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Are you ready to enjoy a delightful treat that combines the warmth of carrot cake with the goodness of oatmeal? In this post, I’ll share my easy recipe for Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies. You’ll learn about the best ingredients to use, simple steps to bake, and tips for perfect texture. Plus, discover fun variations to fit your taste. Let’s get baking and make something delicious together!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Healthy Ingredients: These cookies incorporate wholesome ingredients like oats, whole wheat flour, and grated carrots, making them a nutritious option for snacks or breakfast.
- Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 30 minutes, these cookies are perfect for a last-minute treat, allowing you to enjoy homemade goodness without a long wait.
- Versatile Add-ins: You can customize these cookies with your favorite mix-ins, such as nuts and coconut, tailoring them to your taste preferences.
- Deliciously Spiced: The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg adds a warm and inviting flavor, reminiscent of classic carrot cake, making these cookies irresistible.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients for Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies
To make delicious carrot cake oatmeal cookies, gather these simple ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1 cup whole wheat flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1/3 cup vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
– 1/2 cup raisins
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
Tips for Selecting Quality Ingredients
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference. Here are some tips:
– Rolled oats: Look for whole rolled oats. They should be thick and hearty.
– Flour: Whole wheat flour adds fiber and flavor. Check the expiration date for freshness.
– Spices: Use fresh spices for the best taste. Old spices lose their flavor quickly.
– Sugars: Use packed brown sugar. It adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
– Carrots: Pick fresh carrots. They should be firm and bright in color.
– Raisins: Choose plump raisins. They should not be hard or dry.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap some ingredients for different tastes or needs:
– Flour: Use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat if preferred.
– Oil: Swap vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a unique flavor.
– Sweeteners: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup or honey. Adjust other liquids as needed.
– Applesauce: Use mashed banana for a different twist. It adds a nice flavor.
– Nuts: Omit walnuts if you want a nut-free version.
– Coconut: Leave out shredded coconut if you don’t like it.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir these together until they are well blended. This step is key for a nice cookie texture.
Whisking Wet Ingredients
In a larger bowl, add the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whisk until there are no lumps. Then add the applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy.
Combining Mixtures without Overmixing
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
Adding Carrots and Optional Ingredients
Now, fold in the grated carrots, raisins, walnuts, and coconut if you choose to use them. Gently mix until they are evenly spread through the dough.
Baking and Cooling Process
Use a tablespoon to scoop the dough onto the baking sheet. Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Watch for light golden edges and set centers. After baking, cool the cookies on the sheet for 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious cookies!
Tips & Tricks
How to Ensure Moisture in Cookies
To keep your cookies moist, use unsweetened applesauce. It adds flavor and moisture. Mix it well into the wet ingredients. Avoid overbaking; check for a light golden edge. This ensures a soft center. If you want extra moisture, consider adding a little more applesauce.
Best Practices for Cookie Texture
For the best texture, mix dry and wet ingredients gently. Overmixing will make cookies tough. Leave some lumps in the batter; they create a nice chewy bite. Use whole wheat flour for a heartier cookie. This flour adds fiber and a nutty taste.
Presentation Tips for Serving
Make your cookies look great for serving. Use a colorful plate to display them. Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Arrange cookies in a stack or a circle. Consider adding edible flowers or fresh mint for color. This adds a nice pop and makes them more inviting.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Carrots: For the best flavor and moisture, use freshly grated carrots instead of pre-packaged shredded carrots.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before baking for easier handling.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your cookies by adding other mix-ins like chopped dried fruits, seeds, or different nuts for a unique twist.
- Storage Tips: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer-lasting freshness.

Variations
Nut-Free Option
To make these cookies nut-free, just skip the walnuts. You still get great flavor and texture. If you miss the crunch, try adding more oats or a bit of sunflower seeds. Both options keep the cookies tasty and fun.
Gluten-Free Adaptation
To make these cookies gluten-free, swap whole wheat flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for a mix that includes xantham gum for better texture. You can also use almond flour for a nutty twist. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as gluten-free cookies may bake faster.
Additional Mix-Ins and Flavor Ideas
You can get creative with mix-ins! Try adding chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. Dried cranberries or apricots add a fruity touch. For a spiced kick, toss in some chopped ginger or a dash of cloves. You can even use pumpkin puree instead of applesauce for a fall flavor. The choices are endless, so feel free to experiment!
Storage Info
Best Ways to Store Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies
To keep your carrot cake oatmeal cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This prevents air from making them dry. You can stack the cookies with parchment paper between layers. This way, they won’t stick together. Place the container in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to save some cookies for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once they are hard, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They will stay fresh for up to three months.
Shelf Life and Freshness Tips
These cookies taste best within a week. After that, they may lose some moisture. If stored properly, they can last for up to two weeks at room temperature. To check for freshness, look for any signs of dryness or changes in texture. If they feel too hard, heat them in the microwave for a few seconds. This can help revive their softness.
FAQs
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats. Quick oats will make the cookies softer. They blend into the batter more easily. If you want a chewier texture, stick with rolled oats. They hold their shape better during baking.
How Can I Make These Cookies Vegan?
To make these cookies vegan, replace the applesauce with mashed banana. You can also swap the vegetable oil with coconut oil. Use a vegan sugar to keep it plant-based. Lastly, check that your oats are certified vegan.
What Can I Substitute for Applesauce?
You can use mashed banana or pureed pumpkin. Both options add moisture and sweetness. If you need a lower-sugar option, try unsweetened yogurt. This will also help bind your cookies well.
How to Prevent Cookies from Spreading?
To stop cookies from spreading too much, chill the dough before baking. This helps firm up the fat. Make sure your oven is preheated to the right temperature. Use parchment paper on your baking sheet to give the cookies a good base.
Carrot cake oatmeal cookies combine good taste with simple steps. We covered key ingredients, tips for selecting quality items, and how to substitute them. Next, I shared step-by-step methods for mixing and baking. You also learned tips for moist and well-textured cookies, as well as fun variations. Lastly, I explained the best ways to store and freeze your cookies. By following this guide, you can enjoy delicious cookies anytime. Happy bakin
Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies
Delicious and healthy cookies made with oats, carrots, and spices.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 150 kcal
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 0.33 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 0.5 cup raisins
- 0.5 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 0.25 cup shredded coconut (optional)
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Stir the mixture with a whisk or spoon until well blended, and then set it aside.
In a larger mixing bowl, whisk together the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar until there are no lumps. Then add in the unsweetened applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Carefully pour the dry ingredients mixture into the wet ingredients mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
Incorporate the grated carrots, raisins, chopped walnuts (if using), and shredded coconut (if using) into the dough, folding them in gently until they are evenly dispersed throughout.
Using a tablespoon, scoop out the dough and drop it onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space the dough balls about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown and the centers look set.
Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying.
For an eye-catching presentation, arrange the cookies on a vibrant plate. Optionally, dust them lightly with powdered sugar.
Keyword carrot cake, cookies, dessert, healthy, oatmeal
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