1-First: collect all the ingredients you’ll need. Here’s a complete list for the cookies and frosting, formatted clearly so you can follow along:

2-Second: preheat your oven to 350 degrees and prepare your baking sheet. Lightly grease it or line it with a nonstick baking mat to prevent sticking. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the sheet without any hassle.

3-Third: in a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 3/4 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Mixing these first helps distribute the flavors evenly through the dough.

4-Fourth: in a large bowl, combine 1 cup butter, 3/4 cup sugar, and 3/4 cup brown sugar. Mix them for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming process is key to getting that perfect cookie texture.

5-Fifth: add in 2 teaspoons vanilla and 2 large eggs to the butter mixture, stirring until well combined. Then, stir in 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots to bring in that fresh moisture and flavor. Use hand-grated carrots for the best results, as they keep the cookies nice and tender.

6-Sixth: gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix, as that can make the cookies tough. This step combines everything into a smooth batter ready for baking.

7-Seventh: drop about 2 tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2-3 inches apart. This gives the cookies room to spread without merging together.

8-Eighth: bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the tops look dry. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. This rest time helps them set without breaking apart.

9-For the frosting: while the cookies cool, melt 4 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir for 2-4 minutes until it turns a deep golden-brown, then remove from heat. This browned butter adds a rich, nutty flavor to the frosting.

10-Ninth: in a large bowl, combine the browned butter with 2 ounces softened cream cheese and mix well. Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until fully incorporated. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla and 4-6 tablespoons milk, one at a time, until the frosting is fluffy and easy to spread.

11-Final step: once the cookies are completely cooled, spread the frosting on top. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For an extra touch, you might try pairing these with other simple treats, like the ones in our mini Earl Grey honey scones recipe, to create a delightful spread.