Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup softened unsalted butter
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Frosting:
- 4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ⅙ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisking ensures the ingredients are evenly distributed. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes, or until light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the dough, resulting in a tender cookie.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredient mixture and mix until smooth. Avoid over-mixing, as this can result in tough cookies.
- Stir in Carrots and Nuts: Stir in the shredded carrots and chopped pecans or walnuts. Gently fold them in to prevent breaking them into smaller pieces.
- Scoop and Shape Dough: Scoop 2 tablespoon size balls of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Lightly flatten them with the palms of your hand. This helps the cookies bake evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 13-16 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are no longer glossy. Check for doneness by lightly touching the edges.
- Cool: Cool the cookies completely on the cookie sheets before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar, Vanilla, and Salt: Slowly mix in the powdered sugar, then add the vanilla extract and salt. Beat on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy. Adjust the amount of powdered sugar or cream cheese for preferred texture.
- Frost Cookies: Frost the cooled cookies as desired.
- Garnish: Top with a dusting of cinnamon or finely chopped nuts, if desired.
- Chill (Optional): Chilling helps set the frosting.
Notes
- Use softened butter and cream cheese.
- Don’t overmix the dough.
- Cool cookies completely before frosting.
- Adjust frosting consistency with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American