🔥 Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

🧈 Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

🥄 Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.

🥕 Add the Good Stuff:
Fold in the oats, grated carrots, nuts, and raisins (if using) until evenly distributed.

🍪 Scoop the Dough:
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

🔥 Bake:
Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

🎂 Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until light and fluffy.

🥄 Frost and Serve:
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top. Garnish with extra chopped nuts if desired.