These Healthy Carrot Oatmeal Cookies with Yogurt Frosting offer a satisfying balance of wholesome ingredients and indulgent flavor. Made with rolled oats, shredded carrots, and naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, they deliver comfort and nutrition in every bite. Topped with a tangy yogurt frosting and a hint of natural garnish, they’re perfect as a snack, breakfast bite, or light dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are soft, lightly spiced, and packed with nourishing ingredients that make them suitable for any time of day. The combination of carrots, oats, and whole wheat flour provides fiber and vitamins, while the yogurt frosting adds a creamy finish without overwhelming sweetness. Naturally sweetened and optionally studded with walnuts or raisins, they’re a family-friendly treat that’s easy to love and even easier to make.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cookies

Rolled oats
Whole wheat flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Salt
Coconut oil or unsalted butter
Honey or maple syrup
Egg
Vanilla extract
Finely grated carrots
Chopped walnuts or raisins (optional)

For the yogurt frosting

Greek yogurt
Cream cheese
Maple syrup or honey
Vanilla extract

Optional topping

Orange zest or natural carrot powder

directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In another bowl, mix the melted coconut oil with honey or maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Stir the grated carrots into the wet ingredients.
Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until fully incorporated. Fold in walnuts or raisins if using.
Scoop the dough into 1.5-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden and set around the edges. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
While cookies cool, prepare the frosting by whisking together the Greek yogurt, cream cheese, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla until smooth.
Once cookies are completely cool, spread a small amount of frosting on each. Garnish with a pinch of orange zest or natural carrot powder if desired.
Store in the refrigerator if not serving immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Estimated Calories: 150 kcal per cookie

Variations

Vegan option: Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) and a plant-based yogurt and cream cheese.
Nut-free: Skip the walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
More spice: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a deeper spiced profile.
Coconut lovers: Add shredded unsweetened coconut to the dough for added texture.
Zesty twist: Add lemon or orange zest directly to the cookie dough for a citrusy accent.

storage/reheating

Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep the cookies and frosting separate, and frost just before serving. These cookies are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Freezing is not recommended once frosted, but unfrosted cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Are these cookies good for breakfast?

Yes, they contain wholesome ingredients like oats, carrots, and yogurt, making them a nutritious choice for a quick breakfast.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend in place of whole wheat flour.

Can I skip the frosting?

Absolutely. The cookies are flavorful on their own, but the frosting adds a creamy, tangy touch.

How can I make them sweeter?

Increase the honey or maple syrup slightly or add a few chopped dates to the dough.

What kind of yogurt is best?

Full-fat Greek yogurt works best for a thick and creamy frosting texture.

Can I use pre-shredded carrots?

Finely grated fresh carrots are best for texture and moisture, but pre-shredded can be used if finely chopped.

How do I keep the frosting from being runny?

Use thick Greek yogurt and cream cheese straight from the fridge for the best consistency.

Do these cookies spread?

They hold their shape well. Slightly flatten them before baking if a more uniform appearance is desired.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

Mascarpone or a thicker yogurt alone can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will vary.

Can I serve these to kids?

Yes, they are naturally sweetened and contain nutritious ingredients that make them a great kid-friendly option.

Conclusion

Healthy Carrot Oatmeal Cookies with Yogurt Frosting are a delightful blend of taste and nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome snack, a light dessert, or a soft breakfast cookie, these treats check every box. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they’re a delicious way to enjoy something sweet—without the guilt.