Spiced Carrot Cake Cookies (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base

01 - 1 large egg
02 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
03 - ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
04 - ¼ cup granulated sugar
05 - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
06 - 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
07 - 1 teaspoon allspice
08 - ¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - ½ teaspoon ground cloves
10 - pinch salt, optional and to taste
11 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
12 - 1 cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats (not instant or quick cook)
13 - ½ teaspoon baking soda

→ Add-ins

14 - ¾ heaping cup grated carrots, loosely packed
15 - ½ to ⅔ cup butterscotch chips or white chocolate chips (optional)
16 - ½ cup raisins or nuts (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or large mixing bowl with hand mixer), combine the egg, butter, sugars, and vanilla. Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
02 - Stop, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and add the cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, and optional salt. Beat momentarily to incorporate.
03 - Add the flour, oats, and baking soda, and beat until just combined, less than 1 minute.
04 - Add the carrots and beat to incorporate, about 30 seconds. Then add the optional butterscotch chips and raisins, beating for about 30 seconds to incorporate.
05 - Using a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons) or your hands, scoop out mounds of dough and place them on a large plate. Flatten mounds just slightly with heel of your hand. Cover plate with plastic wrap and refrigerate dough for at least 3 hours, up to 5 days, before baking.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2 baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper. Space dough 2 inches apart (8 per tray) and bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until tops have just set, even if slightly underbaked and glossy in the center.
07 - Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before removing and transferring to a rack to finish cooling completely.

# Notes:

01 - Dough must be chilled before baking or cookies will spread dramatically.
02 - Cookies firm up as they cool, so slightly underbaking ensures a chewy texture.
03 - For best results, rotate baking sheets halfway through baking time.

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