Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies

Summer is really flying by especially since it didn't start until after July 4th weekend in terms of weather and sunshine for the Midwest! I can't believe retailers are already airing their TV ads for 'Back To School' specials.  Try to make the most of the remaining summer days until classes resume.  Outdoor concerts, beach volleyball, hit the lakefront, take some weekend road trips, have people over, meet up with old friends, and of course, never stop cooking or trying new recipes!

That said, I came across a terrific picnic, concert, grilling, having-friends-over cookie recipe from Cooking Light.  It is yet another simple, but 3-step process, that's totally worth it:
1. Make cookies.
2. Whip the filling.
3. Put it all together.
If you are up for another delicious baking challenge--don't miss taking a box of these on your next outing!

Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies

Equipment:
Mixing bowls
Veggie Peeler
Stand shredder / grater
Medium to large sieve
Cookie sheets, lined with parchment paper
Parchment paper
Handmixer (if available for filling / frosting)

Ingredients:

Cookie:
2 cups carrot, shredded
3 Tbls packed light brown sugar
2 Tbls butter, melted
2 Tbls canola or vegetable oil
1 tsp orange rind, zested or grated
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 large egg

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda

Filling:
4 oz 1/3 Reduced Fat cream chesse, softened
2 Tbls butter, softened
1/4 tsp vanilla
1/8 tsp salt
1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:
1. Wash your hands.
2. Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Cover your cookie sheets with parchment paper.
3. Prepare carrots by combining 2 cups of shredded carrots with the brown sugar.

4. Let stand x 15 minutes in a sieve. Discard the liquid.
5. Mix dry ingredients: flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt, and soda in a large bowl.

6. Add carrot mixture to flour mixture.

7. Combine melted butter, oil, orange zest, vanilla and egg. Whisk together. Add to carrots-flour.

8. Once combined, drop dough by tablespoon size onto parchment-lined baking sheets.

9. Slightly press dollops flat and bake x 11 minutes. Let cool before making sandwiches.

10. Combine cream cheese, butter, vanilla, salt and sugar for filling. If you have a hand mixer, use it.

11. Assemble your cookies. That's it! Bite in! Sprinkle with powdered sugar and grab a glass of milk!