Indulge in the delightful taste of carrot cake cookies, a perfect treat for any occasion. These cookies combine the warm spices and sweetness of traditional carrot cake, making them a unique and flavorful dessert. With a soft texture and cream cheese frosting on top, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or as a snack, these cookies are a must-try for any dessert lover!
Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– Cream cheese frosting for topping
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields about 12 cookies. Preparation time is 15 minutes, and cooking time is 12-15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each cookie (approximately 1 cookie) contains about 180 calories, 9g fat, 24g carbohydrates, 2g protein, and 1g fiber. This nutritional information is based on a single serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, and oil until combined.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the grated carrots and walnuts if using.
7. Scoop tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them apart.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
10. Once cool, top with cream cheese frosting.
Alternative Ingredients
If you want a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also substitute coconut oil for vegetable oil and maple syrup for sugars to create a less sweet version.
Serving and Pairings
Carrot cake cookies pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. They can also be served alongside vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Storage and Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a warm oven for a few minutes.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t overmix the dough; it can make the cookies tough.
- Ensure the carrots are finely grated for better texture.
- Let the cookies cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better incorporation.
- Measure flour correctly to avoid dry cookies.
Helpful Tips
- Experiment with adding raisins or chocolate chips for added flavor.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Use fresh spices for enhanced taste.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the sugar amount.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or use a sugar substitute to lower the sweetness.
What can I use instead of cream cheese frosting?
You can use vanilla frosting or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a lighter option.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to add raisins, coconut, or chocolate chips to enhance the flavor.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown, and the centers will look set but soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Conclusion
Carrot cake cookies are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining all the beloved flavors into a portable treat. Perfect for sharing or enjoying alone, these cookies will surely impress. Try them today for a taste of nostalgia wrapped in a cookie form!
Carrot Cake Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional
- Cream cheese frosting for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, and oil until combined.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots and walnuts if using.
- Scoop tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Once cool, top with cream cheese frosting.
