Carrot cookies for kids

Carrot Cookies for Kids – a tender, flavorful delicacy full of goodness! These cookies are not only delicious but also an excellent way to get kids to consume vegetables without realizing it. Perfect for a snack, a quick breakfast, or as dessert at a family meal, these carrot cookies will bring smiles to little faces and spread a delightful aroma throughout the house.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 25-30 cookies

Necessary ingredients:

- 250 g margarine for baking (for a soft and tender texture)
- 2 fresh eggs (for added moisture and flavor)
- 100 g sugar (you can adjust the quantity according to your preferences)
- 100 ml carrot juice (about 2 carrots juiced in a blender)
- 1 packet baking powder (to provide some aeration and volume)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (to activate the baking powder)
- A pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)
- Vanilla essence (to add flavor)
- Flour (approximately 350 g + a few tablespoons for the work surface)
- Chocolate glaze (optional, made from 1 melted milk chocolate bar mixed with 1 tablespoon of butter)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by bringing all the ingredients to room temperature. This step is essential for better homogenization of the mixture.

2. Creating the base: In a large bowl, add the margarine and sugar. Mix well with a whisk or mixer until the mixture becomes creamy and fluffy. This is the moment to incorporate air to achieve tender cookies.

3. Adding eggs and juice: Incorporate the two eggs, carrot juice, vanilla essence, and a pinch of salt. Continue mixing until all ingredients are completely integrated. You will notice the mixture becoming more liquid, but don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal.

4. Activating the baking powder: In a small cup, mix the baking powder with a tablespoon of vinegar. It will start bubbling, which will activate the rising reaction. Add this mixture to the bowl with wet ingredients and mix well.

5. Incorporating flour: Start adding flour gradually, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a spatula or your hands. Continue adding flour until you obtain a dough that is firm yet easy to shape. You may need to use a bit more than 350 g, so don’t hesitate to adjust.

6. Resting the dough: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This step not only helps firm up the dough but also ensures that the cookies hold their shape during baking.

7. Shaping the cookies: After the resting time, take the dough out of the refrigerator and divide it into four portions. On a floured work surface, roll each portion into a sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Use desired shapes or a glass to cut the cookies. Be creative – you can make pumpkins, kittens, or even owls!

8. Decorations: Use a knife to cut out eyes, noses, and mouths. You can leave some cookies plain while glazing others. If you choose to use the glaze, melt the milk chocolate with butter in a small pot. Stir until smooth, then apply to the cookies after they have cooled.

9. Baking: Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake them in a preheated oven at 160°C (low heat) for about 25 minutes, or until golden. Let them cool on a rack before enjoying.

Useful tips for a perfect result:

- Make sure to use quality margarine, as it affects the final texture of the cookies.
- If you want to add more flavors, you can experiment with cinnamon or nutmeg.
- If you don’t have fresh carrot juice, you can use store-bought carrot juice, but make sure it’s 100% natural.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, but they are so delicious that they might not last that long!

Possible variations:

To add a touch of originality, you can mix in some chopped nuts or raisins into the dough, which will bring extra texture and flavor. Additionally, the cookies can be decorated with colorful candies for a festive presentation.

Delicious combinations:

These carrot cookies pair perfectly with a cup of warm milk or fruit tea. You can also serve them alongside vanilla ice cream for a more decadent dessert.

Nutritional benefits:

Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in our bodies and is essential for eye health. Additionally, the fiber in carrots aids digestion, making these cookies not only delicious but also healthy.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use butter instead of margarine? Yes, but the cookies will have a different texture, less tender.
- Can I add other vegetables? Sure! You can try adding pumpkin or banana puree for a new variation.
- What do I do if the dough is too sticky? Add a little flour, but don’t overdo it to avoid making the cookies too heavy.

These carrot cookies are not just a simple and delicious recipe, but also a great way to teach kids to appreciate vegetables. Try this recipe and let yourself be carried away by the wonderful flavors and textures it offers. Enjoy!