Carrot Cookies

Emily requested I share this recipe. I give you a heads up now: I find these ridiculously addicting. I could easily eat the entire batch, but then I'd be sooooo sick. *sigh* Yay cookies.

Carrot Cookies
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. shortening
2 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs, well beaten
2 c. cooked, mashed, and cooled carrots
2 tsp. baking powder
4 c. flour
1 tsp. salt

Cream shortening & sugar. Add vanilla, eggs & carrots. Add dry ingredients. Drop by teaspoons on greased cookie sheet. Bake 12-15 minutes @ 350 degrees. Glaze while warm-ish.

Glaze
1 c. powdered sugar
3 Tbsp. orange juice


Don't eat them all in one sitting. :)

Sugar Cookie Bars

These are perfect for any holiday gathering!  And my husband agrees they taste better than the average "cut out" sugar cookie. SHOUT OUT to Mer who made these first (for Halloween) and inspired me to make them for Valentine's. 

Sugar Cookie Bars
(from SkimpyPantry)

1 cup butter, room temperature (We did half margarine, half butter)
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
5 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Cream butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each egg. Add vanilla & mix well. In a separate bowl add flour, salt, and baking soda; stir with a whisk to combine. Add to wet ingredients and mix just until combined.  Spread on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes, until light golden brown or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely and frost. It is also advised to add sprinkles. 


We frosted with my favorite buttercream frosting--not the frosting that Skimpy Pantry posted.  Here's the recipe!

Buttercream Frosting
1/2 cup margarine/butter
4-4 1/2 c. powdered sugar
3 Tbsp. milk
2 Tsp. vanilla
Food coloring (if desired)

Blend all ingredients together.  Add more powdered sugar until frosting reaches desired consistency.  Add food coloring at the end. 

Waffle Iron Brownies

These are delectable and definitely bring all the boys to the yard. Though...that's not really an attractive thing anymore.  In truth, make these treats and your hubby/friends/family/ward members/coworkers--will love you.  Share with me and I'll love you more.

Waffle Iron Brownies
1. Melt 1 square of margarine (usually in the microwave)
2. Add 7 Tbsp. cocoa and 4 beaten eggs.
3. Stir in 1 1/2 c. sugar, 2 c. flour, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1 tsp. vanilla (batter will be THICK!)
4. Drop by teaspoonfuls on a medium hot waffle iron. Cook for just about one minute.
5. After they cool, frost with buttercream or chocolate frosting.  Sprinkles are a must.
6. Enjoy!

Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies

6 oz cream cheese
3/4 cup butter, melted and cooled slightly
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/4 cup flour
1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together cream cheese, butter, brown sugar and white sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla. Add the dry ingredients and mix until mostly incorporated. Add chocolate chips and mix until combined.

Drop by spoonful onto greased baking sheets, 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are slightly brown. Cool a few minutes on baking sheet before transferring to wire rack to cool completely.

Makes about 3 dozen.