Description
Carrot Cake Cookies with Walnuts
Ingredients:
1 cup grated carrots
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup melted butter
1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix carrots, oats, almond flour, brown sugar, walnuts, and cinnamon.
Stir in melted butter and combine well.
Scoop batter onto a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.
Cool before enjoying the crunchy walnut goodness!
Crunchy, nutty, and delicious!
Tag a friend who loves carrot cake flavors!
#WalnutCarrotCookies
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect cookies every time. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup almond flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir these together thoroughly. Next, fold in the 1 cup of grated carrots and 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts until they are evenly distributed and coated in the dry mixture. Finally, pour in the 1/4 cup of melted butter. Mix vigorously until the batter comes together and no dry spots remain.
Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, portion the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie as they will spread slightly. Gently flatten each mound with the back of a spoon or your fingers. Bake on the center rack for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and firm. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time is crucial for their signature crunchy texture.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are wonderfully versatile. For a decadent treat, sandwich two cookies together with a layer of cream cheese frosting. They pair excellently with a cup of chai tea or black coffee for an afternoon snack. For a dessert platter, crumble them over vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt. They also make a delightful, wholesome addition to a lunchbox.
How-to Summary
In short: Mix dry ingredients, fold in carrots and walnuts, bind with melted butter, scoop onto a sheet, and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes. Cool completely for the best crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of almond flour?
Yes, you can substitute it 1:1, but the cookies will have a less dense, nutty flavor and a more traditional cake-like texture.
How should I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months.
My cookies turned out soft, not crunchy. What happened?
This is often due to under-baking or not cooling them fully on a wire rack. Ensure the edges are golden brown and let them cool completely away from moisture.
Can I add raisins or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! A 1/4 cup of raisins, shredded coconut, or even dark chocolate chips would be a delicious addition. Fold them in with the walnuts.
Is the butter necessary, or can I use a substitute?
The butter is key for flavor and binding. For a dairy-free version, refined coconut oil is the best direct substitute.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid using pre-shredded “bagged” carrots, as they are too dry and thick. Freshly grated carrots provide necessary moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the butter; just mix until combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Do not skip the cooling step. Transferring warm cookies to a sealed container will trap steam and make them soggy.
- Ensure your baking sheet is cool before placing new dough on it, as a hot pan will cause the butter to melt too quickly and spread excessively.
Conclusion
These Carrot Cake Cookies with Walnuts are the perfect fusion of a classic dessert and a convenient, handheld treat. They successfully capture the beloved flavors of carrot cake—warm spice, sweet carrots, and crunchy nuts—in a simple, no-fuss cookie. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can achieve a consistently delicious, crunchy result. They are sure to become a favorite for snacks, desserts, and sharing with friends who appreciate wholesome, flavorful baking.