cake but not as you know it

CARROT CAKE COOKIES

INGREDIENTS:

(Makes 15)

For the filling:

150g full-fat cream cheese 150g icing sugar 1tsp vanilla extract

For the dough:

350g plain flour ½tsp baking powder 1tsp ground cinnamon 1tsp mixed spice 1tsp ground cloves 150g unsalted butter, softened 100g soft light brown sugar 50g soft dark brown sugar 1 large egg 200g carrot, finely grated

For the decor:

Zest of 2 oranges and juice of 1 orange 4tbsp walnuts, finely chopped

METHOD:

1. Mix the cream cheese, three tablespoons of the icing sugar and the vanilla in a large bowl until combined, then pop in the freezer for 30-45 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, measure your flour, baking powder and spices into another bowl. Beat your butter and both sugars together in a third bowl until creamy. Beat your egg into the butter mixture, then tip in your carrot. Mix together well. Tip your dry ingredients into the carrot mixture and mix slowly to form a dough.

3. Preheat oven to 200C/Fan 180C/Gas 6. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Weigh your dough and divide by 15 – this is how much each ball should weigh. Then flatten them slightly into thin discs using the palm of your hand.

4. Add a generous teaspoon of the cream cheese filling to the centre of each disc and wrap the dough around the filling to seal. Pinch the top and roll it back into a ball, making sure no filling leaks out. Pop the balls on to the tray and flatten slightly. Place in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes.

5. Bake the cookies for 20 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the oven and leave on the tray for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool further.

6. Sift the remaining icing sugar into a small bowl and mix with the orange juice – you’re aiming for a drizzling consistency. Flick the icing over the cookies and top with the orange zest and walnuts.