Name: Carrot Cake Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 cup grated carrots; 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup almond flour; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1/4 cup raisins; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt

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These deliciously moist, naturally sweet, and spiced cookies packed with grated carrots, oats, raisins, and walnuts are portable treats that taste just like your favorite carrot cake!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Carrot Cake Cookies combine the beloved flavors of classic carrot cake in a convenient, hand-held format. These nutritious treats feature wholesome ingredients like fresh carrots, hearty oats, and natural sweeteners, making them a smarter dessert option you can feel good about serving. They're naturally gluten-free, perfect for packed lunches, after-school snacks, or a sweet breakfast on-the-go. With their perfect balance of spices, natural sweetness, and satisfying texture, these cookies deliver all the comfort of carrot cake without the fuss of frosting or slicing.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Grated carrots provide natural moisture and sweetness while sneaking in a serving of vegetables. They're the star of these cookies, adding that distinctive carrot cake flavor and beautiful orange flecks throughout.

Rolled oats create a hearty base and wonderful chewy texture. They add fiber and substance, making these cookies more satisfying than your average treat.

Almond flour contributes a subtle nutty flavor and tender crumb. This grain-free flour keeps the cookies moist while adding protein and healthy fats.

Maple syrup serves as the natural sweetener, bringing depth of flavor that processed sugar simply can't match. Its caramel notes complement the carrots and spices beautifully.

Raisins add pops of concentrated sweetness and chewy texture. They're traditional in carrot cake and work perfectly in these cookies to enhance the natural sweetness.

Chopped walnuts provide crunch, texture, and nutty flavor. They're rich in omega-3 fatty acids and pair wonderfully with the carrots and spices.

Ground cinnamon offers warm, aromatic spice that's essential to the carrot cake flavor profile. It's the primary spice that gives these cookies their familiar, comforting taste.

Ground nutmeg brings a subtle depth and complexity to the spice blend. Just a small amount adds that special something that elevates the flavor.

Salt balances all the flavors and enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots and maple syrup. Don't skip this crucial ingredient, even in sweet recipes.

Directions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots, rolled oats, almond flour, maple syrup, raisins, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Shape the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form the dough into 12 evenly sized cookies. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
Bake:
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are firm.
Cool:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 12 cookies, each containing approximately 120 calories. The preparation takes about 15 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes of baking time, for a total time of 30 minutes from start to finish. These cookies are perfect for individual servings and can easily be doubled for larger batches.

Variations

Cream Cheese Frosting: For a more decadent treat, top cooled cookies with a small dollop of cream cheese frosting.

Tropical Twist: Add 2 tablespoons of shredded coconut and substitute dried pineapple pieces for the raisins.

Spice it Up: Add ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger and a pinch of cloves for a more complex spice profile.

Chocolate Chip: Add ¼ cup of dark chocolate chips for a sweet twist that kids especially love.

Protein-Packed: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of your favorite unflavored protein powder to the dry ingredients for an extra nutritional boost.

Nut-Free Version: Substitute sunflower seeds for the walnuts and use oat flour instead of almond flour to accommodate nut allergies.

Storage/Reheating

Counter Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer freshness, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. The chilled cookies develop an even more pronounced flavor after a day in the refrigerator.

Freezer Storage: These cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag with parchment paper between layers.

Reheating: While these cookies are delicious cold or at room temperature, you can warm refrigerated or frozen cookies in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave individual cookies for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked taste and aroma.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded carrots?

While pre-shredded carrots can save time, freshly grated carrots provide more moisture and a better texture in these cookies. Pre-shredded carrots tend to be drier and thicker, which may affect the final result. If using pre-shredded, consider adding an extra tablespoon of maple syrup to compensate for the reduced moisture.

Is there a substitute for almond flour?

Yes, you can substitute oat flour (ground rolled oats) or a gluten-free flour blend for the almond flour. Each will create a slightly different texture, but the cookies will still be delicious. If using regular wheat flour, reduce the amount to ⅓ cup as it's more absorbent than almond flour.

How can I make these cookies vegan?

These cookies are already vegan as written! The recipe uses maple syrup instead of honey and contains no eggs or dairy products.

My cookies are falling apart. What went wrong?

If your cookies are crumbly, they might need more binding agent. Try adding 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2 tablespoons of water, or include 2 tablespoons of nut butter to help hold them together better.

Can I add a cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely! For a traditional carrot cake experience, top cooled cookies with a simple cream cheese frosting made from 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

If your cookies spread too much during baking, your oven might be too hot, or the dough might be too wet. Make sure to measure ingredients accurately, particularly the wet ingredients. You can also chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help prevent spreading.

How finely should I grate the carrots?

Use the small holes on a box grater for best results. Very coarsely grated carrots won't cook through properly and can make the cookies too wet, while finely grated carrots incorporate better into the dough and cook more evenly.

Can I make these without nuts for allergy concerns?

Certainly. Simply omit the walnuts and replace the almond flour with oat flour or a gluten-free flour blend. For added texture, consider substituting sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even hemp hearts for the nuts.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges turn slightly golden brown and the centers appear set. They will still be somewhat soft when hot but will firm up as they cool. Don't overbake or they'll become dry and hard.

Can I reduce the amount of maple syrup?

Yes, you can reduce the maple syrup to 3 tablespoons if you prefer a less sweet cookie. You might want to add 1 tablespoon of water or plant milk to maintain the proper moisture level in the dough.

Conclusion

These Carrot Cake Cookies transform a beloved classic dessert into a convenient, healthier treat that doesn't sacrifice flavor. With their perfect balance of natural sweetness, warm spices, and satisfying texture, they make an excellent snack, breakfast, or dessert option for the whole family. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability – easy to make, customize, and share. Whether you're looking for a nutritious treat for lunchboxes, a post-workout snack, or just something sweet to enjoy with your afternoon tea, these cookies deliver wholesome indulgence in every bite. Try baking a batch today and discover your new favorite way to enjoy the timeless flavors of carrot cake.