Name: Vegan Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 cup quick cooking oats; 1 cup whole wheat flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp ground ginger; 1 1/2 cups grated carrots; 1 cup chopped walnuts; 1/2 cup shredded coconut; 1/2 cup raisins (optional); 1/2 cup pure maple syrup; 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 8 oz vegan cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup vegan unsalted butter, softened; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 4 cups organic powdered sugar

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 71 reviews

If you’re craving a delightful treat that feels like biting into a cozy slice of carrot cake but in a perfectly portable cookie form, you are in for a real treat with this Vegan Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe. These cookies are packed with warm spices, tender shredded carrots, crunchy walnuts, and a luscious vegan cream cheese frosting that brings everything together beautifully. Whether you’re vegan or simply love a wholesome, flavorful dessert, these cookies offer a perfect balance of moist texture, sweetness, and that nostalgic carrot cake charm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several round carrot cookies on a silver cooling rack placed on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a rough textured orange-brown base with visible carrot pieces and is topped with a thick layer of creamy white frosting. On top of the frosting, there is a sprinkling of crushed nuts for added texture. In the background, two fresh orange carrots with green tops are placed on the left side, slightly out of focus. The overall scene has a soft and warm feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing its own magic to create the perfect texture, flavor, and color that defines this Vegan Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe.

Quick cooking oats: Adds chewiness and a hearty texture.
Whole wheat flour: Provides a wholesome base and nutty flavor.
Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just right for a soft bite.
Ground cinnamon: Infuses the cookies with warmth and spice.
Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, aromatic depth.
Sea salt: Balances the sweetness perfectly.
Ground ginger: Brings a gentle zing that complements the carrots.
Grated carrots: The star ingredient delivering moisture and natural sweetness.
Chopped walnuts: Offers a satisfying crunch and earthiness.
Shredded coconut: Adds a tropical flair and texture.
Raisins (optional): A bit of chewy sweetness, but feel free to skip if you prefer.
Pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener giving the cookies richness and depth.
Coconut oil (melted): Keeps the cookies moist with a subtle coconut aroma.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
Vegan cream cheese (softened): Creates the hallmark creamy frosting.
Vegan unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness to the frosting texture.
Organic powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting just right.

How to Make Vegan Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures an even bake and easy clean-up. It’s a small step, but it makes baking these beauties a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, sea salt, and ginger until everything is thoroughly combined. This blend of spices and leavening agents will infuse your cookies with that classic carrot cake warmth.

Step 3: Add Carrots and Mix-ins

Next, toss in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts, shredded coconut, and raisins if you’re using them. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly distributed, ensuring every bite contains a delightful medley of flavors and textures.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. These wet ingredients bring moisture and sweetness to balance the dry mix perfectly.

Step 5: Form the Dough

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until a dough forms. The texture should hold together nicely, ready to be scooped onto your baking sheets.

Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Cookies

Using a 1/4 cup measure, scoop the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing the mounds about 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten each mound with your fingers because these cookies won’t spread much during baking. This step helps them achieve that iconic carrot cake cookie shape.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies for 15 to 17 minutes or until they are set and just starting to turn golden. Once out of the oven, let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps them firm up for easy handling.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

While the cookies cool, beat the softened vegan cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Then add in the vanilla extract. Gradually mix in 2 cups of powdered sugar, adding more in half-cup increments until you reach your desired frosting consistency. The frosting should be luscious but spreadable.

Step 9: Frost and Garnish

Spread or pipe a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on each cooled cookie. Sprinkle extra shredded coconut and walnuts on top to add a lovely finishing touch and a bit more texture. Now your Vegan Carrot Cake Cookies are ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Vegan Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe

A stack of three thick, rough-textured cookies with visible small orange carrot shreds and oat flakes is centered on a white marbled surface. The top cookie has a dollop of smooth, creamy white frosting sprinkled with tiny nut crumbs. In the blurred background, more cookies with the same texture and frosting are placed on a wire rack. The overall look is rustic and homemade, with warm brown and orange tones contrasting with the white frosting and clean marble background photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For garnishing, simple is best. A sprinkle of shredded coconut and chopped walnuts on top of the frosting adds a beautiful contrast and a hint of crunch. You can even add a dash of cinnamon or a tiny carrot-shaped decoration for fun.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic on their own or paired with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a more indulgent snack, serve them alongside vegan vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit salad, creating a delightful balance between sweet and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing these cookies to a gathering, stack them on a pretty plate or tiered stand. Wrap them individually in parchment paper tied with twine for an adorable gift, or sandwich the frosting between two cookie layers for a cute twist on the classic carrot cake experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Vegan Carrot Cake Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness, keep them refrigerated to prevent the frosting from softening too much, which keeps them deliciously firm and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookies either frosted or unfrosted. If frosting in advance, freeze on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container to avoid sticking. Frozen cookies keep well for up to two months, making it easy to enjoy this Vegan Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe anytime you want a sweet indulgence.

Reheating

To enjoy warm, simply let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature, then heat briefly in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it might melt the frosting unevenly. Warm cookies taste extra comforting and bring out the wonderful spices even more.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies nut-free?

Absolutely! You can omit the walnuts or substitute them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for that satisfying crunch without the nuts.

Is it necessary to use maple syrup?

Maple syrup adds a lovely depth of flavor and natural sweetness, but you can also use agave nectar or brown rice syrup for a similar effect.

Can I replace the vegan cream cheese in the frosting?

Yes! You could try a vegan buttercream frosting or coconut cream frosting if you want a different but still creamy alternative.

Do the cookies have a strong carrot taste?

The grated carrots lend subtle moisture and natural sweetness without overpowering the spices and other flavors, creating a balanced, comforting treat.

How do I make sure the cookies hold their shape?

Because these cookies don’t spread much when baked, the way you shape and slightly flatten the dough before baking determines their final look. Be sure to space them properly and press them gently before popping them in the oven.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe is one of those special finds that melds the best of two worlds: the classic charm of carrot cake and the fun portability of a cookie. Once you make these, they’ll quickly become your go-to when you want a comforting yet wholesome treat. I truly hope you enjoy baking and sharing them as much as I do!