store.
1 cup raisins or chopped walnuts (optional): For extra texture and flavor! My kids love raisins, but I prefer walnuts.

Trust me, this carrot cake oatmeal cookies ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! Plus, this carrot cake oatmeal cookies proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive. My family gets extra comfort when I add a handful of chocolate chips. Remember, this is about creating simple comfort, not culinary perfection.

Let’s Make It Happen!

Okay, fellow comfort seekers, let’s get our hands dirty and make some delicious carrot cake oatmeal cookies! I’ll walk you through it step-by-step, like we’re cooking together in my kitchen. Don’t worry if you’re not a baking expert – this recipe is super forgiving.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use a stand mixer or a hand mixer for this.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. This is where I used to struggle with my carrot cake oatmeal cookies – learn from my experience!
Stir in the rolled oats, grated carrots, and raisins or walnuts (if using). Gently fold everything together until evenly distributed.
Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave a little space between each cookie.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Your carrot cake oatmeal cookies should smell amazing by now. Don’t worry if your carrot cake oatmeal cookies looks slightly soft when you take them out – they’ll firm up as they cool.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

In my busy kitchen, this comforting carrot cake oatmeal cookies usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, including baking time. While your carrot cake oatmeal cookies are cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! This oatmeal cookies recipe is easy. I found this healthy carrot cake oatmeal cookies recipe.

How We Love to Eat This!

Now for the best part – enjoying our delicious carrot cake oatmeal cookies! Here’s how we love to eat them in my family:

As an afternoon snack with a glass of milk. This is a classic pairing that never fails to satisfy. The kids devour this comforting carrot cake oatmeal cookies when I serve it with milk after school.
Packed in lunchboxes as a special treat. It’s a fun way to sneak in some extra veggies for the little ones.
Served warm with a dollop of cream cheese frosting. This elevates the cookies to a whole new level of deliciousness! These carrot cake cookies are amazing, but even more so with frosting.
Alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy evening treat. This is my personal favorite way to enjoy them!
As a slightly healthier dessert option. These cookies are lower in sugar and fat than traditional carrot cake, so you can feel good about indulging. For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out this strawberry shortcake cake recipe.

This carrot cake oatmeal cookies is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! You can find even more inspiration from this Oatmeal Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe. The kids love this comforting carrot cake oatmeal cookies when I serve it with sliced apples or a few berries. It adds a bit of freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Alright, let’s tackle some common questions I get about these carrot cake oatmeal cookies. I’m here to help you feel confident and successful in the kitchen!

Is this carrot cake oatmeal cookies really filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! The oats and carrots add fiber and heartiness, making them a satisfying snack.
What if my picky eater won’t try this carrot cake oatmeal cookies? Start small! Offer a tiny bite and emphasize the sweetness and cinnamon flavor. You can also try adding chocolate chips to make them more appealing.
Can I meal prep this carrot cake oatmeal cookies for busy weeks ahead? Yes! The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also bake the cookies and freeze them for up to 2 months.
Can I make these vegan carrot cake oatmeal cookies? Yes! Substitute the butter with coconut oil and the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe? You can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that it will affect the texture and sweetness of the cookies. Start by reducing each sugar by ¼ cup and see how you like it.
What if I don’t have all the spices? Don’t worry! Cinnamon is the most important spice for that carrot cake flavor. You can omit the nutmeg and cloves if needed, or use a pinch of allspice instead.
Can I add cream cheese frosting to these? Yes! Cream cheese frosting adds deliciousness and works great with carrot cake oatmeal cookies!

These are just some of the many reasons this is one of our dinnertime wins.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give these carrot cake oatmeal cookies a try. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s about creating moments of comfort and connection with your family. It’s about finding simple ways to bring joy to your kitchen and nourish the ones you love.

Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies Comfort Hacks:

Spice it up! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices. A pinch of ginger or cardamom can add a unique twist.
Add some crunch! Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, add a lovely texture.
Make it a breakfast cookie! Reduce the sugar slightly and add a handful of dried cranberries for a healthier breakfast option.

Family-Tested Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies Variations:

Chocolate Chip Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent treat.
Coconut Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.
Pineapple Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies: Add ½ cup of crushed pineapple (drained) to the batter for a tangy-sweet flavor.

My son loves the chocolate chip version, while my daughter prefers the classic with raisins. I encourage you to make this carrot cake oatmeal cookies recipe your own. Add your favorite ingredients, adjust the spices to your liking, and create a version that your family will adore.

If you are looking for more recipe ideas, check out this delicious Halloween No-Bake Icebox Cake. Or try this similar twist with our Halloween Oreo Dirt Cake.

Remember, cooking is about more than just following a recipe. It’s about creating memories, sharing love, and nourishing your family. I have full confidence that you can create dinnertime wins with these carrot cake oatmeal cookies! So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking. You’ve got this! 💕 I learned how to make this from Amy’s Healthy Baking.

carrot cake oatmeal cookies

Print Recipe

These Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with the warm spices and flavors of carrot cake. A delicious and healthy-ish treat that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert!

Author: Beatriz
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ cups rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup shredded carrots
½ cup raisins or chopped walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Stir in the shredded carrots and raisins or walnuts (if using).
Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For a cream cheese frosting drizzle, whisk together 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.