Step right into my kitchen, folks! These carrot cookies aren't your usual suspects – they're what happens when you take good old carrots and turn them into something that'll make everyone at your coffee morning sit up and take notice.
The trick with these beauties is getting that nice, soft texture – like a little pillow of spiced carrot cake, but in cookie form. The carrots need to be grated fine (I use the small holes on my grater), and don't squeeze out the moisture – that's what keeps everything tender.
Now, about that orange icing… It's not just for show, mind you. It adds a zippy brightness that makes these cookies sing. Just regular powdered sugar with fresh orange juice does the trick – none of that fancy extract business needed.
What I particularly like about these is how they use up those extra carrots sitting in the bottom of the vegetable drawer. Waste not, want not, as my mother always said. Plus, they're not too sweet, which makes them perfect for afternoon tea or even breakfast (I won't tell if you don't).
The spices are important – cinnamon, nutmeg, maybe a touch of ginger if you're feeling adventurous. Just enough to warm things up without overwhelming the carrots. Trust your nose on this one – when the kitchen starts smelling like your grandmother's spice drawer, you're on the right track.
Recipe
Carrot cookies with orange icing combine the earthy sweetness of carrots with bright citrus flavors, creating a unique twist on traditional cookie recipes. These soft, cake-like cookies are packed with nutritious carrots and warm spices, making them a delightful treat that's perfect for any season.
The orange icing adds a vibrant, tangy dimension that perfectly complements the subtle sweetness of the carrot-infused cookies. While these cookies may remind some of carrot cake, their texture and portable nature make them an ideal choice for parties, lunchboxes, or afternoon snacks.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely grated carrots
For the icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mix well. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Fold in grated carrots. Drop rounded tablespoons onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Cool completely before icing. For the icing, mix powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Spread on cooled cookies.
For best results, make sure carrots are finely grated using the small holes of a box grater, as larger pieces can affect the cookie's texture. Allow cookies to cool completely before applying icing to prevent melting.
Store in an airtight container, placing wax paper between layers if stacking. Cookies will remain fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature or can be frozen without icing for up to 3 months.
These carrot cookies with orange icing blend two complementary flavors into a unique twist on traditional carrot cake. Originally developed during World War II when sugar rationing made bakers get creative with naturally sweet vegetables, carrot cookies have evolved into their own distinct treat.
The bright citrus icing adds a fresh dimension that sets these apart from their cake counterpart, while still maintaining that familiar spiced carrot base that people have enjoyed for generations. The texture strikes a perfect balance – soft and cake-like in the center, with slightly crisp edges.
Conclusion
Let me tell you about these carrot cookies – they're a real treat and good for you too. Each one packs a nice helping of vitamin A from those fresh carrots, and the orange icing gives them just the right bit of zest.
Now, I've been baking these for years, and while everyone goes on about carrot cake (which is lovely, mind you), these cookies are just the ticket when you want something a bit different. They're perfect for popping in a lunch box or serving with afternoon tea, and you don't have to fuss with a big cake.
The nice thing about these cookies is you can make a batch and freeze some for later – though in my experience, they rarely last that long. They're straightforward to make, not too sweet, and that orange icing sets them off just right. And between you and me, it's quite satisfying knowing you're getting some goodness from those carrots while enjoying your cookie.