Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies Recipe

There is something truly heartwarming about sinking your teeth into a delightful Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies Recipe that combines all the cozy flavors of a classic carrot cake into a perfectly portable treat. Picture soft, spiced cookies packed with grated carrots, raisins, and pecans, sandwiched with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting bursting with citrus zest. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a comforting sweet bite, these sandwich cookies deliver on flavor, texture, and that nostalgic carrot cake goodness in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies Recipe calls for simple but thoughtfully selected ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the rich blend of butter and coconut oil that keeps them tender, to the combination of spices that imbue warm, inviting notes, every component is essential for capturing that perfect carrot cake essence and texture.

• Unsalted butter (½ cup): Provides richness and a tender crumb to the cookies.
• Coconut oil (½ cup): Adds moisture and a subtle tropical hint supporting the shredded coconut.
• Brown sugar (1 cup): Brings deep molasses flavor and helps keep the cookies soft.
• Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Balances sweetness and contributes to cookie structure.
• Kosher salt (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors to make them pop.
• Pure vanilla extract (1½ teaspoons): Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Large eggs (2): Bind all ingredients and contribute to a moist cookie.
• All-purpose flour (1¾ cups): The base that creates the cookie’s structure.
• Bread flour (½ cup): Gives a slight chewiness for a satisfying bite.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Leavens the dough gently.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Provides a light rise for softness.
• Ground cinnamon (1½ teaspoons): Classic spice that sings in every bite.
• Apple pie spice (1½ teaspoons): Adds a cozy mix of nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
• Ground ginger (1 teaspoon): Gives a delicate zing that complements the carrot.
• Old-fashioned oats (1 cup): Slightly ground, to contribute texture and wholesome flavor.
• Sweetened shredded coconut (¾ cup): Provides chew and subtle sweetness.
• Grated carrots (3 cups): The star of the show, lending moisture, natural sweetness, and that unmistakable carrot cake charm.
• Golden raisins (¾ cup): Burst of fruity sweetness.
• Chopped roasted pecans (¾ cup): Adds crunch and a toasted nut flavor.
• Powdered sugar (1¼ cups): Key for creating a smooth, sweet frosting.
• Cream cheese (8 ounces): The tangy base for the luscious filling.
• Unsalted butter (5 tablespoons): Makes the frosting silky and rich.
• Sour cream (2 tablespoons): Adds creaminess and a slight tang to brighten the frosting.
• Pure vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Brightens the cream cheese filling.
• Ground ginger (¼ teaspoon): Echoes the cookie’s warm spice in the filling.
• Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness in the frosting.
• Lemon (½, juiced and zested): Brings fresh citrus brightness.
• Orange (½, juiced): Adds a sweet, aromatic lift to the filling.

How to Make Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oats and Carrots

Start by pulsing the oats 3 to 5 times in a food processor so they’re partially ground into smaller pieces—but not completely powdered. This ensures your cookies have a pleasant texture. Next, grate your carrots and place them between layers of paper towels. Tightly roll and squeeze to remove as much moisture as you can. This step is crucial to keep your cookies from becoming soggy, but still wonderfully moist.

Step 2: Cream the Fats and Sugars

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat butter, coconut oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about three minutes. This aeration will give your cookies a tender crumb and a beautifully soft bite that’s hard to resist.

Step 3: Add Flavor and Eggs

Next, mix in salt and vanilla extract, beating until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time on medium-low speed, scraping the bowl after each addition so everything blends perfectly without overmixing.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, bread flour, baking soda, baking powder, and warming spices—cinnamon, apple pie spice, and ground ginger. Adding this mixture all at once, mix on low speed until just incorporated to prevent overworking the gluten.

Step 5: Fold in the Goodies

Gently mix in the partially ground oats, shredded coconut, the grated carrots, golden raisins, and pecans, using the lowest mixer setting. These flavorful mix-ins will give the cookies their iconic carrot cake character and delightful texture.

Step 6: Chill and Bake

Cover the dough and refrigerate it for 30 minutes to help it firm up for easier scooping. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon portions and space them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating pans halfway through to ensure even baking. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set and starting to brown softly, while the centers remain tender. Let cookies cool briefly on the sheets before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

While the cookies cool, whip together powdered sugar, cream cheese, and butter until light and fluffy. Then mix in sour cream, vanilla, ground ginger, salt, lemon zest and juice, plus orange juice for a tangy, fragrant filling that perfectly complements the spiced cookies.

Step 9: Assemble Your Sandwich Cookies

Spread about 1½ tablespoons of the luscious cream cheese frosting on the flat side of one cookie, then gently press another cookie on top, flat sides together, to create a sandwich. Repeat to create 24 irresistible Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies that are ready to enjoy or share!

How to Serve Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra chopped pecans, a dusting of cinnamon, or finely grated carrot on top of the assembled cookies for an added visual pop and texture contrast. A tiny mint leaf can also add a fresh touch and pretty green color that invites a second bite.

Side Dishes

These carrot cake sandwich cookies are perfect with a cup of spiced chai tea, a robust coffee, or a glass of milk. Pairing them with fresh fruit slices like apple or pear adds a refreshing balance to the sweet and spiced notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, arrange them on a tiered tray with edible flowers or serve them in cute cupcake liners for an elegant touch. You can also drizzle a little melted white chocolate over the cookies for an extra-special finish that dazzles guests and loved ones alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover carrot cake sandwich cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated but allow them to come to room temperature before serving to bring back that perfect softness.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled sandwich cookies by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and storing in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying, or bring to room temperature for an hour.

Reheating

If you like your sandwich cookies slightly warm, gently reheat them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes. This will soften the cookies and letting them rest outside the oven for a few minutes will keep the frosting from melting too much.

FAQs

Can I substitute ingredients in this Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies Recipe?

Yes, you can! For example, you can swap pecans with walnuts if preferred, or use all all-purpose flour if you don’t have bread flour. Just keep in mind that flavor and texture might shift slightly, but the essence will remain delicious.

What if I don’t have old-fashioned oats?

If you don’t have oats, you can substitute with quick oats, though your cookies may be a little softer in texture. Slightly grinding the oats is important to keep the right mouthfeel.

Can I make the frosting dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives and swap the sour cream for a plant-based yogurt. Your Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies Recipe will still be creamy and tasty, just with a different twist.

How long will these cookies last?

When properly stored in an airtight container, the cookies will last about 3 to 4 days at room temperature and up to a week in the refrigerator. Beyond that, freezing is your best option.

Is it okay to prepare the dough in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature before scooping and baking to ensure even cooking and texture.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope this Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies Recipe becomes one of your new favorites because it beautifully combines classic carrot cake flavors with the fun of a sandwich cookie. It’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or keeping all to yourself on a cozy afternoon. So grab your grater, mix up that luscious frosting, and dive into these unforgettable bites—you won’t regret it!

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