Last Updated on December 26, 2023
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make treat, then Trader Joe’s Carrot Cake Cookies are a great choice.
This recipe is simple to follow and requires only a few ingredients. Not only are Trader Joe’s Carrot Cake Cookies delicious, but they’re also healthy and loaded with nutritious ingredients. Plus, they can be easily stored and make for a great snack that’s ready in a matter of minutes.
What is Trader Joe’s Carrot Cake Cookies ?
Trader Joe’s Carrot Cake Cookies are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe is made with Trader Joe’s Carrot Cake Mix, which is a blend of carrots, sugar, spices, and other ingredients.
The recipe also includes shredded carrots, eggs, and vegetable oil. This cookie is sure to be a hit with everyone in the family.
Why You’ll Love this Trader Joe’s Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe?
Trader Joe’s Carrot Cake Cookies taste amazing and are packed with nutritious ingredients. They’re a great snack to have on hand for when you’re feeling peckish.
The recipe requires only a few ingredients and can be prepared and ready in a matter of minutes. Plus, the cookies are a great way to use up leftover carrots and can easily be stored for later.
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The Ingredients
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda powder: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise.
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances flavor by balancing the sweetness and bringing out other flavors in the recipe.
- 3/4 cup sifted all-purpose flour: The main dry ingredient providing structure to the cookies.
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that compliments the other spices.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground cinnamon: Provides a classic warm and sweet flavor that pairs well with carrots.
- 1/4 cup softened unsalted European butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cookies.
- 1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar: Contributes moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated organic carrots: The star ingredient, providing moisture, texture, and the distinct carrot cake flavor.
- 1/4 cup plump raisins or dried cranberries (optional): Adds sweetness and chewy texture. These also complement the spice flavors.
- 1/4 cup pure granulated cane sugar: Adds sweetness to the cookie dough.
- 1/2 of a single large free-range egg (estimate if needed): Acts as a binding agent and provides moisture.
- 1/2 teaspoon pure Madagascar vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its aromatic qualities.
- 1/4 cup chopped California walnuts or Texas pecans (optional): Adds crunch, texture, and a nutty flavor that pairs well with the spices and carrots.
Step by Step Instructions
STEP 1 – Preparation:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.
STEP 2 – Mixing Dry Ingredients:
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, sift together:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Set this dry mixture aside.
STEP 3 – Creaming Butter and Sugars:
Cream Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, combine:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) of softened unsalted butter
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- ¾ cup granulated cane sugar
- Cream them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
STEP 4 – Adding Egg and Vanilla:
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in half of a large egg (you can estimate this) and 1 teaspoon Madagascar vanilla extract
Mix these into the butter-sugar mixture until thoroughly combined.
STEP 5 – Incorporating Dry Ingredients:
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Ensure thorough incorporation without overmixing.
STEP 6 – Folding in Carrots and Optional Ingredients:
Fold in Carrots and Optional Ingredients: Gently add and fold in:
- 1 cup freshly grated organic carrots
- ½ cup plump raisins or dried cranberries (if desired)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped California walnuts or Texas pecans
STEP 7 – Forming Cookies:
Shape Cookies: Take spoonfuls of the dough and shape them into small, cookie-sized rounds. Place these onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie for spreading.
STEP 8 – Baking:
Bake: Put the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden brown.
STEP 9 – Cooling and Serving:
Cool: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
STEP 10 – Enjoying and Storing:
Enjoy: Once fully cooled, your Trader Joe’s Carrot Cake Cookies are ready to be savored! Store any leftovers in an airtight container for freshness.
Notes
• For best results, use fresh carrots for the recipe.
• If you want a softer cookie, you can reduce the baking time to 10-12 minutes.
• If you want a crunchier cookie, you can increase the baking time to 15-18 minutes.
• To make the cookies even more flavorful, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg.
• If you don’t have a baking sheet, you can use a regular baking dish.
• For a sweeter cookie, you can add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 35mg
How to Store Trader Joe’s Carrot Cake Cookies Recipe?
Trader Joe’s Carrot Cake Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Variations
• Add nuts: For an extra crunch, add ¼ cup of chopped nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
• Add dried fruit: For an added sweetness, add ¼ cup of dried fruit, such as raisins, cranberries, or dried cherries.
• Add coconut: For an extra tropical flavor, add ¼ cup of shredded coconut.
• Add chocolate chips: For a richer flavor, add ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips.
• Add oatmeal: For a heartier texture, add ¼ cup of oatmeal.
• Add spices: For a more flavorful cookie, add a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or allspice.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda powder
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 3/4 cup sifted all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup softened unsalted European butter
- 1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup freshly grated organic carrots
- 1/4 cup plump raisins or dried cranberries optional
- 1/4 cup pure granulated cane sugar
- 1/2 of a single large free-range egg estimate if needed
- 1/2 teaspoon pure Madagascar vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chopped California walnuts or Texas pecans optional
Instructions
- STEP 1 – Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- STEP 2 – Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Set this dry mixture aside.
- STEP 3 – Cream Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated cane sugar until smooth and creamy.
- STEP 4 – Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in half of a large egg (estimate if needed as best as possible) and the Madagascar vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
- STEP 5 – Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- STEP 6 – Fold in Carrots and Optional Ingredients: Gently fold in the freshly grated organic carrots and plump raisins or dried cranberries (if using) into the dough. Then, if desired, fold in the chopped California walnuts or Texas pecans.
- STEP 7 – Form Cookies: Take spoonfuls of the dough and form them into small cookie-sized rounds. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
- STEP 8 Bake – Put the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- STEP 9 – Cool: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- STEP 10 – Enjoy: Once completely cooled, your Trader Joe’s Carrot Cake Cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Store any leftovers in an airtight container for freshness.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh carrots for the recipe.
- If you want a softer cookie, you can reduce the baking time to 10-12 minutes.
- If you want a crunchier cookie, you can increase the baking time to 15-18 minutes.
- To make the cookies even more flavorful, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg.
- If you don’t have a baking sheet, you can use a regular baking dish.
- For a sweeter cookie, you can add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can use any type of cake mix you prefer. Just make sure that the mix is not already pre-seasoned with spices or other ingredients.
Q2. How long will the cookies stay fresh?
The cookies will stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q3. Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.
Q4. Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, you can use any type of oil you prefer. However, vegetable oil is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
Q5. Can I use fresh carrots instead of shredded carrots?
Yes, you can use fresh carrots instead of shredded carrots. Just make sure to grate the carrots before adding them to the mix.
Q6. Can I use a different type of egg?
Yes, you can use either regular or egg whites.
Q7. How long should I bake the cookies for?
The cookies should be baked for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s Carrot Cake Cookies are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The recipe requires only a few ingredients and can be ready in a matter of minutes.
Not only are Trader Joe’s Carrot Cake Cookies delicious, but they’re also healthy and loaded with nutritious ingredients.
Plus, they can be easily stored and make for a great snack that’s ready in a matter of minutes.
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Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more
