Carrot Cookies

These soft carrot cookies are lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg and flavored with fresh orange zest. Add raisins or nuts if desired, or frost the tops for a sweeter treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened OR 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup brown sugar
• Zest of 3 large oranges or 2 tablespoons orange extract
• 1 egg
• 4 carrots, grated
• 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour OR 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour plus 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup raisins or chopped nuts, optional
• Frosting, optional

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Grate the carrots and orange zest.
3. Place butter or oil, brown sugar, egg, orange zest, and grated carrots in a mixing bowl.
4. Mix until combined.
5. Add all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
6. Stir until a soft cookie dough forms.
7. Add raisins or chopped nuts if desired.
8. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
9. Bake 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
10. Cool completely.
11. Eat plain or frost the tops if desired.