Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Carrot Cake Cookies- a Healthy Holiday Treat

The holiday season is upon us, and that means gatherings, celebrations, and—of course—delicious treats! If you're looking for a healthier option to add to your cookie tray, our nutrition services team has you covered. These soft and chewy pumpkin carrot cake cookies are packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, flaxseed, and fresh carrots, making them a guilt-free indulgence for the whole family. 

A wholesome twist on holiday baking 

This recipe combines the comfort food flavors of pumpkin pie spice with the natural sweetness of carrots and honey. The result? A moist, flavorful cookie that feels like a warm hug on a chilly winter day. Not only are these cookies tasty, but they also offer some added nutritional benefits. Each cookie has just 107 calories, 5.2 grams of fat, and a bit of protein and fiber to keep you feeling satisfied. 

Ingredients  

• 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats 
• 1 cup all-purpose flour 
• ½ cup ground flaxseed 
• ½ tsp baking soda 
• ¼ tsp salt 
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon 
• 1 tsp apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice 
• 1 cup freshly grated carrot (about 3 medium carrots) 
• ⅓ cup pumpkin puree 
• ¼ cup honey 
• ⅓ cup dark brown sugar 
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 
• 1 large egg 
• ½ cup coconut oil (or unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled) 

Directions 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: oats, flour, flaxseed, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and spice. 
3. Add the grated carrot, pumpkin puree, honey, brown sugar, vanilla extract, egg, and coconut oil to the bowl. Mix until everything is fully combined. 
4. Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon. 
5. Bake for 9–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the tops are set. 
6. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5–10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. 

Optional drizzle 

For a festive touch, mix ¼ cup powdered sugar with ½–1 teaspoon of milk to create a simple icing. Drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a little extra sweetness. 

Storage tips 

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and delicious for 3–5 days. 

A note on nutrition 

Each cookie is a healthier choice compared to traditional holiday treats. Here's the breakdown per serving: 

• Calories: 107 
• Total Fat: 5.2 g (2.5 g saturated) 
• Sodium: 57.8 mg 
• Total Carbohydrates: 14.3 g  
• Dietary Fiber: 1.4 g 
• Sugar: 6 g 
• Protein: 2 g 

Perfect for sharing 

These cookies are a great way to spread holiday cheer without sacrificing your health goals. They’re perfect for cookie swaps, family gatherings, or even as a snack while you decorate the tree. 

Happy baking and happy holidays from all of us at Elliot Hospital! 

Brought to you by Inpatient Nutrition Services