Get ready to enjoy these wonderfully moist and flavorful carrot cookies, topped with a delightful orange frosting that everyone will adore. These cookies are perfect for using up leftover cooked carrots or simply enjoying a sweet treat. With a touch of orange zest in both the cookies and the frosting, these treats are bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
**Cookies:**
– 3 large carrots (to make 1 cup mashed / 240 ml) 🥕
– 3/4 cup butter, softened to room temperature (170 g) 🧈
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 g) 🍚
– 2 large eggs 🥚
– 1 tsp fresh orange zest (1 g) 🍊
– 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g) 🌾
– 2 tsp baking powder (10 g) 🧪
– 1/2 tsp salt (3 g) 🧂
**Orange Frosting:**
– 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar (280 g) 🍬
– 1/4 cup butter, softened to room temperature (60 g) 🧈
– 1 Tbsp fresh orange zest (6 g) 🍊
– 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh orange juice (22 ml) 🍊 (more or less as needed)
Instructions
1. **Prepare Carrots:** Peel and slice the carrots. Boil in water until tender, about 15 minutes. Allow to cool, then mash using a food processor or fork until smooth.
2. **Preheat Oven:** Line cookie sheets with a silicone liner or spray with cooking spray. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. **Mix Cookie Dough:** In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs, orange zest, and mashed carrots, mixing until smooth.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix gently until the flour is just moistened to avoid tough cookies.
5. **Shape Cookies:** Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared cookie sheets.
6. **Bake:** Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until edges are barely golden brown and centers are set.
7. **Cool:** Let cookies cool on the pans for 3-5 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks to cool completely.
8. **Prepare Frosting:** For the frosting, beat powdered sugar, butter, orange zest, and orange juice together until smooth. Adjust orange juice as needed to reach desired consistency.
9. **Frost Cookies:** Once cookies are completely cool, spread frosting on top.
Serving Suggestions
These carrot cookies are perfect for any occasion. Serve them as a sweet treat for afternoon tea, a dessert for a family gathering, or even as a delightful gift for friends and family. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee!
Cooking Tips
– Depending on the size of your carrots, you may need 4 large carrots to get 1 cup mashed. Cook extra just in case.
– Allow butter to soften at room temperature for even mixing. Avoid using the microwave as it can lead to uneven softening.
– For convenience, cook the carrots a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator.
– Measure flour without packing it into the cup. Sift it if it seems compacted.
– Ensure cookies are completely cool before applying frosting to prevent melting.
Storing Recommendations
Store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Ensure the cookies are completely cooled and frosting is set before freezing.
Nutritional Information
– **Calories per Cookie:** Approximately 126 kcal
– **Total Fat:** 6 g
– **Saturated Fat:** 3.5 g
– **Cholesterol:** 30 mg
– **Sodium:** 100 mg
– **Total Carbohydrates:** 18 g
– **Dietary Fiber:** 0.5 g
– **Sugars:** 13 g
– **Protein:** 1 g
FAQs
**Can I use store-bought shredded carrots instead of boiling and mashing?**
Yes, you can use store-bought shredded carrots. Ensure they are finely shredded and measure out 1 cup.
**Can I make these cookies ahead of time?**
Yes, you can prepare the cookies and freeze them before baking. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
**Can I substitute the butter in the frosting?**
For a dairy-free option, you can use margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute in the frosting.
**How can I adjust the sweetness of the frosting?**
You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar. Add gradually until you reach your desired sweetness level.
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**Total Calories:** 126 kcal per cookie
**Prep Time:** 25 minutes
**Cook Time:** 12 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour 7 minutes
**Servings:** 34 cookies