Carrot Spice Cookies

Carrot Spice Cookies Recipe - Delicious and Healthy Snack

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 12 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Carrot Spice Cookies are a delicious and nutritious treat that combines the sweetness of brown sugar with the warmth of allspice and the earthy flavor of shredded carrots. These cookies are perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or as a sweet ending to a meal.

History

Carrot Spice Cookies have been a popular treat for many years, with variations of the recipe appearing in cookbooks and kitchens around the world. The combination of carrots and spices in a cookie is a classic flavor profile that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

1 cup of packed brown sugar
0.5 cup of softened butter
1 cup of shredded carrots
1 cup of raisins
1 egg
0.5 cup of unsweetened applesauce
2 tbsp of molasses
1 tsp of alcohol-free vanilla or vanilla powder
2.5 cups of rice flour
1.5 tsp of allspice
0.5 tsp of baking powder

How to prepare

In a large bowl, cream together sugar and margarine.
Add carrots, raisins, egg, applesauce, molasses, and vanilla; mix well.
Measure flour, allspice, and baking powder into the same bowl; slowly stir the flour mixture into the other ingredients and mix until well blended.
Drop teaspoonfuls of the mixture onto lightly greased cookie sheets, keeping them 2 inches apart.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cookies are set and lightly browned.
Remove from the baking sheet while still warm.
Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
Substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates for a different flavor profile.
Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a sweeter cookie.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to shred the carrots finely to ensure they blend well into the cookie dough.

- Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.

- For a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them and allow them to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Carrot Spice Cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the sugar and butter together helps create a light and fluffy cookie.

- Mixing the dry ingredients separately before adding them to the wet ingredients ensures even distribution of the spices.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have rice flour, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute.

- If you don't have applesauce, you can use mashed bananas or yogurt instead.

Make Ahead Tips

Carrot Spice Cookie dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply scoop out the dough and bake as directed when ready to enjoy.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange Carrot Spice Cookies on a platter and dust with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Carrot Spice Cookies pair well with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Carrot Spice Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To reheat, place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Carrot Spice Cookies contains approximately 160 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Carrot Spice Cookies contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Carrot Spice Cookies contains approximately 6 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Carrot Spice Cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Carrot Spice Cookies are a good source of vitamin A, thanks to the shredded carrots. They also contain small amounts of iron and calcium.

Alergens

Carrot Spice Cookies contain wheat and eggs. They may also contain traces of nuts and dairy.

Summary

Carrot Spice Cookies are a moderately sweet treat that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of vitamin A and other essential nutrients.

Summary

Carrot Spice Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of brown sugar with the warmth of allspice and the earthy flavor of shredded carrots. These cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting snack.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a dreary winter day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my great-grandmother. The pages were yellowed and delicate, the ink faded and smudged, but the recipes within were like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.

As I turned the pages, a faded piece of paper fell out and fluttered to the ground. I picked it up and my eyes widened in excitement as I read the title: Carrot Spice Cookies. The recipe was handwritten in elegant script, with notes in the margins that showed it had been passed down through generations. I knew I had to try it.

I gathered the ingredients - carrots, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, raisins, and walnuts - and set to work in the kitchen. As I grated the carrots and mixed the spices, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. I remembered my great-grandmother, a formidable woman with a love for baking and a knack for creating delicious treats out of simple ingredients.

As the cookies baked in the oven, the warm, spicy aroma filled the kitchen. I couldn't wait to taste them. When they were finally done, I pulled them out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. The cookies were soft and chewy, with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. I took a bite and closed my eyes, savoring the flavors that danced on my tongue.

I knew then that this recipe was something special. It had a history, a story to tell, and I was determined to carry on the tradition of making these delicious cookies for my family and friends.

Over the years, I made the Carrot Spice Cookies countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste. I shared them with neighbors, brought them to potlucks, and even entered them in baking competitions. They were always a hit, and people would ask me for the recipe, eager to recreate the magic in their own kitchens.

One day, while shopping at the local farmers market, I ran into an old friend who had moved away years ago. She had always been a fan of my Carrot Spice Cookies, and she begged me to give her the recipe once more. As I scribbled it down on a scrap of paper for her, she looked at me with a twinkle in her eye.

"You know," she said, "this recipe reminds me of the time we spent baking together as kids. Your cookies always brought a smile to my face."

I smiled, touched by her words. It was true - baking had always been a way for me to connect with others, to share a piece of myself through something as simple as a cookie. And the Carrot Spice Cookies were no exception.

As the years passed, I continued to make the cookies, passing the recipe down to my children and grandchildren. They loved them just as much as I did, and I knew that the tradition would live on for generations to come.

And so, as I sit here now, reflecting on the memories and stories that have shaped my love for baking, I am grateful for the simple pleasures that can be found in a homemade treat. The Carrot Spice Cookies will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy that can be shared through food and a connection to the past that will never fade.