Carrot Cake Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting

Special Equipment Needed:
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until combined.
5. Gradually add in the flour mixture until just combined.
6. Fold in carrots, walnuts, and raisins.
7. Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheet.
8. Using your thumb, make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
10. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once cooled, spoon cream cheese frosting into the center of each cookie.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes 24 cookies

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 150
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 2g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Butter: can be substituted with vegan butter
- Cream cheese frosting: can be substituted with vegan cream cheese frosting

Variations:
- Can add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the dough
- Can add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans to the dough
- Can add 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the dough

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy for the best texture
- Use a small spoon to fill the indentations with cream cheese frosting

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve on a platter with a garnish of chopped walnuts
- Place in a decorative jar for a gift

Garnishes:
- Chopped walnuts

Pairings:
- Milk
- Coffee

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Yogurt parfait

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cookies spread too much, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to store the cookies in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out

Food History:
Carrot cake is believed to have originated in the Middle East and was brought to Europe by the Crusaders.

Flavor Profiles:
Sweet, nutty, and spiced.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as an after-dinner treat
- Serve as a snack with coffee or tea

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Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Buttery, Spiced, Creamy