• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Kitchen Meets Girl logo

  • home
  • about
    • work with me
  • recipes
    • Breakfast and Breads
      • Eggs
      • Everyday
      • Muffins and Baking
      • Pancakes and Waffles
      • Yeast Breads and Other Breads
    • Dinner
      • Fish and Seafood
      • Meat and Chicken
      • Pizzas, Pastas and Sauces
      • Soups and Salads
      • Quick and Easy
    • Desserts
      • Brownies and Bars
      • Cakes and Cupcakes
      • Cookies
      • Sweet Stuff
    • For the Slow Cooker
    • Healthier Options
    • Sides, Apps and Snacks
  • Home Meets Girl
    • Home Meets Girl
  • Cookbooks

February 16, 2012

Carrot Cake Cookies with Dulce de Leche Buttercream

Carrot Cake Cookies with Dulce de Leche Buttercream

carrot cake cookies 1

This is my third month participating in the Improv Challenge, hosted by Kristen over at Frugal Antics of a Harried Homemaker.  If you haven’t heard about the Improv Challenge, each month participants are assigned two ingredients to pair together to create a fun, new recipe. I was super excited to learn that this month’s ingredients were carrots and ginger.  That combination just says carrot cake to me, as I’m sure it does to many of the rest of you.

Last year at Easter, I made my first from-scratch carrot cake, and it was maybe the best thing I’ve ever eaten.

I may say that a lot on this blog, but I really mean it this time.

Whatever your opinion of Martha Stewart, she can make some fabulous baked-goods.  No lie.  And while that recipe was what immediately popped into my head, I decided to try something a little bit different.

Pit myself against Martha, if you will.

carrot cake cookies 2

While I don’t have any specialized kitchen training, I am a master at eating, so I figure that gives me a leg up somehow.

Unlike Martha, I have no problem taking some help now and then from a cake mix.  Which I did in this case, because I was in a super big rush to eat something carrot cake-esque.  These cookies were totally fabulous on their own, but I can’t leave a good thing alone.

Seriously, if something can be topped with buttercream, I’m going to do it.

Dulce de Leche buttercream is my new best friend.  Let it be yours, too.

carrot cake cookies close up

Carrot Cake Cookies with Dulce de Leche Buttercream
 
Print
Inspired by Joy the Baker, buttercream from The Pastry Queen
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
  • 1 box carrot cake mix
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup oil
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ginger
  • ¼ cup shredded carrots
  • ¼ cup raisins
For the buttercream:
  • 1½ cups unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • ¾ cup prepared dulce de leche
  • toasted coconut
Method
For the cake:
  1. In a large bowl, mix together your cake mix, oil, eggs, cinnamon and ginger. Stir in shredded carrots and raisins until just combined.
  2. Drop the batter by heaping tablespoons onto a prepared cookie sheet.
  3. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes at 350.
For the buttercream:
  1. Cream together softened butter and powdered sugar on low using an electric mixer.
  2. Add cream and vanilla and beat on medium speed until smooth and no lumps appear. Add the prepared dulce de leche and beat to incorporate.
  3. Frost cooled cookies with a Wilton 1M tip. Top with toasted coconut.
3.5.3251

Check out my previous Improv entries:

Lemon Cream Cupcakes with Raspberry Cheesecake Buttercream
Cranberry Muffins with Eggnog Cream

Enjoy!

 

While you’re at it, check out all of these other great recipes!



I’m linked up at these great parties this week: Crazy Sweet Tuesdays, Sweet Treats Thursday, and Mrs. Fox’s Sweets!

37 Comments

  1. Kristen
    Kristen on February 16, 2012 at 8:42 am

    I could eat that frosting by the spoonful! What beautiful cupcakes!!

    Reply
    • Ashley
      Ashley on February 16, 2012 at 8:32 pm

      Thanks, Kristen, and thanks for hosting! This has been a lot of fun (any excuse to make baked goods works for me!).

      Reply
  2. Rachel @ My Naturally Frugal Family
    Rachel @ My Naturally Frugal Family on February 16, 2012 at 8:59 am

    Oh my goodness those look just beautiful. Such a fun challenge with such great diversity. If you get a chance please check out my donuts I put in for the challenge.

    Reply
    • Ashley
      Ashley on February 16, 2012 at 8:34 pm

      Rachel–your donuts look great! I’ve been having fun with the challenge this month, too. Everyone made such great dishes!

      Reply
  3. Terry
    Terry on February 16, 2012 at 9:29 am

    The frosting sounds amazing.

    Reply
    • Ashley
      Ashley on February 16, 2012 at 8:35 pm

      It really was, Terry! A little too amazing…I ate too much! =)

      Reply
  4. Lisa~~
    Lisa~~ on February 16, 2012 at 10:15 am

    I am drooling over your pictures, delicious!

    If you haven’t already, I’d love for you to check out my Improv Cooking Challenge entry: Shrimp & Avocado Salad with Carrot Ginger Dressing

    Lisa~~
    Cook Lisa Cook

    Reply
    • Ashley
      Ashley on February 17, 2012 at 6:23 pm

      Thanks, Lisa! And your salad looks devine–I need to eat salad for sure after making these cookies! =)

      Reply
  5. Hayley
    Hayley on February 16, 2012 at 11:04 am

    Well, hello there, dulce de leche buttercream. I’d love to get to know you. I just may ignore my usual-disliking for carrot cake and eat you on a carrot cake cookie. Mmmm.

    Reply
    • Ashley
      Ashley on February 16, 2012 at 8:37 pm

      Oh my gosh, even if you’re not a carrot cake fan, this frosting is a must try. Heaven!

      Reply
  6. amy @ fearless homemaker
    amy @ fearless homemaker on February 16, 2012 at 1:09 pm

    yum, the dulce de leche buttercream looks especially delicious – i bet it would be great on regular ol’ chocolate cupcakes, too. delicious!

    Reply
    • Ashley
      Ashley on February 16, 2012 at 8:39 pm

      Amy, this frosting would probably be good on just about anything! =) But you’re right, it would definitely be amazing on chocolate cupcakes…hmmmm, I might just have to try it out!

      Reply
  7. kita
    kita on February 16, 2012 at 4:42 pm

    These look like dangerous kinds of cookies. Love the use of the improve ingredients.

    Reply
    • Ashley
      Ashley on February 16, 2012 at 8:44 pm

      Thanks, Kita! Your oatmeal looked amazing!

      Reply
  8. Chandra@the plaid and paisley kitchen
    Chandra@the plaid and paisley kitchen on February 16, 2012 at 7:46 pm

    ASHLEY!!!! You have out done yourself!!!! Can I please come over and have one! = ) hee hee! Can’t wait to see you next weekend!!!!

    Reply
    • Ashley
      Ashley on February 16, 2012 at 8:45 pm

      Hee! I can’t wait to see you next weekend! Too bad I ate all of the cookies! =)

      Reply
  9. Anne@FromMySweetHeart
    Anne@FromMySweetHeart on February 16, 2012 at 10:25 pm

    Ashley…these cookies look so unbelievably good! They almost look like the top of a cupcake…..which is the best part! And that dulce de leche icing…….perfect! GREAT job with the challenge ingredients and GREAT pictures! : )

    Reply
    • Ashley
      Ashley on February 17, 2012 at 6:24 pm

      Thanks, Anne! They were pretty good–and VERY cupcake-like.

      Reply
  10. Anna
    Anna on February 16, 2012 at 10:54 pm

    You are speaking my language, Ashley! The bite pic is amazing! The buttercream was a brilliant pairing idea 🙂

    Reply
    • Ashley
      Ashley on February 17, 2012 at 6:26 pm

      The buttercream was pretty amazing, not gonna lie! =) I about didn’t get the bite pic posted, since I wanted to inhale the entire thing asap.

      Reply
  11. Liz
    Liz on February 17, 2012 at 3:05 pm

    WOW!! What amazing cookies….and that buttercream is also fabulous!!! Great improv recipe!

    Reply
    • Ashley
      Ashley on February 17, 2012 at 6:29 pm

      Your whoopie pies looked great too, Liz!

      Reply
  12. Teri @ The Freshman Cook
    Teri @ The Freshman Cook on February 17, 2012 at 3:54 pm

    I can not wait to make this buttercream. It sounds wonderful! What a great idea on the cookies. I am looking forward to making them as well. Beautiful!!

    Reply
    • Ashley
      Ashley on February 17, 2012 at 6:27 pm

      I hope you love ’em, Teri! We enjoyed them here!

      Reply
  13. Kiri W.
    Kiri W. on February 17, 2012 at 7:48 pm

    Dulce de leche buttercream? Be still my heart! 😉 What a great take on these ingredients – I tip my hat to you bakers, and went the safe, savory route 🙂

    Reply
  14. Kate @ FoodBabbles
    Kate @ FoodBabbles on February 17, 2012 at 8:29 pm

    Wow!!! These cookies sound amazing! And what gorgeous photos too!

    Reply
  15. Cathy
    Cathy on February 18, 2012 at 8:57 pm

    Oh yes. Carrot Cake is the perfect place to put ginger…oh and carrots. 🙂 I love that you made cookies out of yours. Mine turned into pancakes. That frosting looks particularily delicious….

    Reply
  16. Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust
    Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust on February 19, 2012 at 3:58 pm

    That entire title makes me hungry! These cookies look awesome. What a great change from carrot cake.

    Reply
  17. Barbara @ Barbara Bakes
    Barbara @ Barbara Bakes on February 21, 2012 at 11:48 am

    Carrot cake in a cookie form sounds heavenly, especially with your dulce de leche buttercream.

    Reply
  18. friv juegos
    friv juegos on November 18, 2014 at 1:57 pm

    Hola estoy encantada de visitar vuestra blog me parece super buena.

    Yo soy una estudiante universitaria que me encanta el desarrollo web, el diseño y sobre todo
    la creación de aplicaciones de juegos para móviles.
    Me gusta mucho vuestra blog me parece super interesante.

    Os felicito por vuestra web, soy desde hoy una
    admiradora vuestra.

    Hola me ha gustado mucho tu articulo
    Es extraordinario, buena averiguación la que he encontrado.
    Muchos besitos.
    Por fin algún que me lo ha explicado para que yo
    lo puede comprender. Estoy demasiado contenta.
    Grande, que contenta estoy, es lo mas. Muchas gracias.
    friv juegos recently posted..friv juegosMy Profile

    Reply
  19. freiwillige sonderzahlung weihnachtsgeld
    freiwillige sonderzahlung weihnachtsgeld on August 7, 2015 at 7:55 am

    Laut des Urteils des Landesarbeitsgerichtes, wurde dem Arbeitnehmer jedoch ein Anspruch auf Weihnachtsgeld in voller Höhe
    zugesprochen.
    freiwillige sonderzahlung weihnachtsgeld recently posted..freiwillige sonderzahlung weihnachtsgeldMy Profile

    Reply
  20. site
    site on October 20, 2015 at 6:30 pm

    obviously like your web site but you need to test the spelling on several of
    your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling issues and I in finding it very
    bothersome to inform the truth on the other hand I will certainly come back again.
    site recently posted..siteMy Profile

    Reply

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

10 EASY SLOW COOKER MEALS RECIPE BOOK

Success!

SEND ME RECIPES!

Hello There!

Interestingly enough, I didn’t grow up with an interest in cooking.  In fact, I informed my mother on multiple occasions that I was not getting an advanced education so I could spend my evenings preparing meals.

more about me >>

Grab My Cookbook!

Fit Meets Girl

[et_pb_dpblog_portfolio admin_label=”Fit Meets Girl Posts” fullwidth=”off” posts_number=”1″ custom_post_types=”post” include_categories=”127″ show_title=”off” lightbox=”off” popup=”off” custom_url=”off” custom_fields=”off” show_categories=”off” show_date=”off” show_excerpt=”off” show_more=”off” show_pagination=”off” background_layout=”light” zoom_icon_color=”#85e0d4″ hover_icon=”%%190%%” title_font=”Raleway Light|||on|” title_font_size=”18″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” disabled=”off” saved_tabs=”all” global_module=”12345″]

<p><div class=”et_pb_portfolio_grid clearfix et_pb_module et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_dpblog_portfolio_1″></p>
<p><div id=”post-11435″ class=”et_pb_portfolio_item et_pb_grid_item post-11435 type-post status-draft format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized”></p>
<p><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/?p=11435″><br />
<span class=”et_portfolio_image”><br />
<img src=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/freezer-guidelines.png” alt=’The Ins and Outs of Freezer Storage’ width=’400′ height=’284′ /> <span class=”et_overlay et_pb_inline_icon” data-icon=””></span> </span><br />
</a></p>
<p><h2><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/?p=11435″>The Ins and Outs of Freezer Storage</a></h2></p>
<p><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/?p=11435″ class=”more-link” >read more</a> </div> <!– .et_pb_portfolio_item –></p>
<p><div id=”post-11416″ class=”et_pb_portfolio_item et_pb_grid_item post-11416 type-post status-draft format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-main-dishes category-healthier-options category-soups-and-salads”></p>
<p><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/?p=11416″><br />
<span class=”et_portfolio_image”><br />
<img src=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Chicken-Queso-Soup-title.png” alt=’Slow Cooker Chicken Queso Chili’ width=’400′ height=’284′ /> <span class=”et_overlay et_pb_inline_icon” data-icon=””></span> </span><br />
</a></p>
<p><h2><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/?p=11416″>Slow Cooker Chicken Queso Chili</a></h2></p>
<p><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/?p=11416″ class=”more-link” >read more</a> </div> <!– .et_pb_portfolio_item –></p>
<p><div id=”post-11399″ class=”et_pb_portfolio_item et_pb_grid_item post-11399 type-post status-draft format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized tag-free-printable tag-freezer-inventory-list tag-kitchen tag-organizing”></p>
<p><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/?p=11399″><br />
<span class=”et_portfolio_image”><br />
<img src=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/freezer-inventory.png” alt=’Why You Should Keep a Freezer Inventory List’ width=’400′ height=’284′ /> <span class=”et_overlay et_pb_inline_icon” data-icon=””></span> </span><br />
</a></p>
<p><h2><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/?p=11399″>Why You Should Keep a Freezer Inventory List</a></h2></p>
<p><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/?p=11399″ class=”more-link” >read more</a> </div> <!– .et_pb_portfolio_item –><br />
</div> <!– .et_pb_portfolio –><div class=”pagination clearfix”><br />
<div class=”alignleft”><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?paged=2″ >« Older Entries</a></div><br />
<div class=”alignright”></div><br />
</div></p>

[/et_pb_dpblog_portfolio]

Fan Faves

[et_pb_dpblog_portfolio admin_label=”Fan Faves Posts” fullwidth=”off” posts_number=”1″ custom_post_types=”post” include_categories=”124″ show_title=”off” lightbox=”off” popup=”off” custom_url=”off” custom_fields=”off” show_categories=”off” show_date=”off” show_excerpt=”off” show_more=”off” show_pagination=”off” background_layout=”light” zoom_icon_color=”#85e0d4″ hover_icon=”%%190%%” title_font=”Raleway Light|||on|” title_font_size=”18″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” disabled=”off” saved_tabs=”all” global_module=”12347″]

<p><div class=”et_pb_portfolio_grid clearfix et_pb_module et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_dpblog_portfolio_1″></p>
<p><div id=”post-11435″ class=”et_pb_portfolio_item et_pb_grid_item post-11435 type-post status-draft format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized”></p>
<p><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/?p=11435″><br />
<span class=”et_portfolio_image”><br />
<img src=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/freezer-guidelines.png” alt=’The Ins and Outs of Freezer Storage’ width=’400′ height=’284′ /> <span class=”et_overlay et_pb_inline_icon” data-icon=””></span> </span><br />
</a></p>
<p><h2><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/?p=11435″>The Ins and Outs of Freezer Storage</a></h2></p>
<p><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/?p=11435″ class=”more-link” >read more</a> </div> <!– .et_pb_portfolio_item –></p>
<p><div id=”post-11416″ class=”et_pb_portfolio_item et_pb_grid_item post-11416 type-post status-draft format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-main-dishes category-healthier-options category-soups-and-salads”></p>
<p><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/?p=11416″><br />
<span class=”et_portfolio_image”><br />
<img src=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Chicken-Queso-Soup-title.png” alt=’Slow Cooker Chicken Queso Chili’ width=’400′ height=’284′ /> <span class=”et_overlay et_pb_inline_icon” data-icon=””></span> </span><br />
</a></p>
<p><h2><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/?p=11416″>Slow Cooker Chicken Queso Chili</a></h2></p>
<p><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/?p=11416″ class=”more-link” >read more</a> </div> <!– .et_pb_portfolio_item –></p>
<p><div id=”post-11399″ class=”et_pb_portfolio_item et_pb_grid_item post-11399 type-post status-draft format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized tag-free-printable tag-freezer-inventory-list tag-kitchen tag-organizing”></p>
<p><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/?p=11399″><br />
<span class=”et_portfolio_image”><br />
<img src=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/freezer-inventory.png” alt=’Why You Should Keep a Freezer Inventory List’ width=’400′ height=’284′ /> <span class=”et_overlay et_pb_inline_icon” data-icon=””></span> </span><br />
</a></p>
<p><h2><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/?p=11399″>Why You Should Keep a Freezer Inventory List</a></h2></p>
<p><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/?p=11399″ class=”more-link” >read more</a> </div> <!– .et_pb_portfolio_item –><br />
</div> <!– .et_pb_portfolio –><div class=”pagination clearfix”><br />
<div class=”alignleft”><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?paged=2″ >« Older Entries</a></div><br />
<div class=”alignright”></div><br />
</div></p>

[/et_pb_dpblog_portfolio]

Featured

[et_pb_dpblog_portfolio admin_label=”Featured Posts” fullwidth=”off” posts_number=”1″ custom_post_types=”post” include_categories=”123″ show_title=”off” lightbox=”off” popup=”off” custom_url=”off” custom_fields=”off” show_categories=”off” show_date=”off” show_excerpt=”off” show_more=”off” show_pagination=”off” background_layout=”light” zoom_icon_color=”#85e0d4″ hover_icon=”%%190%%” title_font=”Raleway Light|||on|” title_font_size=”18″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” disabled=”off” saved_tabs=”all” global_module=”12349″]

<p><div class=”et_pb_portfolio_grid clearfix et_pb_module et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_dpblog_portfolio_1″></p>
<p><div id=”post-11435″ class=”et_pb_portfolio_item et_pb_grid_item post-11435 type-post status-draft format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized”></p>
<p><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/?p=11435″><br />
<span class=”et_portfolio_image”><br />
<img src=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/freezer-guidelines.png” alt=’The Ins and Outs of Freezer Storage’ width=’400′ height=’284′ /> <span class=”et_overlay et_pb_inline_icon” data-icon=””></span> </span><br />
</a></p>
<p><h2><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/?p=11435″>The Ins and Outs of Freezer Storage</a></h2></p>
<p><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/?p=11435″ class=”more-link” >read more</a> </div> <!– .et_pb_portfolio_item –></p>
<p><div id=”post-11416″ class=”et_pb_portfolio_item et_pb_grid_item post-11416 type-post status-draft format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-main-dishes category-healthier-options category-soups-and-salads”></p>
<p><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/?p=11416″><br />
<span class=”et_portfolio_image”><br />
<img src=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Chicken-Queso-Soup-title.png” alt=’Slow Cooker Chicken Queso Chili’ width=’400′ height=’284′ /> <span class=”et_overlay et_pb_inline_icon” data-icon=””></span> </span><br />
</a></p>
<p><h2><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/?p=11416″>Slow Cooker Chicken Queso Chili</a></h2></p>
<p><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/?p=11416″ class=”more-link” >read more</a> </div> <!– .et_pb_portfolio_item –></p>
<p><div id=”post-11399″ class=”et_pb_portfolio_item et_pb_grid_item post-11399 type-post status-draft format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized tag-free-printable tag-freezer-inventory-list tag-kitchen tag-organizing”></p>
<p><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/?p=11399″><br />
<span class=”et_portfolio_image”><br />
<img src=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/freezer-inventory.png” alt=’Why You Should Keep a Freezer Inventory List’ width=’400′ height=’284′ /> <span class=”et_overlay et_pb_inline_icon” data-icon=””></span> </span><br />
</a></p>
<p><h2><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/?p=11399″>Why You Should Keep a Freezer Inventory List</a></h2></p>
<p><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/?p=11399″ class=”more-link” >read more</a> </div> <!– .et_pb_portfolio_item –><br />
</div> <!– .et_pb_portfolio –><div class=”pagination clearfix”><br />
<div class=”alignleft”><a href=”https://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?paged=2″ >« Older Entries</a></div><br />
<div class=”alignright”></div><br />
</div></p>

[/et_pb_dpblog_portfolio]

Categories

[widget id="categories-7"]

Archives

[widget id="collapsarch-4"]

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Primary Sidebar

Hi There!


Interestingly enough, I didn’t grow up with an interest in cooking.  In fact, I informed my mother on multiple occasions that I was not getting an advanced education so I could spend my evenings preparing meals.

more about me >>

Grab My Cookbook

Fan Faves

This Vintage Cake combines two layers of white cake, with a surprise brownie layer soaked in a decadent chocolate sauce. And the cream cheese frosting takes it right over the top!
Did you know you can make dinner rolls - yeast ones, at that - in just 30 minutes? It's true! These 30-Minute Dinner Rolls are so easy to make you'll never go store-bought again.

Copyright © 2022 · Kitchen Meets Girl · Privacy Policy