Carrot Cake Cookies – Soft, Healthy, and Guilt-Free | Easy Recipe
Enjoy the best of both worlds with these Carrot Cake Cookies – moist, delicious, and packed with healthy ingredients like carrots, oats, and almond flour. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert!
Why You’ll Love These Carrot Cake Cookies:
These Carrot Cake Cookies are a delightful twist on classic carrot cake, offering the same moist, spiced flavor in a convenient, handheld form. Perfect for a quick snack, breakfast, or even dessert, they are:
- Healthy & Nourishing: Made with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, almond flour, and real maple syrup.
- Guilt-Free Indulgence: At just 120 calories per cookie, you can enjoy these as a tasty treat without the sugar crash.
- Moist & Flavorful: The carrots, raisins, and walnuts give these cookies a rich, satisfying taste and texture.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, these cookies are perfect for busy days when you want a healthy, homemade snack.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Carrots: Rich in vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants, carrots are great for eye health and digestion.
- Almond Flour: Low in carbs, high in protein and healthy fats, almond flour adds a rich, nutty flavor while keeping the cookies gluten-free.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that offers a rich, caramel-like taste without refined sugar.
- Walnuts & Raisins: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and natural sugars, these ingredients boost the health factor and flavor of the cookies.
Ingredients for Carrot Cake Cookies (Makes 12 Cookies):
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven (Time: 5 minutes)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Ingredients (Time: 5 minutes)
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Stir well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
3. Form the Cookies (Time: 5 minutes)
Use a cookie scoop to form small dough balls, placing them on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each cookie with the back of a spoon.
4. Bake the Cookies (Time: 12-15 minutes)
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!
5. Cool and Enjoy (Time: 5 minutes)
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or store for later!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 cookies
Calories: 120 kcal per cookie
Tips for the Best Carrot Cake Cookies:
- Use Fresh Carrots: Grate fresh carrots for the best texture and flavor. Avoid pre-shredded carrots as they tend to be drier.
- Make Them Extra Moist: If you prefer softer cookies, add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or a little bit of coconut oil.
- Customizing: Add a handful of unsweetened shredded coconut or swap the raisins for dried cranberries for a fun twist.
FAQ About Carrot Cake Cookies:
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free due to the use of almond flour and rolled oats. Make sure to check that your oats are certified gluten-free if necessary.
Q: Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute honey for maple syrup if you prefer. It will give the cookies a slightly different flavor but still delicious.
Q: How should I store the cookies?
A: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Q: Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts?
A: Yes, feel free to swap the walnuts for other nuts like pecans, almonds, or cashews based on your preference.
Final Thoughts:
These Carrot Cake Cookies are a healthy and flavorful treat that combines the best parts of a classic carrot cake into a portable, cookie-sized snack. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a healthy dessert, or a satisfying snack, these cookies are sure to please. With the wholesome ingredients and the perfect balance of spices, they are both nourishing and delicious!
Enjoyed this recipe? Be sure to share your carrot cake cookie creations on social media, and don’t forget to leave a comment below to let us know how they turned out!
