Carrot Cookies
Cookies,  Recipes

Old Fashioned Carrot Cookies with Orange Frosting

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You are probably wondering if you read that right. “Does that say what I think it says? Carrot cookies?” It may sound strange, but if you can have carrot cake, why not carrot cookies?

I was thinking that it could be a new tradition – leave out carrot cookies for the Easter Bunny just like we leave out cookies for Santa. Will it catch on? I don’t know, but I’d like to think it will.

This recipe came to me by accident. I was actually looking for old-fashioned carrot cake recipes in my vintage cookbooks. Surprisingly, there weren’t any! All sorts of carrot recipes were in those books, but very few of them were sweet. One of the only sweet ones was the carrot cookies.

Ingredients You Will Need

  • Butter
  • Sugar
  • Carrots
  • Egg
  • Vanilla
  • Flour
  • Baking Powder
  • Salt
  • Powdered Sugar
  • Orange Juice
Sliced carrots on cutting board.
Carrots. Photo credit: Yayimages.

Equipment You May Need

  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Mixer
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Cookie Scoop
  • Cookie Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I achieve the right level of sweetness in carrot cookies? The sweetness can be adjusted by controlling the amount of sugar in the recipe. You can also use a combination of brown and white sugar for a more balanced sweetness.

Should I use whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour for carrot cookies? You can use either whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour, depending on your preference. Whole wheat flour will add a nuttier flavor and denser texture, while all-purpose flour will yield a lighter texture.

How can I store carrot cookies to keep them fresh? Store the cooled carrot cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life.

Can I freeze carrot cookie dough for later use? Yes, you can freeze carrot cookie dough. Form the dough into cookie balls and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until they’re firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How can I make sure my carrot cookies are soft and chewy? To achieve soft and chewy cookies, slightly underbake them. Take them out of the oven when they are set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Carrot Cookie Batter

Substitutions and Variations

Fruits: Enhance the fruity element by adding grated apples or zucchini alongside the carrots. This adds moisture and a delightful twist to the cookies.

Coconut: Mix in shredded coconut to give the cookies an extra layer of texture and tropical flavor.

Seeds: Boost the nutrition by adding chia seeds, flaxseeds, or sunflower seeds for added crunch and health benefits.

Frosting: Sandwich two cookies together with cream cheese frosting or buttercream to create carrot cookie sandwiches.

Other Recipes You May Enjoy

If you like these cookies, you might also like my Corn Flake Macaroons or my Mashed Potato Cookies. With your leftover carrots, you may want to make Old-Fashioned Shepherd’s Pie or Carrot Cake.

Final Thoughts

The recipe suggests orange frosting, which was a few pages ahead of the carrot cookies. The orange frosting is delicious on its own, but it would be good with any white or yellow cake in my opinion. Orange juice is what gives it the orange flavoring. You only need a small amount but I bought a whole jug so I can have orange juice for breakfast the next couple of mornings if my kids and hubby don’t drink it all first!

In my opinion, these cookies are light and refreshing and you cannot taste the carrots. My husband described them as light in the middle, but not doughy, with a nice, crisp bottom. They are perfect for an Easter dessert, a spring potluck, or a summer picnic. I will be surprised if I have any leftovers to share! They are different but in a good way. If you make them, I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Have you heard of carrot cookies? Are you a carrot cake fan? What are your Easter plans this year? Let me know in the comments below.

Carrot Cookies

Carrot Cookies

Carrot Cookies are a light, refreshing cookie perfect for potlucks and spring gatherings like Easter and Memorial Day.
5 from 1 vote
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 3 dozen

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Cup Butter Flavored Shortening Room Temperature
  • ¾ Cup Sugar
  • 1 Cup Carrots Cooked and Mashed
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla
  • 2 Cups Flour
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Salt

Instructions
 

  • Cream shortening and sugar.
  • Add mashed carrots, egg, and vanilla. Mix Well.
  • In separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to carrot mixture. Mix well.
  • Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop batter on greased cookie sheet.
  • Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
  • Remove from cookie sheet immediately and frost with Orange Frosting, if desired.
Keyword 1940’s Recipe, Carrot Cookies, Cookies, Easter, Vintage Recipe
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Orange Frosting

A refreshing frosting, perfect for carrot cookies or white cake.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword Dessert, Frosting, Orange Frosting, Vintage Recipe

Ingredients

  • Cups Powdered Sugar
  • ¼ Cup Orange Juice
  • Cup Butter Melted

Instructions

  • Add orange juice to sugar, gradually.
  • Mix well.
  • Pour in melted butter while mixing.
  • Beat until soft and creamy.
  • Use immediately.

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