Description

Soft and chewy oatmeal cookies infused with sweet grated carrots and warm cinnamon spice, these healthier carrot cake oatmeal cookies are a guilt-free treat. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, whole wheat flour, and maple syrup, they offer the nostalgic flavors of carrot cake in a portable, portion-controlled form. Perfect as a snack, dessert, or meal-prep option, these cookies are easy to make, customizable, and diet-friendly.

Ingredients

1 cup instant oats (gluten-free if necessary)
¾ cup whole wheat flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
1 tsp baking powder
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
3 tbsp coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
⅓ cup pure maple syrup
¾ cup finely grated carrots

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Instructions

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted coconut oil or butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir in the maple syrup until smooth.
Incorporate Carrots: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the grated carrots.
Chill Dough: Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Shape Cookies: Scoop chilled dough into 15 rounded portions, placing them on the baking sheet. Flatten slightly to about ½-inch thick.
Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges feel firm and the centers appear slightly underdone.
Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For added texture, fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins.
To make vegan cookies, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) and use coconut oil instead of butter.
Old-fashioned oats can be pulsed in a blender or food processor for a texture similar to instant oats.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American