Carrot cake mix cookies are soft, chewy, and made with only 4 ingredients! Just in time for Easter, these deliciously easy carrot cake cookies are topped with cream cheese frosting and chopped walnuts for an extra special touch.

Close up of Carrot Cake Mix Cookies on a sheet of parchment paper

Why this recipe works

Carrot cake screams springtime, and just like the classic cake, these cookies are frosted with smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting. The carrot cake mix cookies themselves are made from a simple box mix and a little sour cream to add extra moisture, so you can expect supple, soft, and delicately spiced cookies with minimal ingredients.

Carrot Cake Mix Cookie with a bite taken out resting on another Carrot Cake Mix Cookie

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

CAKE MIX – You’ll need a standard-sized box (15.25 ounces) of carrot cake mix such as Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker. Use the ingredients listed in the recipe card at the end of this post to mix into the dry cake mix – you’ll need vegetable oil, eggs, and sour cream. The sour cream adds extra moisture to the cookies.

FROSTING – We’ve included an easy homemade cream cheese frosting to top your cookies with, but if you prefer, you can use store-bought cream cheese frosting instead. The recipe makes ample frosting. You can halve the frosting recipe for a lighter layer on top of the cookies if desired.

How to Make Carrot Cake Mix Cookies

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cake mix, oil, eggs, and sour cream until fully combined.
Use a cookie dough scoop or tablespoon to drop the cookie dough in mounds onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. (We made 2 tablespoon sized cookies.)

EXPERT TIP – If you are making 1 – 1 1/2 Tablespoon sized cookies, they will bake in 8 minutes.
Bake cookies for 11 minutes, until puffed and set.
Allow cookies to cool for 1-2 minutes and then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Make the frosting by beating together the butter and cream cheese with a mixer until smooth. Beat in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Add in the vanilla extract. Frosting will be softer than a cake frosting.
Spread a generous layer of frosting over each cooled cookie and top with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Should you chill cake mix cookie dough?

You do not have to chill the dough for these cookies. We did not find any difference between chilling the dough and baking it straight out of the mixing bowl.

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator up to a day in advance. You can even shape the dough into balls so they are ready to pop into the oven when you’re ready.

How do I store carrot cake mix cookies?

These carrot cake cookies stay nice and fresh for quite a few days. Store them in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator (if topped with cream cheese frosting) for 4-5 days, or at room temperature in an air-tight container (without the cream cheese frosting) for 5-6 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

Carrot cake mix cookies are good with and without cream cheese frosting, so enjoy them whichever way you would like. Optionally garnish with chopped walnuts. They’re great for Easter, potlucks, or for whenever you’re craving carrot cake and cookies!

Have other cake mixes sitting in the pantry? Try out some of these recipes:

More Carrot Cake Recipes

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