These are a mix between a cookie and a cake-thus the name carrot cake cookies. The chai seasoning and 5 spice powder jazz up the traditional carrot cake flavor, while the orange cream cheese frosting contributes a refreshing summer time vibe. I actually love these plain as well. In the fall I like to add apple butter to the frosting to reflect the season. These cookies use wholesome ingredients--almond butter, spelt, dates, maple, carrots, and plant milk-so you can enjoy a treat that your body enjoys as well.
Makes about 15 cookies
Ingredients:
Dry
1 cup spelt flour
2 tbsp ground chia seed
2 tsp chai seasoning (I used this one)
1/2 tsp 5 spice powder (I used this one)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
Wet
4 Medjool dates (about 1/2 cup), soaked in hot/boiling water
1/4 cup creamy almond butter
3 tbsp maple syrup
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 tbsp plant milk
1 tsp cider vinegar
Other
1 cup grated carrots (about 3)
Optional: top frosted cookies with toasted coconut flakes.
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Soak dates in hot water (boiling) for at least 10-15 minutes.
Mix dry ingredients together in a small bowl.
Drain the dates and place them in a Cuisinart or food processor along with all the other wet ingredients. Blend until creamy.
Add the dry ingredients and blend until just mixed. (If the dough looks too dry and crumbly add another tbsp of plant milk.) Pulse or stir in the grated carrots.
Use a cookie scooper to place dough onto a parchment lined cookie tray. Lightly press the tops with moistened fingers to flatten slightly.
Cook for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a cooling rack.
Ice or drizzle the cookies with either the citrus chai cream cheese frosting or the apple butter cream cheese frosting. Or leave them plain-they are delicious either way!
Citrus Chai Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 8 oz carton Kite Hill cream cheese
3/4 cup (or more to taste) sifted Lakanto powdered sugar (sub regular powdered sugar)
Zest from one orange
1 tbsp fresh orange juice
1/2 tsp orange extract
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp chai seasoning
Pinch of salt
Beat all the above items together with hand-held beaters/mixer until creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Apple Butter Cream Cheese Icing:
1 8 oz carton Kite Hill cream cheese
3/4 cup (or more to taste) sifted Lakanto powdered sugar (sub regular powdered sugar)
1/3 cup apple butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp chai seasoning
Pinch of salt
Beat all of the above ingredients until creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
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