By the end of the day, I knew I should go to the gym, but I was exhausted. I know better than to go to the gym when I’m overtired. I end up doing a pathetic workout and feeling like crap rather than energized. Boo.
So I skipped and baked instead. This makes total sense, right? I decided to leave my gym clothes on and get in the kitchen!
The dough was so good, I didn’t really want to bake it. I just kept looking at it.
And then I ate some.
And some more. Even though it looks like I’m kissing the dough…
I present to you…
Carrot Cake Cookies!
adapted from the Brown Eyed Baker
Yield: 18 cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. ground ginger
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup raisins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
1. Preheat oven to 375*.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, ginger and cinnamon.
3. With a stand or hand mixer, beat the butter on medium speed for 1 minute. Add sugars and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and beat for another minute. Slowly stir in the flour mixture until just incorporated. Carefully mix in the carrots, coconut, raisins and walnuts.
4. Spoon cookie dough onto a baking sheets. Baking for 15-18 minutes or until slightly browned.
These cookies are tender but full of texture from the carrots, coconut, raisins and walnuts. They taste very similar to carrot cake, but almost in soft muffin-cookie form. I used much less butter than the original recipe which made my cookies softer. If you’d like a crumbly cookie, use the original recipe.
While I was baking, Santo sent me a message saying I needed to meet him later to pick up my birthday present. I love experimenting with new cookies and Santo is my go-to cookie taster! He is always honest and I’m glad to provide him with sugar. He’s such a great friend – it’s the least I can do!
Now my present from Santo…oh my goodness, another pickle present!
Not only do these say “Tickle my pickle” but they glow in the dark. Hahahaha.
I must admit, if I met a guy and he wore these, I’d be a tad bit concerned, wouldn’t you? However, rolled over 3 times and worn by me, they are pretty stinkin’ cute!
Ignore the rather large bruises. I am a clumsy mess.
Thanks Santo!!
