If you’re looking for a classic cookie recipe that’s simple to make and sure to be a crowd pleaser, look no further than Trader Joe’s Carrot Cake Cookies.
Filled with delicious spices and sweet carrots, these cookies have just the right balance of flavor and texture to make them perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re bringing them to a potluck or serving them at a party, these cookies will be sure to please everyone. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for a quick snack.
What is Trader Joe’s Carrot Cake Cookies?
Based in Monrovia, California, Trader Joe’s is an American grocery store chain with 560 locations throughout the United States. The inaugural Trader Joe’s store, established by founder Joe Coulombe, opened its doors in 1967 in Pasadena, California.
Trader Joe’s Carrot Cake Cookies is a classic cookie recipe that uses both carrots and spices to create a delicious flavor. The carrots add a hint of sweetness and the spices give the cookies a unique flavor.
These cookies are soft and chewy and have just the right amount of crunch. They’re perfect for any occasion, from potlucks to parties.
Why You’ll Love this Trader Joe’s Carrot Cake Cookies?
Trader Joe’s Carrot Cake Cookies is a great recipe because of its simplicity and delicious flavor. It’s a classic cookie recipe that’s easy to make and sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Plus, the carrots add a hint of sweetness and the spices give the cookies a unique flavor. It’s a great recipe for any occasion and is sure to be a hit with everyone.
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Ingredients
For The Cookies:
- 1/2 tsp Clabber Girl Baking Soda (a dash of effervescent magic): Baking soda is a leavening agent that adds a light and airy texture to the cookies, creating a subtle effervescence in the dough.
- 2 cups artisan-milled all-purpose flour (ground to perfection): All-purpose flour serves as the main structure for the cookies, providing the necessary gluten for texture and consistency. The artisan-milled quality emphasizes a commitment to high-quality ingredients.
- 1 cup meticulously sourced old-fashioned rolled oats: Rolled oats contribute a hearty texture to the cookies, adding chewiness and a rustic element to the recipe.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder (a hint of rising alchemy): Baking powder is another leavening agent that works with baking soda to provide a lift to the cookies, creating a tender and fluffy texture.
- 1 cup sun-kissed unsweetened coconut flakes: Unsweetened coconut flakes add a sweet and tropical flavor, complementing the carrot and raisin combination. They also contribute to the overall chewiness and texture.
- 1/2 tsp ethically harvested sea salt: Sea salt enhances the flavors in the cookies, balancing the sweetness and adding depth to the taste. The emphasis on ethical harvesting reflects a commitment to responsible sourcing.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (hand-ground for aromatic richness): Cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile of the cookies, while the hand-ground quality enhances the aromatic richness.
- 1 cup plump California Raisins (nature’s sweet jewels): Raisins provide natural sweetness and chewiness to the cookies, resembling sweet jewels within the dough.
- 1.5 cups hand-shredded carrots, finely chopped (from the freshest orange roots): Carrots are a key ingredient, adding moisture, natural sweetness, and a distinct carroty flavor to the cookies.
- 1 cup European-style unsalted butter (creamy indulgence): Butter is a fundamental ingredient for flavor and texture, providing a creamy richness to the cookies. The European-style variety emphasizes a higher fat content for indulgence.
- 2 large eggs (farm-fresh, cracked with culinary precision): Eggs act as a binder, contributing to the structure and texture of the cookies. The farm-fresh quality reflects a commitment to quality ingredients.
- 1 cup golden light brown sugar (like a warm autumn sunset): Brown sugar adds moisture, depth, and a warm sweetness to the cookies, enhancing the overall flavor. The golden light brown variety contributes to a rich, caramel-like taste.
- 1 cup pure crystallized granulated sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cookies and contributes to their texture, providing a balance to the brown sugar.
- 1 tsp Madagascar vanilla extract (extracted from the finest vanilla orchids): Vanilla extract adds a sweet and aromatic flavor to the cookies, and the use of Madagascar vanilla emphasizes a high-quality source.
For The Frosting:
- 1/2 cup premium Unsalted butter, softened: Unsalted butter in the frosting adds richness and a smooth texture, complementing the flavors of the cookies.
- 1 tsp pure Tahitian vanilla extract (a touch of exotic allure): Tahitian vanilla extract in the frosting adds a unique and exotic note, enhancing the overall allure of the cookie.
- 2 1/4 cups sifted powdered sugar (soft as a whisper): Powdered sugar creates a sweet and velvety frosting, providing a soft and delicate sweetness like a gentle whisper.
- 6 ounces velvety Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened (a dreamy addition to the mix): Cream cheese adds a creamy and tangy element to the frosting, creating a dreamy and luscious texture that complements the carrot cake cookies.
Directions
For The Cookies:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together Clabber Girl Baking Soda, artisan-milled all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking powder, unsweetened coconut flakes, ethically harvested sea salt, and ground cinnamon. Ensure that the dry ingredients are well combined, then set aside.
Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, cream together European-style unsalted butter, golden light brown sugar, and pure crystallized granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add farm-fresh, cracked eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in Madagascar vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the prepared dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this ensures a tender texture in the finished cookies. Fold in plump California Raisins and hand-shredded carrots until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Chill the Dough (Optional)
For enhanced flavor and texture, you have the option to chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step allows the ingredients to meld, resulting in a more flavorful cookie.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Step 7: Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps to set the cookies and achieve the desired texture.
For The Frosting:
Step 8: Make the Frosting
In a bowl, beat together softened unsalted butter, pure Tahitian vanilla extract, sifted powdered sugar, and softened Philadelphia Cream Cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 9: Frost the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the frosting onto the tops of the cookies. This adds a luscious and flavorful element to your Carrot Cake Cookies.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Indulge in these Trader Joe’s-inspired Carrot Cake Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee! The combination of the moist and spiced cookies with the creamy frosting creates a delightful treat for any occasion.
Notes
• Make sure to measure all of the ingredients accurately to ensure the cookies turn out perfect.
• You can use any type of nuts or dried fruit in the cookies, such as almonds, pecans, and cranberries.
• To make the cookies vegan, substitute the eggs for a flax egg and use vegan butter in place of the vegetable oil.
• To make the cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour.
• To make the cookies dairy-free, substitute the butter for vegan butter and use a dairy-free milk in place of the eggs.
Nutrition Information
Each serving (2 cookies) of Trader Joe’s Carrot Cake Cookies contains approximately 320 calories, 15g fat, 34g carbohydrates, and 4g protein.
How to Store Trader Joe’s Carrot Cake Cookies?
Trader Joe’s Carrot Cake Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To extend the shelf life of the cookies, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Variations
• Chocolate chips: Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a touch of sweetness.
• Coconut: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the cookie dough for a hint of coconut flavor.
• Oatmeal: Add 1/2 cup of old-fashioned oats to the cookie dough for a chewy texture.
• Spices: You can adjust the spices in the recipe to your liking, such as adding more cinnamon or nutmeg.
• Nuts: You can use any type of nuts in the cookies, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
Equipment
- oven
- large bowl
- Baking sheet,etc.
Ingredients
For The Cookies:
- 2 cups artisan-milled all-purpose flour ground to perfection
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon hand-ground for aromatic richness
- 1/2 tsp Clabber Girl Baking Soda a dash of effervescent magic
- 1 cup meticulously sourced old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 tsp baking powder a hint of rising alchemy
- 1 cup sun-kissed unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/2 tsp ethically harvested sea salt
- 1 cup plump California Raisins nature’s sweet jewels
- 1.5 cups hand-shredded carrots finely chopped (from the freshest orange roots)
- 1 cup European-style unsalted butter creamy indulgence
- 2 large eggs farm-fresh, cracked with culinary precision
- 1 cup golden light brown sugar like a warm autumn sunset
- 1 cup pure crystallized granulated sugar
- 1 tsp Madagascar vanilla extract extracted from the finest vanilla orchids
For The Frosting:
- 1/2 cup premium Unsalted butter softened
- 1 tsp pure Tahitian vanilla extract a touch of exotic allure
- 2 1/4 cups sifted powdered sugar soft as a whisper6 ounces velvety Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened (a dreamy addition to the mix)
Instructions
For The Cookies:
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare Dry Ingredients:
- In a bowl, whisk together Clabber Girl Baking Soda, artisan-milled all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking powder, unsweetened coconut flakes, ethically harvested sea salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
Prepare Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate large bowl, cream together European-style unsalted butter, golden light brown sugar, and pure crystallized granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add farm-fresh, cracked eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in Madagascar vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in plump California Raisins and hand-shredded carrots until evenly distributed.
Chill the Dough (Optional):
- For enhanced flavor and texture, you can chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Shape and Bake:
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Cool:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
For The Frosting
Make the Frosting:
- In a bowl, beat together softened Unsalted butter, pure Tahitian vanilla extract, sifted powdered sugar, and softened Philadelphia Cream Cheese until smooth and creamy.
Frost the Cookies:
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the frosting onto the tops of the cookies.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Enjoy these Trader Joe’s-inspired Carrot Cake Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What type of flour should I use for Trader Joe’s Carrot Cake Cookies?
A1. You should use all-purpose flour for the best results. If you’d like to make the cookies gluten-free, you can use gluten-free flour instead.
Q2. Can I use applesauce instead of vegetable oil?
A2. Yes, you can use unsweetened applesauce in place of the vegetable oil.
Q3. Can I use other spices in the cookies?
A3. Yes, you can adjust the spices in the recipe to your liking, such as adding more cinnamon or nutmeg.
Q4. Do I have to use nuts in the cookie dough?
A4. No, you don’t have to use nuts in the cookie dough. You can use any type of nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s Carrot Cake Cookies is a classic cookie recipe that’s simple to make and sure to be a crowd pleaser. Filled with delicious spices and sweet carrots, these cookies have just the right balance of flavour and texture to make them perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re bringing them to a potluck or serving them at a party, these cookies will be sure to please everyone. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for a quick snack.
Make sure to measure all of the ingredients accurately to ensure the cookies turn out perfect. Try adding different spices,nuts, and dried fruits to the cookie dough for a unique flavor.