Description: These Carrot Cake Cookies capture all the warm, comforting flavors of classic carrot cake in a soft, chewy cookie. Filled with freshly grated carrots, aromatic spices, and optional nuts and raisins, they’re a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Drizzled with a simple vanilla glaze, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (100g) grated carrots
- ½ cup (50g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup (80g) raisins (optional)
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when the cookies go in, allowing them to bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier. Parchment paper also helps the cookies bake more uniformly.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisking ensures that all the ingredients are evenly distributed. This is crucial for the cookies to rise properly and have a consistent texture. The cinnamon and nutmeg add the warm, classic flavor of carrot cake.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process, known as creaming, incorporates air into the batter, which is essential for creating a tender cookie. Use an electric mixer for best results, and scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix until well combined. The egg provides structure and moisture to the cookies, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile. Make sure the egg is fully incorporated before moving on to the next step.
Step 5: Gradually Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. Mix until the flour disappears, but avoid stirring excessively. A few streaks of flour are okay at this stage.
Step 6: Fold in Carrots, Nuts, and Raisins
Fold in the grated carrots, nuts, and raisins (if using). Gently fold them into the dough until they are evenly distributed. The carrots add moisture and sweetness to the cookies, while the nuts and raisins provide texture and additional flavor.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows the cookies to spread evenly without sticking together. Use a cookie scoop for uniform-sized cookies.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cookies. They should be lightly golden around the edges and firm to the touch in the center.
Step 9: Cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up slightly, making them easier to handle.
Step 10: Make the Glaze (Optional)
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 11: Glaze the Cookies (Optional)
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for a more decorative look. Let the glaze set before serving.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
These Carrot Cake Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic dessert. They offer the same warm, comforting flavors as carrot cake but in a convenient, portable form. The cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with grated carrots, aromatic spices, and optional nuts and raisins, making each bite a burst of flavor. The optional vanilla glaze adds a touch of sweetness and elegance, making these cookies perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a bake sale, or simply a sweet treat for yourself, these Carrot Cake Cookies are sure to be a hit.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea.
- Serve as a dessert at parties, gatherings, or holiday celebrations.
- Pack them in lunchboxes for a special treat.
- Offer them as a homemade gift to friends and family.
- Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Tips:
- For extra moisture, use freshly grated carrots instead of pre-shredded.
- Add white chocolate chips or coconut flakes for extra flavor.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To freeze the cookies, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute it with granulated sugar by adding a tablespoon of molasses per cup of sugar.
- For a vegan version, use a plant-based butter substitute, an egg replacement, and dairy-free milk for the glaze.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the dry ingredients.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per cookie, without glaze)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 90mg
Conclusion:
These Carrot Cake Cookies are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that brings the classic flavors of carrot cake to a delightful cookie form. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can create a batch of these soft, chewy cookies in no time. Whether you add the optional nuts and raisins or drizzle them with a sweet vanilla glaze, these cookies are sure to impress. Perfect for any occasion, they’re a wonderful way to enjoy the taste of carrot cake in a convenient and portable package. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible charm of Carrot Cake Cookies!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before scooping and baking.
- What can I use instead of walnuts or pecans? If you don’t have walnuts or pecans on hand, you can use other types of nuts such as almonds, macadamia nuts, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. You can also omit the nuts altogether if you prefer.
- How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too thin? To prevent the cookies from spreading too thin, make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Also, avoid overmixing the dough. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help.
- Can I add cream cheese frosting instead of the glaze? Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting would be a delicious addition to these cookies. Simply whip up a batch of your favorite cream cheese frosting and spread it on the cooled cookies instead of the vanilla glaze.
- How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh? Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
