Christmas Cookies-Single Batch
Festive and flavorful, these spiced carrot cookies with coconut and nuts are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat, offering a delightful combination of sweetness and warmth.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1 cup powdered sugar ⓘ
- 2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded carrots ⓘ
- 1-7 oz package coconut ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped nuts ⓘ
- 2 cups unsifted flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and powdered sugar.
- Add the egg, milk, and vanilla; mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
- Stir in the shredded carrots, coconut, and chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13 inch pan.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. If you want to enhance the flavor, add a teaspoon of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon. You can also replace the chopped nuts with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option that still adds crunch.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas cookies are delightful on their own, but you can also serve them with a glass of milk or a warm cup of spiced tea for a cozy treat. They pair beautifully with Apricot Trifle for a festive dessert spread. Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Cookies-Single Batch contains roughly 836 calories, with 11g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (158% of the Daily Value), potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 535mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture might be denser. Start with a 50% substitution and see how you like the results. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly due to the absorbency of whole wheat flour.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To give your cookies a festive twist, try adding red and green sprinkles or using holiday-themed cookie cutters. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decorative touch that enhances their holiday appeal.
What can I substitute for shortening?
If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. Both will impart a rich flavor and slightly different texture, so choose based on your preference for taste and dietary needs.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).