Imagine biting into a soft, moist cookie that combines the earthy sweetness of carrots with a zesty orange frosting that will transport your senses to a culinary paradise. These aren't just ordinary cookies - they're a gourmet experience that bridges the gap between healthy ingredients and indulgent treats. Perfect for those who want to sneak some vegetables into a delightful dessert, these carrot cookies are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 32 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the cookies.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, combine the grated carrots, flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until evenly mixed.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Using a spatula or spoon, fold in any additional ingredients you might like, such as nuts or raisins, if desired.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the orange frosting. In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar and orange juice. Mix until smooth and creamy, adjusting the consistency with more orange juice or powdered sugar as needed.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of the orange frosting on top of each cookie using a knife or spatula.
- Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious carrot cookies with orange frosting!
Tips
- Use fresh, finely grated carrots for the best texture and moisture
- Make sure your butter is truly softened, but not melted, for optimal cookie consistency
- Don't overmix the dough - this can make your cookies tough
- Use parchment paper for even baking and easy cookie removal
- Let cookies cool completely before frosting to prevent the orange glaze from melting
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 3-4 days
- For a more intense orange flavor, add some orange zest to your frosting
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
