There is something truly magical about these Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that makes them an irresistible treat. Imagine soft, spiced carrot cake cookies hugging a luscious, creamy layer of classic cream cheese frosting—each bite delivering a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. Whether you’re craving a delightful afternoon pick-me-up or a charming dessert to impress your friends, this recipe brings all the cozy flavors of carrot cake into a fun, handheld form that’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, from the moist carrot cake mix that provides the perfect base to the rich cream cheese frosting that adds that silky, tangy finish. These simple, easy-to-find ingredients come together effortlessly to create cookies that are soft, flavorful, and utterly crave-worthy.
- 1 box carrot cake mix: The foundation of your cookies, offering all the classic spice and moisture packed in one convenient mix.
- 2 eggs: Natural binders that give structure and softness to the cookie dough.
- 1/3 cup oil: Adds tenderness and richness for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 4 ounces cream cheese or neufchatel (softened): Brings that iconic tangy creaminess to the frosting, essential for balancing the sweetness.
- 4 tablespoons butter (softened): Combines with cream cheese to create a smooth, spreadable frosting with a hint of richness.
- 1 & 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting to just the right level without overpowering the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla: Enhances the flavor profile, adding warmth and depth to the frosting.
How to Make Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Batter
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or a silpat to prevent sticking. Then, beat together the carrot cake mix, eggs, and oil. You’ll notice the batter is quite stiff—that’s exactly what you want, as it helps create the perfect cookie texture.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
Using rounded teaspoons, scoop out the dough and roll it into small balls. Place each ball on the cookie sheet, leaving some space between them. Press down on each ball with your palm or the bottom of a glass to flatten them slightly. This step helps the cookies bake evenly and gives them that lovely sandwich shape.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. As soon as they come out of the oven, let them rest on the pan for a couple of minutes—a crucial moment when the cookies firm up just right. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step 4: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cookies bake and cool, it’s time to prepare the star of the recipe: the cream cheese frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar along with the vanilla extract, continuing to beat until your frosting is silky and perfect for spreading.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
Now the fun part—spreading the frosting. Take about a tablespoon of frosting and spread it generously on the flat side of half your cookies. Then, top with another cookie to create the delightful sandwich. Store your carrot cake cookie sandwiches in a sealed container in the fridge, unless you plan to devour them immediately—because really, why wait?
How to Serve Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of finely chopped walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon on top for an extra touch of texture and aroma. You can also add tiny carrot decorations made from marzipan or colored icing to amp up the visual appeal when serving at gatherings.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookie sandwiches with a steaming mug of chai tea, a creamy latte, or even a cold glass of milk. The spice and sweetness complement warm beverages perfectly, transforming an ordinary snack break into a comforting moment filled with joy.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your carrot cake cookie sandwiches on a rustic wooden board or layer them inside a glass jar tied with twine for a charming gift idea. You can also serve them with small bowls of extra frosting and sprinkle toppings on the side, inviting guests to build their own custom sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover carrot cake cookie sandwiches, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the frosting firm and delicious.
Freezing
These sandwich cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When thawed in the fridge overnight, they taste just as delightful as fresh-baked.
Reheating
Reheat your refrigerated or thawed carrot cake cookie sandwiches gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften the frosting slightly and bring warmth to the cookie. Be careful not to overheat, or the frosting may melt too much.
FAQs
Can I make the cookies from scratch instead of using a mix?
Absolutely! If you prefer a homemade approach, you can use your favorite carrot cake cookie recipe in place of the mix. Just ensure the dough is firm enough to hold its shape when baked and sandwiched with frosting.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the cookie sandwiches?
Since the frosting contains cream cheese and butter, refrigerating is recommended to keep the filling safe and firm. It also helps the flavors blend beautifully.
Can I use dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting?
Yes, dairy-free cream cheese works well for those with dietary restrictions. Just make sure it’s softened properly to achieve the right frosting consistency.
What’s the best way to get even-sized cookies?
Using a small cookie scoop or rounded teaspoon helps maintain uniform sizes, which makes for easier sandwiching and a prettier presentation.
How can I make these cookie sandwiches more festive?
Add colorful sprinkles to the frosting edges, or mix finely grated orange zest into the frosting to brighten up the flavor. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate over the sandwiches for an elegant finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of carrot cake with the fun of a sandwich cookie, this Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is your new go-to. It’s simple to prepare, irresistibly delicious, and bound to bring smiles to anyone lucky enough to enjoy one. So go ahead, whip up a batch and share the love—because good things are always better when they’re baked with joy and shared with friends.
Print
Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookie sandwiches
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully soft and moist carrot cake cookie sandwiches filled with a luscious cream cheese frosting. These treats combine the warm spices and rich flavors of carrot cake with the convenience of a cookie sandwich, perfect for parties, snacks, or dessert anytime.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 box carrot cake mix
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup oil
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese or neufchatel (softened)
- 4 tablespoons butter (half stick, softened)
- 1 & 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or a Silpat to prevent sticking. In a mixing bowl, beat together the carrot cake mix, eggs, and oil until well combined; the batter will be stiff.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop rounded teaspoons of the dough and roll them into balls. Place the balls onto the prepared cookie sheets. Press them down slightly with your palm or the bottom of a glass to flatten them a bit for even baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, let them set on the pan for a couple of minutes to firm up, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the cookies are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Once the cookies are cooled, spread about a tablespoon of cream cheese frosting on the bottom of half the cookies. Top each frosted cookie with another cookie to make sandwiches. Store the assembled sandwiches in a sealed container in the refrigerator to keep fresh. Enjoy responsibly—though it’s hard to only have one!
Notes
- The batter is quite stiff, so don’t be alarmed when mixing it.
- Flattening the cookie dough balls helps them bake evenly and prevents excessive puffing.
- You can substitute neufchatel cheese for cream cheese for a lower-fat frosting alternative.
- Store assembled cookie sandwiches in the fridge to maintain freshness and frosting consistency.
- For a slight variation, consider adding chopped nuts or shredded coconut to the cookie dough.
