Heavenly Carrot Cookies with Orange Icing Recipe for Bliss

Whipping up delightful carrot cookies with orange icing satisfies sweet cravings on lazy afternoons.

My grandmother shared this treasured recipe decades ago.

Soft, spiced morsels blend classic comfort with zesty citrus notes.

Crisp edges and tender centers create a magical texture that surprises everyone.

Warm kitchen aromas promise something special is brewing.

Fragrant cinnamon and bright orange glaze make these treats irresistible.

Jump into baking and create a moment of pure deliciousness.

Why Carrot Cookies With Orange Icing Recipe Taste So Bright

• Savor Seasonal Delight: These carrot cookies capture the warm, cozy essence of autumn with their spiced profile and vibrant orange icing, making them a perfect treat for seasonal gatherings.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Packed with grated carrots and optional nuts, these cookies offer a healthier twist on traditional sweet treats, sneaking in some extra nutrients without compromising on taste.
• Create Stress-Free Baking: With straightforward ingredients and simple mixing steps, this recipe welcomes bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home cooks, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable baking experience.
• Customize with Creativity: The recipe allows for personal touches like adding nuts or adjusting the icing's consistency, giving bakers the freedom to make these cookies uniquely their own and experiment with flavors.

What You Need For Carrot Cookies With Orange Icing Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the cookies.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic spice that complements the carrots.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich and tender texture in the cookies.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a soft, chewy cookie.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Carrots: Fresh grated carrots bring natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies.
• Chopped Nuts: Optional ingredient that adds crunch and nutty flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: The base for the zesty orange icing.
• Orange Juice, Orange Zest: Provide a bright, citrusy flavor to the icing.

How To Prepare Carrot Cookies With Orange Icing Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon

Step 3: Whip Butter and Sugars

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar

Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla

Add egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 5: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add dry ingredient mixture to wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.

Step 6: Introduce Carrots and Nuts

• Grated carrots
• Chopped nuts (optional)

Ensure even distribution throughout the dough.

Step 7: Shape Cookie Drops

Use a spoon or cookie scoop to place dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space cookies about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden. Let cookies rest on the sheet briefly before moving to a wire rack.

Step 9: Craft Zesty Orange Icing

• Powdered sugar
• Orange juice
• Orange zest
• Pinch of salt

Adjust consistency by adding more juice or sugar as needed.

Step 10: Glaze the Cookies

Once cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread orange icing over the top.

Step 11: Serve and Savor

Allow icing to set, then dig into these delightful carrot cookies bursting with citrusy sweetness!

Pro Tips For Making Carrot Cookies With Orange Icing Recipe

• Prep Like a Pro: Grate carrots finely to ensure even distribution and prevent large carrot chunks in your cookies.
• Customize Texture: Toast chopped nuts briefly before adding to enhance their flavor and provide a delightful crunch.
• Control Sweetness: Adjust orange icing consistency by adding powdered sugar or juice gradually for perfect drizzling.
• Boost Moisture: Replace some butter with applesauce for a softer, more tender cookie texture that stays fresh longer.
• Store Smart: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delicious taste and texture.

Fun Twists On Carrot Cookies With Orange Icing Recipe

• Vegan Carrot Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and swap traditional icing with a dairy-free version made from powdered sugar and almond milk.
• Gluten-Free Carrot Treat: Substitute wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix, ensuring the same soft texture and delicious flavor.
• Nutty Carrot Crunch: Add different nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra texture, or sprinkle toasted coconut flakes into the dough for a tropical touch.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of brown and granulated sugar, and reduce the amount of icing for a lighter version of the classic cookie.

Perfect Matches For Carrot Cookies With Orange Icing Recipe

• Brew Creamy Chai Latte: Warm, spiced chai tea complements the cookie's cinnamon notes and balances the sweet orange icing, creating a harmonious flavor experience that feels like a cozy hug.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream provides a rich contrast to the cookie's soft texture, while its creamy sweetness enhances the carrot and orange flavors.
• Match with Sparkling Moscato: Light, sweet white wine with citrusy undertones highlights the orange zest in the icing and cuts through the cookie's richness, offering a delightful afternoon treat.

How To Store Carrot Cookies With Orange Icing Recipe The Smart Way

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent icing from melting.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before adding orange icing.
• Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer bag, removing excess air. Freeze for 2-3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.

FAQ Guide For Carrot Cookies With Orange Icing Recipe

• Are carrots good in cookies?

Yes, carrots add natural sweetness, moisture, and nutrients to cookies. They create a soft texture and enhance the overall flavor while providing subtle earthy undertones.

• Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture and binding.

• How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Cold dough helps cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading during baking.

• Is the orange icing necessary?

While optional, the orange icing adds a bright, zesty flavor that complements the carrot’s sweetness. It transforms the cookies from good to extraordinary by adding a tangy citrus note.

Carrot Cookies with Orange Icing Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 32-35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful carrot cookies with orange icing bring sweet Mediterranean sunshine to classic dessert lovers. Crisp edges, delicate crumb, and zesty citrus glaze create a perfect afternoon treat for cookie enthusiasts seeking refreshing homemade comfort.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg

Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Icing and Optional Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 pinch salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring even heat distribution and preventing cookie sticking.
2. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl, whisking thoroughly to blend dry ingredients evenly.
3. Cream butter with brown and granulated sugars using a mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, blending until ingredients are smoothly integrated.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, stirring minimally to maintain cookie tenderness and prevent overmixing.
6. Gently mix grated carrots and chopped nuts into the dough, distributing them uniformly throughout the mixture.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie approximately 2 inches apart to allow proper spreading.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes until cookie edges turn golden brown, initially cooling them on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
9. Craft the orange icing by whisking powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and salt, adjusting consistency with additional liquid or sugar as needed.
10. Once cookies have completely cooled, apply the orange icing by drizzling or spreading across the surface.
11. Allow icing to set briefly before serving, presenting a delightful treat with vibrant citrus notes.

Notes

• Choose fresh, organic carrots for the most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness in your cookies.
• Grate carrots finely to ensure they blend seamlessly into the cookie dough without creating chunky textures.
• Swap out nuts for seeds like sunflower or pumpkin if you have nut allergies, maintaining the delightful crunch.
• Reduce sugar content by using alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a healthier twist on the classic recipe.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg