Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies
Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies: A Delicious Twist on a Classic
Two weekends ago, my mom started craving carrot cake. She talked about it at lunch, mentioned it at dinner, and finally caved at 9 pm and drove to Safeway to pick up a slice. When she arrived home, she grabbed a fork, plopped down in her favorite armchair, and slowly savored every bite, stopping with enough left to finish the following day.
Although Mom bought me a slice of my favorite 6-layer chocolate cake at the same time, I couldn’t help but stare and hope with all of my fingers crossed behind my back that she’d offer me a taste. That cream cheese frosting… Those soft streaks of carrot… The tender cinnamon cake… It looked mesmerizing!
Despite enjoying every last morsel of my chocolate piece, I couldn’t get carrot cake off of my mind. I pictured that square during every run (since my path went past the same grocery store) and whenever I stuck my head into the fridge for fresh fruit and veggie snacks.
I seriously contemplated baking my own again, but knowing that my self-control flies straight out the window with any type of cake, I went with the next best thing…
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and spice, with the comforting flavors of your favorite carrot cake packed into bite-sized treats. They’re soft, chewy, and have just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy any dessert craving without going overboard.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie sheets
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup white whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. ground cloves
- 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 cup quick oats (not instant)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup coconut oil (or 2 sticks butter, softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrot (3-4 carrots)
- ½ cup flaked coconut
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350º F.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flours, baking soda, salt, baking powder, cloves, cinnamon, and oats. Mix well and set aside.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the sugars and coconut oil until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla, and continue to beat at medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Stir in the grated carrots, flaked coconut, and chopped walnuts until just blended. The batter will be lumpy.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, blending at a low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Drop the batter by tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent excessive browning. Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack immediately after baking.
- If desired, mix a small amount of powdered sugar with milk to create a glaze. Adjust to your preferred consistency and drizzle over the cooled cookies.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your coconut oil or butter is softened for easier mixing.
- Grate the carrots finely for better texture in the cookies.
- Let the cookies cool completely before drizzling with glaze to prevent it from melting off.
Additional Tips and Variations
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts.
- Try adding raisins for a touch of natural sweetness.
- Experiment with different spices, like nutmeg or ginger, for a unique flavor twist.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
These cookies are rich in fiber from the oats and carrots, and provide healthy fats from the coconut oil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white whole wheat flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but expect a slightly denser texture.
How should I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! They freeze well for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Conclusion
These Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the best of carrot cake and chewy cookies. I invite you to try this recipe and share your thoughts and experiences with us. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or with a sweet drizzle of glaze, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite!
