Carrot Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect balance of healthy and indulgent. With the goodness of whole wheat flour, oats, and carrots, they’re a nourishing snack that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Sweetened with pure maple syrup and enhanced with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, these cookies are soft, chewy, and utterly delicious. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for any time of the day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Carrot Oatmeal Cookies are a great way to enjoy a sweet treat while still getting some wholesome ingredients. The carrots provide a burst of natural sweetness, while the oats add a hearty, chewy texture. The blend of spices gives them a cozy, comforting flavor, making them ideal for both snack time and dessert. With the option to add chopped nuts or golden raisins, you can easily customize these cookies to your liking. They’re a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Ingredients

1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
¾ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground ginger
1 large egg
½ cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup (lightly packed) grated carrots
Chopped nuts or golden raisins (optional – See Note below)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and set the oven rack in the middle. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, then add the maple syrup, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Pour the oat mixture into the wet ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to fold them together until the oats and flour are thoroughly moistened. Stir in the grated carrots.
Use a medium cookie scoop or 1 ½ tablespoons of batter per cookie. Drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently push any loose bits of carrots or oats into the cookies.
Using the bottom of a measuring cup, lightly flatten each cookie until they’re about ½-inch thick. If the measuring cup sticks, lightly coat it with cooking spray.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies firm up. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Repeat the process with the second batch of cookies.
Cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They’re even better cold!

Servings and Timing

Servings: About 20 cookies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Add-ins: Feel free to add in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or golden raisins for extra flavor and texture.
Vegan Option: You can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan-friendly version.
Spices: Experiment with other spices, such as cardamom or allspice, to create your own flavor twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days.
Reheating: For a warm treat, pop the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. They are also delicious cold!

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats as well.

2. Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Yes, honey can be used in place of maple syrup. However, it may slightly alter the flavor of the cookies.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.

4. How do I get the cookies to be soft?

To keep the cookies soft, make sure not to over-bake them. They should be slightly firm when you take them out of the oven but will continue to firm up as they cool.

5. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

6. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure the dough is thick enough before placing it on the cookie sheet. Flattening the cookies gently with a measuring cup will also help them maintain their shape.

7. Can I use a different sweetener?

You can substitute the maple syrup with other sweeteners like agave or stevia, but the flavor and texture may vary.

8. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

Yes, chocolate chips are a great addition to these cookies if you want a sweet and indulgent twist.

9. How can I make these cookies more flavorful?

You can experiment with adding orange zest or a splash of maple extract for extra depth of flavor.

10. Can I make these cookies larger or smaller?

Absolutely! Adjust the size of your cookies by using a larger or smaller scoop, but be mindful of adjusting the baking time as well.

Conclusion

Carrot Oatmeal Cookies are a fantastic, wholesome treat that offers a sweet, spiced flavor and chewy texture. With the goodness of oats, carrots, and warm spices, they’re a perfect snack or dessert that satisfies both your craving for something sweet and your need for nourishment. Whether you enjoy them right out of the fridge or warmed up with a cup of tea, these cookies will become a favorite in no time!