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–+ servings
Carrot Cookies
Carrot Cookies are a charming example of mid-century American home baking, where simple pantry ingredients were combined with garden staples to create soft, flavorful treats. This recipe uses mashed cooked carrots to add natural sweetness, moisture, and a subtle earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with warm vanilla notes. Often topped with a bright orange butter icing, these cookies strike a balance between cake-like softness and classic cookie structure. Recipes like this gained popularity during times when resourcefulness in the kitchen was essential, making vegetables a creative addition to desserts. The result is a nostalgic, lightly spiced cookie with a tender crumb and a distinctive, comforting taste.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup shortening (part butter)
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 cup carrots (cooked & mashed)
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup coconut (or ½ cup finely cut nuts)

Orange Butter Icing:

  • ⅓ cup butter
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp concentrated orange juice

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cream Base

  • Mix shortening (and butter if using) with sugar until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

  • Beat in mashed carrots and eggs until fully combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 4: Mix Batter

  • Gradually stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Step 5: Add Flavorings

  • Stir in vanilla extract and coconut or nuts if using.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

  • Drop dough by spoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto a baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

  • Bake at 375 to 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, until lightly touched and no imprint remains.

Step 8: Cool Cookies

  • Allow cookies to cool completely before icing.

Step 9: Make Icing

  • Cream butter and powdered sugar, then mix in concentrated orange juice.

Step 10: Frost Cookies

  • Spread icing over cooled cookies.

Tips

  • Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced version
  • Use walnuts or pecans for added crunch
  • Substitute butter entirely for richer flavor
  • Try cream cheese frosting instead of orange icing
  • Add raisins for a carrot cake-style cookie
  • Chill dough for thicker cookies
  • Use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture
  • Reduce sugar slightly if using sweetened coconut

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 2200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg
Keyword carrot dessert, comfort food, homemade cookies, nostalgic food, orange icing, retro recipes, soft cookies, vintage baking
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