Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwiches are a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake, offering a portable and convenient dessert option. These vegan and oil-free cookies are filled with a luscious cream cheese frosting, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a healthier yet indulgent treat.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients:

2 chia eggs (2 tablespoons chia seeds + 6 tablespoons water)
¾ cup grated carrots (packed)
½ cup creamy peanut butter*
⅓ cup pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
¼ cup raisins*

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
¼ cup walnuts
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt

Filling:

⅔ cup plain vegan cream cheese*
⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 to 1½ teaspoons lemon juice (optional)

Directions

Prepare the chia egg: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of chia seeds with 6 tablespoons of water. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes to thicken.
Process dry ingredients: In a food processor, blend 1 cup of rolled oats until they reach a flour-like consistency. Add walnuts and pulse until chopped but not too fine. Transfer this mixture to a large bowl and add the remaining rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add grated carrots, creamy peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, raisins, and the prepared chia egg to the dry ingredient mixture. Mix until well incorporated. Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.
Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, whisk together all filling ingredients until smooth. Start with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and adjust to taste. Transfer the filling to a piping bag and refrigerate.
Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
Shape the cookies: Using a tablespoon-sized scooper, form 1-tablespoon portions of dough into balls. Flatten each ball to about ⅓-inch thick and place on the baking sheet, leaving about ½-inch between cookies.
Bake the cookies: Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the bottoms are browned. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Assemble the sandwiches: Once the cookies have cooled, pipe the filling onto the bottom side of a cookie and top with another cookie, gently twisting to secure. Repeat with remaining cookies.

Nutrients

Each sandwich cookie provides approximately:

Calories: 200
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 125mg
Total Carbohydrates: 25g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 5g

Why Choose Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwiches?

Carrot cake is often considered a decadent dessert, with its rich frosting and layers of sweetened cake. But while it may be delicious, traditional carrot cake can be heavy on sugar and fat, especially when made with dairy and oils. The Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwiches offer a lighter, healthier alternative that still delivers all the flavors of the classic dessert.

Made with wholesome ingredients like gluten-free oats, chia seeds, and pure maple syrup, these cookie sandwiches cater to various dietary needs while offering a tasty treat that won’t leave you feeling overly stuffed or sluggish. The cookies themselves are tender and chewy, while the cream cheese filling is smooth and indulgent, without being overly sweet or heavy.

The Benefits of Using Vegan and Oil-Free Ingredients

One of the standout features of this recipe is that it’s completely vegan and oil-free, making it suitable for those who follow plant-based diets or are simply looking for healthier options. Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of the ingredients used in this recipe.

Chia Eggs: Chia seeds are used as a replacement for eggs in this recipe. When mixed with water, they form a gel-like consistency that binds ingredients together in the same way eggs would. Chia seeds are packed with nutrients, including fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. They are also known for their ability to promote heart health and support digestive function.
Gluten-Free Rolled Oats: These oats provide a wholesome base for the cookies. Not only are they naturally gluten-free, but they are also rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Oats have been shown to help reduce cholesterol levels, stabilize blood sugar, and support healthy digestion.
Peanut Butter: Instead of butter or oil, this recipe uses creamy peanut butter to give the cookies their moist texture. Peanut butter is an excellent source of healthy fats and protein, making these cookies a more satiating option than traditional ones. Plus, it adds a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the carrots and spices.
Maple Syrup: As a natural sweetener, pure maple syrup is a great alternative to refined sugars. It contains essential nutrients like manganese, zinc, and antioxidants, making it a healthier option for sweetening the cookies.
Vegan Cream Cheese: The creamy filling in the middle of these cookies is made with vegan cream cheese and powdered sugar, creating a rich and indulgent texture without any dairy. Vegan cream cheese is typically made from plant-based ingredients, like nuts or soy, providing a similar flavor and consistency to traditional cream cheese but without any animal products.

Flavorful and Wholesome Ingredients

The combination of cinnamon, raisins, and walnuts in the cookie dough provides the same warm, comforting flavor profile that you would expect from a classic carrot cake. The addition of grated carrots gives the cookies a sweet, slightly earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the cream cheese filling.

The lemon juice or apple cider vinegar adds a subtle tang to the dough, enhancing the overall flavor of the cookies. Meanwhile, the optional raisins offer natural sweetness and chewiness, while walnuts add a crunchy contrast that elevates the texture of the cookie.

How to Enjoy Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwiches

These cookie sandwiches are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a snack to enjoy with your afternoon tea, a dessert to bring to a gathering, or something to satisfy your sweet cravings, these cookies are sure to delight.

For Breakfast or a Snack: These cookies can easily be enjoyed as a wholesome breakfast option or snack. Their balance of fiber, healthy fats, and protein makes them a filling and nutritious treat that can fuel your morning or provide an energy boost in the afternoon.
For Parties and Gatherings: Carrot cake is always a crowd-pleaser, and these cookie sandwiches take the classic dessert to a whole new level of portability. They are easy to serve and make for an impressive addition to any party or gathering.
For Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or special celebration, these carrot cake cookie sandwiches are a delightful and healthier alternative to traditional cakes and pastries. Their vibrant color and unique flavor make them a memorable treat for any occasion.

Conclusion: A Healthier Twist on a Classic Favorite

In conclusion, Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwiches offer a healthier, vegan-friendly alternative to the classic carrot cake, providing all the flavors and textures you love with a more wholesome twist. These cookies are packed with nutrients from ingredients like chia seeds, gluten-free oats, and pure maple syrup, making them a nutritious option for those looking to indulge in a sweet treat without the guilt.

The cookies are perfectly soft and chewy, while the creamy vegan cream cheese filling adds a luscious touch of sweetness that will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re following a vegan or gluten-free diet, or simply seeking a healthier dessert option, these Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwiches are the perfect addition to your recipe collection.

So, next time you’re craving something sweet but want to stick to wholesome ingredients, give these carrot cake cookie sandwiches a try. They’re a simple, satisfying treat that’s sure to impress both your taste buds and your health-conscious side.

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