Orange Carrot Cookies

The second dessert I've made in the last couple of weeks where the main flavor was a vegetable, and again I was overly happy with the end result.  These cookies also have an orange flavor due to the frosting.  I will warn you they are very addicting and don't take the place of eating an actual carrot.  It is easy to convince yourself it's better than chocolate though, because it is! 

The day before I made the cookies, I cooked and mashed two cups of carrots.  I used around a full bag of carrots, and had just the right amount.  If you do the right before making the actual cookies, make sure the mashed carrots are completely cooled.

Cream the sugar, butter and eggs together.

Add the cooled carrots and mix well.

Add the flour, baking powder and salt.  Mix well.

Add the vanilla extract and 2 teaspoons of orange extract and stir until well combined.

Using an ice cream scoop, put balls of dough on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.  Bake for 10-12 minutes at 375 degrees F.  Remove from the cookie sheet and let cool on a wire rack.

While the cookies are baking, start the frosting.  Cream powdered sugar, butter and milk together.  Start with a small amount of milk and work your way up to your desired consistency. Add the orange extract and the orange food coloring and mix well.

Frost the cooled cookies.  These were so delicious, and different.  I'm always looking for unique cookie recipes so I can have a change on my pallet every once and while and these definitely did the trick.  Holiday treat time is upon us, and these would be a great addition to your lineup.

Orange Carrot Cookies

Adapted from Tablespoon

1 1/2 cups white sugar

1 1/2 cups butter

2 eggs

2 cups mashed cooked carrots

4 cups flour

4 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 teaspoons orange extract, divided

2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup butter (softened)

4 tablespoons milk

orange food coloring 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. 

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Cream sugar, butter and eggs together.

Add cooled carrots and mix well.

Add the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Add the vanilla extract and 2 teaspoons of the orange extract and combine well.

Spoon onto cookie sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Remove from the cookie sheet and let cool on a wire rack.

For frosting: cream powdered sugar, butter and milk together.  

Add the remaining 1 teaspoon orange extract and orange food coloring and mix well.

Frost cooled cookies and enjoy.