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Cozy Carrot Cake Thumbprint Cookies with Cream Cheese Center

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Soft, moist carrot cake thumbprint cookies filled with a luscious cream cheese center, packed with warm spices and perfect for cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (110g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (100g) finely grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots, peeled)
  • ½ cup (50g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, toasted)
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon sour cream or Greek yogurt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until combined.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until no flour streaks remain. Do not overmix.
  6. Gently fold in grated carrots and chopped nuts if using.
  7. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream until smooth. Chill if too soft.
  8. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion dough balls about 1.5 tablespoons each and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
  9. Press an indentation into the center of each dough ball with your thumb or the back of a small spoon, being careful not to crack the dough.
  10. Spoon about ½ teaspoon of cream cheese filling into each indentation. Chill filling or dough if filling is too soft.
  11. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers hold their shape.
  12. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Chill the cream cheese filling if too soft to prevent leaking during baking. If dough is sticky, refrigerate for 15 minutes before shaping. Do not overfill thumbprints or press too deeply to avoid filling leakage. Toast nuts for richer flavor. Use fresh grated nutmeg for best spice aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake cookies, thumbprint cookies, cream cheese filling, cozy cookies, spiced cookies, carrot dessert

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/cozy-carrot-cake-thumbprint-cookies-with-cream-cheese-center-recipe/