Disney Recipe

Carrot Cake Cookie from Hollywood Studios

History

Before Instagram made Disney snacks famous, the Carrot Cake Cookie had already achieved near-mythic status.

Originally sold at the now-closed Writer’s Stop, this treat became a word-of-mouth sensation. Guests returning year after year would head straight for it — sometimes buying multiple cookies to take back to their resort rooms.

What makes it iconic?

- It predates the “viral Disney snack” era.
- It represents classic Hollywood Studios — before Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land.
- It’s unapologetically large.
- It blends Southern comfort baking with theme park indulgence.

Unlike flashy rainbow desserts or novelty popcorn buckets, the Carrot Cake Cookie is timeless. It doesn’t scream for attention — it simply delivers.

Recipe by Mark Plante · Updated March 3, 2026

Ingredients

### For the Carrot Cake Cookies (Makes 6 sandwich cookies)

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups finely shredded carrots (lightly patted dry)

### For the Cream Cheese Filling

– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt

Instructions

## Directions

### Step 1: Prepare the Cookies
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. In a separate bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
6. Stir in vanilla.
7. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
8. Fold in shredded carrots.

### Step 2: Bake
1. Scoop ¼ cup portions onto baking sheet.
2. Slightly flatten into thick discs.
3. Bake 12–15 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
4. Cool completely before filling.

### Step 3: Make the Frosting
1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar.
3. Mix in vanilla and salt.
4. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.

### Step 4: Assemble
1. Spread a thick layer of frosting (about ¼ cup) onto one cookie.
2. Top with another cookie.
3. Chill 30 minutes to set.

Serve slightly chilled for the most authentic experience.

Nutrition

Nutritional Estimates (Per Sandwich Cookie)

– Calories: ~650–720
– Carbohydrates: ~85g
– Protein: ~6g
– Fat: ~32g