These delightful carrot cake cookies bring together the classic flavors of carrot cake in a convenient, bite-sized form. Perfect for a quick snack or a sweet treat, they are both wholesome and delicious. The combination of carrots, oats, and almond flour creates a moist and chewy texture that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Some of the ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in every household. Almond flour is a gluten-free alternative to regular flour and can be found in the baking aisle or health food section of most supermarkets. Coconut oil is another ingredient that might be less common; it is often located near other cooking oils or in the health food section. Maple syrup is typically found with other sweeteners and syrups.
Ingredients for Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe
Carrots: Freshly grated to add natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies.
Oats: Rolled oats provide a chewy texture and are a good source of fiber.
Almond flour: A gluten-free flour that adds a nutty flavor and tender texture.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that adds depth of flavor.
Coconut oil: Provides moisture and a subtle coconut flavor.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the cookies.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Baking Technique Tip for These Cookies
When grating the carrots, use the finer side of the grater to ensure they blend seamlessly into the cookie dough. This will help the carrot flavor distribute evenly throughout the cookies and provide a more uniform texture.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
grated carrots - Substitute with grated zucchini: Grated zucchini provides a similar texture and moisture content, making it a good alternative for those who want a different flavor profile.
rolled oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes offer a similar texture and are a good gluten-free option, adding a slightly nutty flavor.
almond flour - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour is another gluten-free option that provides a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement.
maple syrup - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar has a similar sweetness and consistency, making it a good alternative for those who prefer a different type of natural sweetener.
coconut oil, melted - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier fat option, providing a slightly different flavor but maintaining the necessary moisture.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor, adding a unique twist to the cookies.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other spices like nutmeg and cloves, providing a more complex flavor profile.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used in a pinch, though you may need to adjust the quantity to achieve the same leavening effect.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct replacement, offering a slightly different mineral content and flavor.
Alternative Recipes Similar to These Cookies
How to Store or Freeze These Cookies
To keep your carrot cake cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay good for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, place the cookies in an airtight container and refrigerate. This will extend their shelf life to about a week.
If you want to freeze the cookies, first let them cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to label it with the date. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen carrot cake cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For a warm treat, you can also reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
If you prefer a softer texture, place a slice of apple or a piece of bread in the container with the cookies. This will help maintain their moisture.
Avoid storing the cookies in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can cause them to dry out or spoil faster.
For an extra touch, you can drizzle some vegan cream cheese frosting on top before serving. Just be sure to store any frosted cookies in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the carrot cake cookies on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 5-10 minutes until they are warm and slightly crispy on the outside.
Use a microwave for a quick reheat. Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Check the warmth and add a few more seconds if needed, but be cautious not to overheat and make them rubbery.
For a toaster oven, set it to 300°F (150°C). Place the carrot cake cookies directly on the rack or on a small baking sheet. Heat for about 5 minutes, keeping an eye on them to ensure they don’t get too crispy.
If you prefer a steam method, place the cookies in a steamer basket over simmering water for about 3-5 minutes. This method helps retain moisture, making them soft and chewy.
For an air fryer, set it to 300°F (150°C). Place the carrot cake cookies in the basket in a single layer. Heat for about 3-4 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are warming evenly.
Best Tools for Baking Carrot Cake Cookies
Oven: Used to bake the cookies at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all the ingredients together.
Grater: Needed to grate the carrots into fine pieces.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the ingredients accurately, such as the oats, almond flour, maple syrup, and coconut oil.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring smaller quantities like vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
Baking sheet: The surface on which the cookie dough is placed for baking.
Parchment paper: Lining the baking sheet to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Spoon or cookie scoop: Used to portion out the dough onto the baking sheet.
Cooling rack: Allows the cookies to cool evenly after baking.
How to Save Time Making These Cookies
Pre-grate the carrots: Grate the carrots in advance and store them in the fridge to save time on prep day.
Use a food processor: Quickly mix ingredients like oats and almond flour using a food processor.
Melt coconut oil in microwave: Melt the coconut oil in the microwave for a few seconds instead of using the stove.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients beforehand and place them in small bowls for easy access.
Line baking sheet with parchment: Use parchment paper on your baking sheet to reduce cleanup time.
Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup almond flour
- 0.5 cup maple syrup
- 0.25 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix grated carrots, oats, and almond flour.
- Add maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir well.
- Mix in cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- Scoop dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
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