Carrot Cookies- Happy Birthday Beatrix Potter

On July 28, 1866, the creator of one of the most endearing, and enduring, children’s book characters, was born. Beatrix Potter originally wrote The Tale of Peter Rabbit as a letter to the young son of her former governess and was told it would make a wonderful children's book. After being rejected by a handful of publishers, she self-published the story of the mischievous young bunny and his narrow escape from Mr. McGregor's garden. Potter went on to write and illustrate more than 30 books about the adventures of other animals, including badgers, ducks, kittens, and pigs, but Peter, in his little blue coat and shoes, is her best-loved character.

In honor of Beatrix Potter's birthday, here is a recipe for something Peter might like; carrot cookies. Mildly sweet and cakey, they puff up when baking but do not lose their shape. They wear a coat of cream cheese frosting.

Ann
Ann Clark, Ltd.

Carrot Cookies
Makes about 18

This recipe makes soft, but not sticky, dough. Be sure to transfer the shapes carefully to the cookie sheets so they do not stretch.

Peel, slice, and steam until tender:
12 ounces carrots

Let cool, then process until smooth. You should have about 1 cup. Add and process:
1/2 cup unsalted, butter, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar

Add and process until smooth:
1 large egg

Add and process just until incorporated:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup whole-wheat flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill at least 1 hour. Preheat oven to 350º. Roll dough out on a lightly floured counter to 1/4-inch thickness and cut with your favorite Ann Clark cookie cutters, then transfer cookies onto cookie sheets that have been lined with parchment paper or silicone liners. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until lightly colored. Let cookies cool slightly on cookie sheets, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating with Cream Cheese Frosting, below.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat 6 ounces cream cheese with 6 tablespoons softened unsalted butter until smooth and light. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla and mix to incorporate. Add 2 cups confectioners' sugar and beat until smooth.

My favorite shapes for Carrot Cookies include the Rabbit cookie cutters, the Watering Can cookie cutter, and the Tulip cookie cutter.