Carrot Cake Cookies: A Deliciously Spiced Treat
Are you ready to bake up a batch of irresistible carrot cake cookies? This recipe combines the moist, spiced goodness of carrot cake with the convenience and portability of a cookie. Get ready to enjoy a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion, from casual afternoon snacks to festive gatherings.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it easy to whip up a batch even on a busy weeknight. You'll need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
- Cream cheese frosting (recipe below)
Instructions for Baking Perfection:
Get Started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for achieving a tender cookie. A stand mixer or hand mixer works best for this step.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add the Carrots and Nuts (Optional): Gently fold in the grated carrots, walnuts (or pecans), and raisins (if using).
Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Baking Time: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Cooling: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Creamy Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting:
No carrot cake cookies are complete without a delicious cream cheese frosting! Here's a simple recipe:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions: Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract. Frost the cooled cookies generously.
Tips for Extra Delicious Cookies:
- Freshly Grated Carrots: Using freshly grated carrots will yield the best flavor and moisture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Storage: Store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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