Let’s talk Carrot Cake Cookies…
As well as being a busy SEN parent, in my spare time, I love to research (okay, obsess over) Disney snacks that someone, somewhere is enjoying in a Disney park. And, naturally, I desperately crave that it is me. (Sad? Maybe. Relatable? Absolutely.)
While I scrimp and save for my next Disney fix, I’ve decided to bring the magic to my own kitchen, recreating homemade versions of classic Walt Disney World treats. First up? The beloved Hollywood Studios Carrot Cake Cookie.
The Best Easter Baking Recipe
In a past life, I worked in the baking world, and if there’s one season that has bakers dusting off their aprons, it’s Easter. And let’s be honest, one of the best cakes ever (not just for Easter) is a classic Carrot Cake. So these Disney Carrot Cake Cookies? No-brainer.
Let me tell you—this recipe did not disappoint!
Where to Find Carrot Cake Cookies at Walt Disney World
For those lucky enough to have a Disney trip booked (jealous, by the way), you can find these delicious treats at The Trolley Car Café on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Bonus? It’s a Starbucks location, so you can grab your coffee fix while devouring one of these beauties.
What is a Carrot Cake Cookie?
Despite the name, this is less of a cookie and more of a mini cake. Some call it a Carrot Cake Whoopie Pie. Whatever you call it, it’s a soft, spiced carrot cake sandwich, filled with the creamiest, dreamiest cream cheese frosting.
If I had to describe it in one word? Absolutely. Moreish. (Okay, that was two words, but that’s how good they are.)
Carrot Cake Cookies from Cake Mix?
Sure, you could use a carrot cake mix to make these quicker (if you do I recommend Betty Crockers Country Carrot Cake Mix) I won’t judge. (A Disney snack is a Disney snack!) But I went all in and made them from scratch. Because, let’s be honest, homemade always tastes better.
The Best Baking Tins for Carrot Cake Cookies
I used a silicone muffin tray (from Amazon) for easy release, but let me tell you—getting it into the oven without spilling batter everywhere? A challenge.
My Top Tip:
Place your silicone tray on a flat baking sheet before filling it with batter. This makes it way easier to transfer in and out of the oven without an accidental cake batter disaster. (Trust me, I learned the hard way.)
Ingredients
Most of these ingredients are likely already in your baking cupboard, except for buttermilk and cream cheese.
How to Make Homemade Buttermilk (If You Can’t Find It)
Add 1 tbsp of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk (I used semi-skimmed).
Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens and curdles slightly. (Don’t panic, this is normal!)
Use it in your recipe just like store-bought buttermilk.
This hack works for pancakes, muffins, and cakes, too!
The Best Way to Grate Carrots for Carrot Cake
Not gonna lie, this is the most tedious part of the recipe. I used a box grater (thinnest side), but you could use a food processor with a grating attachment to speed things up.
Pro tip: If you’re making a big batch (great idea, they freeze well), use a food processor.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Carrot Cake Cookie Recipe - Easy Copycat Version
Equipment
- 12 hole silicone muffin tray
- Box grater
- Measuring jug
- Measuring spoons (teaspoon)
- Spatula
- Electric hand mixer / stand mixer
- 2 Large mixing bowls
- Sieve
- Wooden spoon
- Weighing Scales
Ingredients
For the Cakes
- 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Bicarbonate of Soda
- 1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp Mixed Spice
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 150 g Light Muscovado Sugar
- 150 g Golden Caster Sugar
- 240 g Plain Flour
- 3 Medium Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 240 ml Buttermilk (or semi-skimmed milk and lemon juice)
- 100 ml Vegetable Oil
- 3 Carrots (grated)
For the Frosting
- 125 g Cream Cheese (chilled)
- 50 g Unsalted Butter
- 325 g Icing Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
Baking the Carrot Cake Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 160°C, 320°F or Gas Mark 3
- In a large bowl, mix the spices, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder, and sugars.
- Sift in the flour (sieving adds air for a fluffier texture!).
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, oil, and buttermilk.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mix, stirring until smooth.
- Fold in the grated carrot gently to keep the batter light.
- Grease a 12-hole muffin tin and fill each cup 2/3 full.
- Bake for 20 minutes, checking with a skewer (if it comes out clean, they’re done!).
- Cool in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and icing sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and continue whisking until fluffy.
- Spoon into a piping bag with a star nozzle (or just spread it on if you’re feeling rustic).
Assembling the Cookies
- Slice each mini cake horizontally.
- Pipe or spread cream cheese frosting onto half the cakes.
- Sandwich them together with the remaining cakes.
- Take a bite and pretend you're in Hollywood Studios. (Essential step!)
