Get ready to indulge in a delightful treat that perfectly marries the warm, comforting flavors of carrot cake with the satisfying crunch of pecans! These Carrot Cake Pecan Cookies with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting are not just cookies; they are a celebration of dessert in every bite. Imagine soft, chewy cookies infused with the sweetness of grated carrots and the nuttiness of pecans, all topped with a luscious, tangy orange cream cheese frosting that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this recipe is sure to impress. Don't miss out on the chance to create these irresistible cookies that are as fun to make as they are to eat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Gradually fold in the grated carrots and chopped pecans into the batter, ensuring even distribution.
- Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers are set.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese until smooth, then gradually mix in powdered sugar and orange zest until creamy.
- Once cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the orange cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.
- Optionally, garnish with additional chopped pecans or orange zest for extra texture and flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
- Grate Fresh Carrots: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh carrots and grate them just before adding them to the dough. This ensures they retain moisture and sweetness.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle!
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also helps achieve even baking and easy cleanup.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents breakage.
- Frosting Variations: Feel free to experiment with the frosting! You can add a splash of vanilla extract or a dash of cinnamon for an extra flavor twist.
- Storage Tips: Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 5 days!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 25mg
