Carrot Cake Cookies 🥕🍪
Carrot Cake Cookies bring all the delicious flavors of classic carrot cake—sweet carrots, warm spices, and chewy raisins—into a soft, portable, and nutritious cookie. These cookies are naturally sweetened with maple syrup, making them a healthier alternative to traditional cookies while still offering the comforting taste of homemade baked goods.
A Brief History of Carrot Cake & Its Evolution into Cookies
Carrot cake has been a beloved dessert for centuries, dating back to the Middle Ages when sweeteners were scarce, and carrots were used to naturally sweeten cakes. Over time, carrot cake became a staple in many cultures, especially in European and American baking traditions. The combination of grated carrots, warm spices, and sometimes nuts or raisins creates a moist and flavorful treat.
Carrot Cake Cookies are a modern twist on the traditional carrot cake, offering the same flavors in a bite-sized, easy-to-eat form. They are perfect for snacking, breakfast, or dessert, with a balance of natural sweetness and hearty texture.
Health Benefits of Carrot Cake Cookies
These cookies are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients:
Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants that support eye health and immunity.
Oats: A great source of fiber, promoting heart health and digestion.
Almond Flour: Provides healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E for skin and brain health.
Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener with minerals like manganese and zinc.
Raisins: Add natural sweetness and provide iron and potassium for energy and hydration.
Ingredients
1 cup grated carrots
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup raisins
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)
1 egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash, peel, and finely grate the carrots.
- If using a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, almond flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder. Stir well.
Step 3: Mixing the Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and egg (or flax egg).
Step 4: Combining Everything
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until fully combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots and raisins. The dough should be slightly sticky but hold its shape.
Step 5: Forming and Baking the Cookies
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Step 6: Cooling & Enjoying
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Variations & Add-Ins
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
Chocolate Twist: Stir in a handful of dark chocolate chips for a richer treat.
Zesty Flavor: Add orange zest to enhance the citrus notes.
Cream Cheese Drizzle: Mix cream cheese with a little honey and drizzle over the cookies for an extra indulgent touch.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Approximate)
Calories: 90
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 4g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Who Will Love These Cookies?
Health-conscious eaters looking for a naturally sweetened, whole-food treat.
Kids and families who love a soft, chewy snack.
Vegans & gluten-free individuals (when using a flax egg and certified GF oats).
Pumpkin lovers—these cookies have a similar cozy spice profile to pumpkin-based treats!
Conclusion
Carrot Cake Cookies are a wholesome and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of traditional carrot cake in a healthier, portable form. Whether you love them as a quick breakfast, a nutritious snack, or a dessert, these cookies are packed with flavor and goodness. Try them today and bring the joy of carrot cake into every bite!