Discover the perfect blend of flavor and nutrition with our carrot cake cookie recipe. These delectable treats offer a healthier alternative to traditional cookies while still satisfying your sweet tooth. Packed with the goodness of carrots and the warmth of spices, these cookies are a hit with both kids and adults who appreciate wholesome snacks.
Ingredients
- 2 medium carrots (about 200g), grated
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 100g sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by washing, peeling, and finely grating the carrots. Ensure you’re using fresh, juicy carrots for the best flavor and texture. If the carrots seem dry, you can add a couple of teaspoons of water or juice to moisten the mixture.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and vanilla sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for this step or mix by hand. For a healthier version, consider substituting part of the sugar with honey or another natural sweetener.
- Add the egg to the butter mixture and beat well until fully incorporated. Then, fold in the grated carrots, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). The cinnamon adds a warm, cozy flavor that complements the carrots beautifully.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the carrot mixture, stirring well after each addition. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but firm enough to shape into balls.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the dough into small balls, about the size of a walnut, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. You can slightly flatten the balls if you prefer a more traditional cookie shape.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. To test for doneness, insert a wooden toothpick into a cookie – it should come out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Variations
- Enhance your carrot cake cookies by adding raisins, chopped dried apricots, or nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- For those watching their sugar intake, you can reduce the amount of sugar or replace it with healthier alternatives like coconut sugar or agave syrup.
- Experiment with different flours such as whole wheat or oat flour to boost the nutritional value.
- If you enjoy warm spices, try increasing the cinnamon or adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a more complex flavor profile.
These carrot cake cookies are not just a delicious treat; they’re also a clever way to incorporate vegetables into your dessert. Rich in vitamins and fiber from the carrots, they make for a guilt-free indulgence that’s perfect for afternoon snacks, lunchboxes, or as a light dessert after meals.
The soft texture and aromatic spices of these cookies will make them a favorite in your household. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying out carrot cake cookie recipe for the first time, this easy-to-follow guide will help you create a batch of irresistible, wholesome cookies that everyone will love. Enjoy your homemade carrot cake cookies with a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of cold milk for the perfect sweet treat!
Delicious Carrot Cake Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 medium carrots about 200g, grated
- 200 g all-purpose flour
- 100 g sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 100 g unsalted butter softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon optional
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Start by washing, peeling, and finely grating the carrots. Ensure you’re using fresh, juicy carrots for the best flavor and texture. If the carrots seem dry, you can add a couple of teaspoons of water or juice to moisten the mixture.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and vanilla sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for this step or mix by hand. For a healthier version, consider substituting part of the sugar with honey or another natural sweetener.
- Add the egg to the butter mixture and beat well until fully incorporated. Then, fold in the grated carrots, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). The cinnamon adds a warm, cozy flavor that complements the carrots beautifully.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the carrot mixture, stirring well after each addition. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but firm enough to shape into balls.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the dough into small balls, about the size of a walnut, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. You can slightly flatten the balls if you prefer a more traditional cookie shape.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. To test for doneness, insert a wooden toothpick into a cookie – it should come out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.