Carrot Cookies are a delightful vintage treat combining the natural sweetness of carrots with the warm flavors of orange zest and ginger. Originating in mid-century American home baking, these cookies offer a soft, cake-like texture rather than a crisp bite. The grated orange peel adds a refreshing citrus note, while mashed cooked carrots make the cookies moist and tender. Perfect for tea time, holiday platters, or a nostalgic afternoon snack, these cookies represent a balance of comfort and light sweetness that has stood the test of time.
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup oil
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ¾ cup flour
- ¾ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp orange peel (grated )
- ⅓ cup carrots (cooked & mashed)
- ⅓ tsp ginger
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Carrots
- Cook the carrots until tender, mash them well, and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, beat the egg.
- Add oil and sugar, whisking until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and ginger.
Step 4: Add Flavor & Carrots
- Stir in grated orange peel and mashed carrots into the wet mixture.
Step 5: Make the Dough
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
- Let cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.
Tips
- Add ½ teaspoon vanilla for a warmer flavor
- Fold in ¼ cup raisins or chopped dates for extra sweetness
- Substitute part of the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture
- Add ¼ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg to complement the ginger
- Top cookies with orange glaze (powdered sugar + orange juice)
- Chill dough for 30 minutes for puffier cookies
- Swap oil for melted butter for richer flavor
- Add chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for crunch
- Use finely grated fresh ginger for stronger spice
- Pipe dough instead of spooning for uniform cookies
Nutrition
Calories: 72kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 1gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.2gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 35mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 950IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.4mg
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