If you have ever taken a bite of a thick, frosted carrot cake cookie from Crumbl and thought, I need this in my kitchen right now, you are in the right place. This Spiced Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies copycat recipe brings you that same soft, bakery style texture, warm cinnamon ginger flavor, and rich cream cheese frosting without leaving your house.
These are not your average carrot cake cookies. They are thick, They are tender. They are packed with freshly shredded carrots and cozy spices. And that cream cheese frosting on top? Smooth, sweet, and just tangy enough to balance everything out.
Today I am going to show you exactly how to make this homemade carrot cake cookies copycat version step by step. Meanwhile, I will share pro tips, storage tricks, and flavor upgrades so you can bake them perfectly the first time.
Let’s get started.
Spiced Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies Copycat Recipe Why You Will Love This Version
This Spiced Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies copycat recipe is designed to recreate the exact flavor and texture of the famous bakery cookie while keeping the process simple for home bakers.
Here is why this recipe works so well:
First, the texture. These cookies are soft and tender, but not cakey. They sit right between a traditional cookie and a slice of carrot cake. The centers stay moist thanks to shredded carrots and a touch of heavy cream, while the edges gently set in the oven.
Second, the spice blend. A combination of cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves gives these spiced carrot cake cookies that deep, warm flavor you expect from a bakery style treat. It is sweet, aromatic, and perfect for fall baking, holiday cookie trays, or even spring gatherings like Easter.
Third, the cream cheese frosting. This cream cheese frosting cookie topping is rich and smooth, made with full fat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Once piped onto the cooled cookies and topped with chopped pecans, it creates that signature Crumbl inspired carrot cookie look.
Finally, these cookies are incredibly versatile. They are perfect for Thanksgiving dessert tables, Christmas cookie platters, baby showers, or just a cozy weekend baking session. If you love soft frosted cookies, this carrot cake cookie recipe will quickly become a favorite.
And if you enjoy baking creative cookie flavors, you might also love these Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cookie Bars which have a similar soft and moist texture.
Spiced Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies Copycat Recipe Ingredients You Will Need
To make this Spiced Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies copycat recipe taste authentic, every ingredient plays an important role. Let’s break them down.
For the carrot cake cookies:
Butter
Use softened butter. It creates a rich base and helps achieve that tender crumb.
Brown sugar and granulated sugar
The brown sugar adds moisture and depth, while granulated sugar balances sweetness and structure.
Freshly shredded carrots
Do not skip this step. Fresh carrots provide moisture and natural sweetness. Finely grate them so they blend smoothly into the dough.
Egg yolk
Using only the yolk keeps the cookies soft and rich without making them too cakey.
Heavy cream
This adds extra moisture and gives the cookies that bakery style softness.
Vanilla extract
A must for flavor. It enhances the spice notes beautifully.
All purpose flour
Provides structure while keeping the cookies thick and sturdy enough to hold frosting.
Baking powder and baking soda
These help the cookies rise just enough while maintaining a dense, chewy texture.
Ground cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves
This is the heart of your spiced Crumbl carrot cake cookies. The blend creates that classic carrot cake flavor in cookie form.
Salt
Balances sweetness and deepens flavor.
For the cream cheese frosting:
Full fat cream cheese
Always use full fat for the best texture and taste.
Butter
Softened butter helps create a smooth frosting.
Powdered sugar
Adds sweetness and structure.
Vanilla extract
Rounds out the flavor.
Chopped pecans
Sprinkled on top for crunch and that classic carrot cake finish.
If you enjoy cream cheese based desserts, you may also want to try the Strawberry Icebox Cake for another creamy treat.
Spiced Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies Copycat Recipe Step By Step Instructions
Now comes the fun part. This Spiced Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies copycat recipe is simple if you follow each step carefully.
Step 1 Preheat and prepare
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2 Cream the butter and sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step creates the base texture, so give it a solid two to three minutes.
Step 3 Add wet ingredients
Mix in the egg yolk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and freshly shredded carrots. The dough will start to look creamy and slightly textured from the carrots.
Step 4 Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, and salt.
Step 5 Bring it together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix. Overworking the dough can make the cookies dense.
Step 6 Shape and bake
Scoop large portions of dough onto the baking sheet. These are bakery style cookies, so keep them thick. Gently flatten the tops slightly.
Bake for about 12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers will look soft. That is exactly what you want.
Step 7 Cool completely
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. They must be fully cool before frosting.
Step 8 Make the cream cheese frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add vanilla and powdered sugar gradually. Whip until light and creamy.
Step 9 Frost and finish
Pipe or spread the frosting generously on each cookie. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
This is where the magic happens. The soft spiced cookie combined with tangy cream cheese frosting creates the ultimate carrot cake cookies copycat experience.
Spiced Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies Copycat Recipe Storage and Freezing Tips
Once you make this Spiced Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies copycat recipe, you will want to keep them fresh as long as possible.
Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days. Because of the cream cheese frosting, refrigeration is necessary.
Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for about twenty minutes. The texture becomes softer and the flavors shine.
To freeze, place unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a tray until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw completely and frost fresh.
If you are planning a dessert table, consider pairing these cookies with other sweet treats like Easter Egg Oreo Balls Recipe or Easter Sugar Cookie for a variety of textures and flavors.
Spiced Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies Copycat Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. If you prefer smaller carrot cake cookies, reduce the dough portion size and bake for about nine to ten minutes. Watch carefully so they do not overbake.
Absolutely. Chopped pecans or walnuts can be folded directly into the dough for added crunch.
Yes. You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to twenty four hours before baking. This can deepen the spice flavor even more.
The main difference is texture. This Spiced Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies copycat recipe produces a thicker, handheld dessert with a slightly chewy bite rather than a fluffy slice of cake.
Spiced Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies Copycat Recipe That Tastes Just Like the Bakery Version
Description
These Spiced Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies Copycat Recipe cookies are thick, soft, and packed with freshly shredded carrots and warm cinnamon ginger spices. Topped with rich cream cheese frosting and chopped pecans, they taste just like the bakery version but are easy to make at home.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup freshly shredded carrots
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces full fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter for frosting, softened
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in egg yolk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and shredded carrots.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Scoop large portions of dough onto prepared baking sheet and gently flatten tops.
- Bake for 12 minutes until edges are set and centers remain soft.
- Cool on baking sheet briefly, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese and butter for frosting until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and gradually mix in powdered sugar until creamy.
- Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cookies.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans on top and serve.
Notes
Use freshly shredded carrots for best texture and moisture. Do not overmix dough to keep cookies tender. Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
This Spiced Crumbl Carrot Cake Cookies copycat recipe brings together everything you love about carrot cake in a thick, soft, bakery style cookie. The warm spice blend, freshly shredded carrots, and creamy frosting create a dessert that feels both nostalgic and impressive.
Whether you are baking for a holiday gathering, a family celebration, or just because you want something sweet and comforting, these homemade carrot cake cookies copycat treats will not disappoint.
Preheat your oven, grate those carrots, and get ready for your kitchen to smell like cinnamon heaven.
For more delicious recipe ideas, check out our Pinterest page at virlerecipes. Happy cooking!