Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
1/ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2/ In a medium-sized bowl, combine the grated carrots, rolled oats, almond flour, coconut sugar, shredded coconut, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking soda. Mix until evenly distributed.
3/ In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
4/ Allow the dough to rest for 5 minutes, letting the oats absorb some of the moisture.
2. Shape and Bake the Cookies
1/ Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie and roll into balls. Flatten slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon to create uniform cookies.
2/ Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them.
3/ Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The cookies will be soft but will firm up as they cool.
4/ Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
3. Prepare the Cream Filling
1/ While the cookies are cooling, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2/ Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and fluffy. If you prefer a lighter filling, you can fold in a small amount of whipped cream.
4. Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
1/ Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe about 1 tablespoon of the cream filling onto the flat side of one cookie.
2/ Top with another cookie, pressing gently to create a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling.
Tips for Success
1/ Make It Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and left to sit for 5 minutes).
2/ Add Texture: Fold in chopped walnuts or raisins for a more textured cookie.
3/ Storage: Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Carrot Cake Cookies are a delightful way to enjoy the classic flavors of carrot cake in a compact, easy-to-serve form. Their soft texture, wholesome ingredients, and creamy filling make them a standout dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing these cookies with friends or savoring them as a treat for yourself, they are sure to bring smiles all around. So, gather your ingredients and try this recipe—you’ll be amazed at how quickly these cookies disappear!