Carrot-Pistachio Cookies

A few years ago, I was rustling through Grandma Clara's recipe box, looking for some inspiration. Grandma's version of "Carrot Cookies" was good, but the recipe needed more color, texture, and zip. The original recipe called for cooking the carrots, which seemed to diminish the carrot flavor. So I used fresh carrot garnishes on top to finish, which makes them bright and colorful for parties and holidays. A bit of flake salt is nice, too.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Calories: 97 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup white sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 ¼ teaspoons sea salt
• ¾ cup finely chopped crystallized ginger
• ¾ cup chopped pistachio nuts
• 1 ¼ cups finely grated carrots

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and place racks in the top and bottom third of the oven. Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2

Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium mixing bowl. Set aside.

Step 3

Combine butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl and beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber scraper, add the egg and vanilla, and continue beating on medium speed for 1 more minute. Add 1 cup of the carrots (reserve the 1/4 cup for garnish), nuts, and ginger, and mix with a wooden spoon.

Step 4

Add 1/2 of the dry ingredients to the large bowl. Mix with the spoon until combined. Add the remaining dry mixture and mix again until fully incorporated. Chill for 20 minutes.

Step 5

Meanwhile, make the icing. Place confectioners' sugar in a small bowl and whisk in water.

Step 6

Using your hands, roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven until edges are golden and set, about 16 minutes. Remove from the oven.

Step 8

Place parchment under two wire racks to catch the icing. Transfer the cookies to the wire racks.

Step 9

Dollop 1/2 teaspoon of icing on top of the cookies while they are still hot. Sprinkle the tops with the remaining carrot, about 1/4 teaspoon on each. Let cool for 10 minutes on the rack. Serve.