These carrot cookies are soft and delicious, packed with sweet flavors and tiny bits of carrot. Topped with bright orange icing, they’re perfect for a tasty treat!
I love how the zingy orange icing gives these cookies a fun twist. You might find it hard to have just one—trust me, I often can’t! 🍪
Making these cookies is a breeze! Just mix, scoop, and bake. They make a great snack or dessert for any day. Enjoy them with a cup of tea for a cozy treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This flour provides structure to the cookies. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead. It works just as well and allows everyone to enjoy the cookies!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the salt level in baking. If you need a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter. It will change the flavor a bit, but still delicious.
Carrots: Freshly grated carrots are key for moisture and texture. If you’re in a pinch, pre-packaged shredded carrots work fine, though they may be less sweet. You can also add in some grated zucchini for variety!
Nuts: I love adding chopped walnuts or pecans for some crunch. If you have nut allergies, feel free to leave them out or replace them with pumpkin seeds for a similar texture.
Orange Ingredients: Fresh orange juice and zest give the icing a vibrant flavor. If you can’t find fresh oranges, bottled orange juice can work, but it may lack that zingy freshness. Use it sparingly!
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Stay Soft and Chewy?
To achieve soft and chewy cookies, there are a few important steps to follow:
- Cream the Butter and Sugar Well: This step is crucial. It adds air into the mixture, making the cookies lighter.
- Do Not Overmix: After adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough!
- Correct Baking Time: Remove cookies when the edges are lightly golden but the centers look underbaked. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain softness. You can even add a slice of bread to help keep them moist!
With these tips, you’ll make deliciously soft carrot cookies every time! Happy baking!
How to Make Carrot Cookies with Orange Icing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Orange Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of 1 orange
- A pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. After baking, you’ll want to let the cookies cool for a bit before icing them. Overall, you should plan for around 30-40 minutes to have these scrumptious cookies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your cookies won’t stick.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This will ensure your cookies have the right texture and flavor. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream the Butters and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until it’s light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Egg and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract to your butter and sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well-combined—this adds moisture and flavor!
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add your dry ingredient mix to the wet ingredients. Stir just until everything is combined—don’t overmix, or your cookies might be tough!
6. Fold in the Carrots and Nuts:
Now it’s time to add in the grated carrots and optional chopped nuts. Gently fold them into the cookie dough with a spatula, making sure they’re evenly distributed.
7. Scoop the Dough:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread while baking.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Put your baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are lightly golden. Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare the Orange Icing:
While the cookies cool, make the icing by combining the powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Whisk until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a bit more orange juice; if it’s too thin, sprinkle in more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
10. Ice the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the orange icing over them. This will give them a beautiful glaze and enhance the flavor!
11. Enjoy!
Let the icing set for a little while before serving. Now, enjoy your delicious carrot cookies with a refreshing orange icing that brings a cheerful taste to your day!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. However, use about 3/4 cup of whole wheat flour for every cup of all-purpose flour to keep the texture light. The cookies may turn out denser, so consider adding an extra tablespoon of butter to help with moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Eggs in This Recipe?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, a mashed banana, or even a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let sit for a few minutes until gel-like). Each of these options will help bind the cookies while adding moisture!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking!
Can I Make the Icing Thicker or Thinner?
Absolutely! To make the icing thicker, add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time. For a thinner consistency, gradually mix in more orange juice. Adjust to your liking until you achieve the perfect drizzle or spreadable texture!
