Nothing like a simple, savory cookie that is good for you, tastes delicious and is Whole 30 approved. Be warned, if you are new to Paleo, or expecting these carrot cake cookies to be sweet then you will be disappointed. This was created to have a grab and go snack that supports your Whole 30 and isn’t loaded with sugar. Have you fear though, we have plenty of cookies that are sweetened and will knock your socks off. You can see all our cookies here or look below for our favorite treats:
- Banana Bread
- Cake Pops
- Lemon Pound Cake
- Chocolate Bacon Almond Butter Bananas
- Macadamia Nut Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Coconut Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Justing thinking about all of these delicious desserts and snacks makes us hungry! If you are doing a Whole 30 or don’t like sweet, enjoy these carrot cake cookies. If you want something sweeter, look at all the options we’ve given you above.
Carrot Cake Caveman Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups mini carrots
- 2 cups almonds
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- 3 eggs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 Degrees F
- Combine all of your ingredients EXCEPT your eggs in a food processor, pulse it until all the pieces are small but still a little chunky
- Combine that mixture with the eggs in a large mixing bowl and mix well
- Using your hands, form the mixture into "patties" and place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. The size of the "patties" are up to you, or you could make the into bars
- Bake until done, around 35-40 Minutes
- Enjoy
We actually read a hilarious review of this recipe which was not complimentary, but we laughed. A LOT.
Like to prep once and cook later? Click here to get the freezer version of this recipe!
Interested in eating more healthy?
Listen to our friends over at Wellness Force Radio to learn about how to control food cravings with Robb Wolf:
Crock Pot "Smoked" Beef Brisket
Sorry but I just made these and they’re baking… I’m pretty sure they’re going to be odd… the recipe is way to crumbly to even make a “pattie”… I added extra eggs and raisins and was barely able to make Pattie’s…. We’ll see how they turn out. Not hopeful
This is a lovely recipe, and one I would definitely try. This particular combination sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing!
They turned out really dry and crumbly for us? Any idea why?
Hi I see there is a glaze or fosting in the picture but I didn’t see the recipe? Thanks.
Hi there!
You can use a coconut cream concentrate! Just simply melt it down and drizzle!
Hope you enjoy!
Jeremy
Team Caveman
Thank you Jeremy.
We were looking all over for the drizzle recipe!
Your fellow Caveman Augustus
I wonder if almond flour could be substituted for almonds….and if so, how much should I add to the recipe?
I cannot wait to try this!
That I don’t know Janet. I have only made this recipe as is
Amazing recipe. Simple, quick and easy. I added extra shredded coconut and tossed in some golden raisins. Two thumbs up!
Howdy there!
Looking to make some carrot cake cookies for Easter and I stumbled across this recipe. I’m excited to try it and possibly add somethings to it! ;)
Can you give an estimate on how many cookies the above recipe makes? I know it depends on how big you make the “patties”, but just curious!
I came to this recipe via the hilarious “review” and have to say, I’ll probably try this and other recipes here! This site looks like another resource for wholesome recipes. Glad to see you have such good humor!
My children’s school is “nut free”. Any chance I could use something else in place of the nuts?
Can you replace the almond with other nuts?
I have not tried with another nut but you should be able to change up which you use. Be sure to let us know how it comes out if you do!
I find it amusing that 90% of those who actually tried the recipe and said “It’s amazing!” confess to throwing in dates, raisins, and lots of other goodies.
The rest simply say “This looks great! I’ll try it!” and then don’t comment on how they turned out.
Has anyone actually tried the recipe completely as-written and genuinely enjoyed it?
I have haha
I just made it as-written. They’re incredibly satisfying. The recipe rating thing didn’t work, but 5 stars!
happy they came out well, these are one of my favorites.
I tried. I am eating one now for breakfast. They are not sweet. They are good. Definitely not to die for. Hahaha. I like plain bland foods though. I would prefer them warm as is.
The next time I make them I will add some dates and cut the amount of almonds. It is almond heavy.
I suggest trying it so you know what you need to tweak it. Cut the recipe in half for the first time.
I think it’s a great base. It gave me a new recipe to explore with.
I really liked these cookies and LOVE your story, so inspiring!
I made a few changes to the recipe… I used almond flour instead of almonds, a little bit of baking powder, added a few dates into the batter, and a bunch of raisins at the end.
This is the first thing I have baked after finishing the Whole 100. It may be a tough recipe if you’re not used to Paleo (as it was for that colorful reviewer), but it tasted pretty good to me. :)
Haha I loved that colorful reviewer :)
I thought the review was tongue-in-cheek and very complimentary. It sort of stresses the frustration of being on a restrictive diet, such as paleo, to which finding new and creative alternatives are not only difficult, but, in all sincerity, almost impossible.
Anyway, can’t wait to try this and see how my brother likes it. He gets terrible indigestion to wheat & barley, so finding alternatives are challenging.
Thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad she linked your site in that article – I clicked here for the ingredients and without the eggs (DS can’t do them yet), I know my kids and I are going to love these! Can’t wait to go over the rest of your site :)
Carrots are 5% sugar.
I did not know that, thank you for sharing.
If your concerns with sugar are for the Paleo diet, the sugar in carrots are fine — it’s the processed sugar that needs to be cut out.
I have never ever written a comment on a blog. Heck I am not even on Facebook. George, your site is awesome, inspiring, fun to look and at overflowing with fantastic options to those of us who want to be paleo and still love to cook. You are always so upbeat and so positive and what a great sport to write the blog author. My husband showed me her article in a restaurant and I laughed so loudly I embarrassed my kids (not hard to do granted!). I was even more excited to know it was your recipe she teased because you are the real deal!
Keep up the good work!!
Thank you so much Maria for commenting and supporting me, much appreciated :)
I came here from the not-to-complimentary but oh so hilarious article and now have my own batch in the oven. Added 4 dates to make it more appealing for the kiddos. Can’t wait to try them. Despite what the reviewer said, I totally licked the bowl.
Haha so awesome, thank you for sharing. It was all in good fun
Congratulations on that amazing attitude! I also laughed loudly with that girl’s amazingly funny review on your cookies. I will follow your page from now on! Cheers!
Haha thank you Julio, welcome
I read the same not-so-complimentary review and cried, I laughed so hard. I read it while in the waiting room at my car dealership waiting for my car to be serviced and I’m sure I was given more than just a few sideways glances … I’m going to try the cookies regardless …
Haha so awesome, I wish I could write like her
I just wanted you to know that I came here from that very same not-positive review, which I also found to be uproariously funny. I like your site a lot and I’m looking forward to many of your recipes already! So just fyi, your upbeat attitude and good-sportsmanship PLUS your simple and healthy recipes just earned you a new fan!
Well thank you and welcome Audrey
Just saying– it’s really big of you to be able to laugh at that review. :) Most people would just be very offended.
Oh thank you, I actually emailed her and thanked her. It made my day she choose to write about my recipe haha
im going to try these this afternoon with added prunes for sweetness.
Hi there, someone should probably note that while sweetener-free, (thank you for that!) these are most definitely NOT Whole30. Vanilla has alcohol and is not approved, and “paleo baked goods” are off the list completely. Check out the website for more guidance.
Anne I hear the concern for the alcohol in vanilla but you can find powdered vanilla. I use a great brand by wild foods.
Making cookies in general (regardless of compliance of ingredients) is not whole30
I got here from the article and I actually have these in the oven right now :)
Haha awesome
Just thought you might want to see an article that was posted in a vegan group (go easy I am on there for the yoga). Kinda a sad article but links to this recipe. http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Paleo-Diet-Experience-37631676
Thanks for sharing, too bad they picked that recipe. That was for whole 30 people, I have so many better cookie recipes.
On the other hand, while I thought that the article was hilarious, it is the only reason that I got to this site and I probably will try these so it is still good advertising.
I agree ;)
I wouldn’t take it personally. As a paleo eater I thought it was a very funny take on people who jump into the fad without understanding the food behind it. She did make me curious about your recipe though and here I am!
I agree Anne, I thought it was a great write up :) No offense taken
Unfortunately, the human palate has become so artificial that when you do eventually eat something “clean” – it is a bit of a culture shock.
I know because it’s taken me quite a long time to get my husband to approve my “healthy foods”. I’m not paleo but I do enjoy cooking from all sorts of blogs (even raw) and originally he couldn’t stand it.
Now, when I make something like this (without all the junk) he can fully appreciates it.
Thanks for all the fantastic recipes!
You are welcome, thanks for commenting
Sad?! It was hysterical! Let’s be honest now.
I agree, I laughed
Hi there.
This recipe sounds delicious. :) Is there a substitute for the almonds (I am allergic to nuts).
Thank you. :)
I think cashews or pecans are a great sun for almonds… :)
How about seeds? Pumpkin, sunflower?
As these remind me so much of no-bakes, despite having to bake them, my first thought for almond substitutions would be dry, quick oatmeal.
Yes I agree
Almonds are seeds NOT nuts.. are you sure you’re allergic to them or you just dont like them?
I am sorry, but I must interject here; I have diagnosed tree nut allergies, and almonds are most definitely NOT considered seeds in this regard! Please do not generalize, or accuse people of simply ‘not liking’ something without first doing your homework. http://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergies/types-food-allergy/tree-nut-allergy
https://www.foodallergy.org/allergens/tree-nut-allergy
Technically all “tree nuts” which are highly allergenic for some people are seeds. As someone who is highly allergic to almonds, let me assure you that it’s not impossible.
Is there any substitute for the shredded coconut? That’s the one food on the planet I really don’t like. Thanks!
You could try some more finely diced or minced veggies, they help hold this together
I’m in the same boat with coconut… Does anyone know if shredded zucchini might work instead?
I’m with you! Shredded coconut is NAS-TAY! It makes me think of fingernail clippings. As a nail biter, I’m used to spitting stuff like that out, not eating it. I’m going to try to make it and eat it anyway. But only because I have an expired can of shredded coconut (no I didn’t know they canned that stuff either) that I was given while volunteering at a food pantry because it was so past date that they can’t give it out to the poor, and it was either going home with me or going in the trash. You see where it ended up. *sigh* Frugality wins again. I will not tolerate perfectly good expired canned foods ending up in the trash.
PERFECT for my 21 days sugar detox! You’re the best Georgie! ;)
Awesome Nicole, enjoy
Great recipe George!! I added cinnamon, cloves, and 6 medjool dates to the mixture. It made 3 dozen cookies and baked approx 15 minutes. Love the crunchy texture. You’re so creative with your recipes! Thanks!!
Those sound delicious
Woohoo Sara. Glad this could help
I am on the sugar detox, so I was really excited to try this recipe. It smelled wonderful in my oven. I also added in cinnamon and cloves and one extra egg (by accident). The first one I had was both good and a little disappointing, just because I think that although my brain knew there was no sugar in them, the smells of vanilla and nutmeg made me think they would taste a little sweeter. But later and since then I and my husband have thoroughly enjoyed them. We made them into cookies and bars (so easy!).
My kids are accustomed to healthy food but they didn’t love them. If I were to add a little dried fruit in that would probably help.
But they are a great sugar-free granola bar-type recipe for us. Thanks for a good recipe. I will be sharing.
Thank you Lisa. It is hard to get that excitement with no sweeteners but this is a great base for you to add dries fruit :)
I made my first recipe of yours for supper last night and it was amazing (BBQ beef) and am making another tonight! I just put some of these in the oven and can’t wait to try! However, I was having trouble forming patties, so I am trying to make them into bars. Thank you so much for sharing all of your creations!
I hope you love these as well. Sometimes the consistency is different for everyone :)
If I am making these with almond meal to start with, how many cups would you recommend to be equivalent to your “2 cups almond”? And since I will be grating large carrots, about how many cups of shredded carrots would your “2 cups mini carrots” be equivalent to? Thanks, can’t wait to try!
Without testing the recipe again Leah, I couldn’t tell you exactly. I would just cut your carrots to be similar sizes to the minis and measure. For the almond flour I would say start with a cup and judge off the consistency you have. They should stick and hold together well, if they don’t there is too much flour
for those without a blender, i used really thinly sliced almonds from the bulk bin (crushed up roughly in a mortar and pestle), grated carrots on the smallest side of my box grater and “jumbo” eggs and these came together great. It really wasnt that much work to make them by hand.
Those are great ideas Adam, thank you so much
Your recipes look great, but I’ve noticed most of the cookie recipes call for a food processor. Could I use a blender if I don’t have a processor?
Of course you can
Tasty cookies, so easy to make and my husband loves them! I toasted the nuts before throwing in the food processor, added extra nutmeg, a teaspoon of cinnamon and five dates. I was worried about the mixture being too wet because my eggs were larger in size, but it ended up perfect. I had 30 cookies and they took 25 minutes to bake.
I plan to try the apple cookie recipe next and see if I can get my picky nephew to eat one!!
So glad you enjoyed. I hope your nephew likes the other cookies
Great recipe! I think I may add more nutmeg and some cinnamon next time. I don’t think I processed the dry stuff long enough though, as I was having a bit of trouble getting them to stay together when trying to form the patties. Could you be a little more specific on the consistency of the processed ingredients? All in all, they tasted good, but didn’t look like yours! lol :)
I processes mine a lot, just to make sure I could form some cookies
I made these a few minutes ago. I decided to make them more of a sweet than savoury cookie by adding a couple of handfuls of raisins, a tiny bit of minced crystallized ginger, a heaping tablespoon of ground cinnamon and half a tablespoon of ground ginger. They are really good and not too sweet.
Thank you for this recipe!!
BTW, I used a cookie scooper and ended up with 32 cookies. I only needed to bake them for 20 minutes.
Awesome those sound delicious
I made these last night – had some trouble with measuring in cups (I’m used to kg) and must have got something wrong as my mix was both too wet and too crumbly to hold into ‘patties’ but I made ‘heaps’ instead and they baked ok. Way too many for me to eat up quickly tho so wondering how best to store them? And can they be frozen?
Just put them in an airtight container and yes you can freeze them
You are most welcome Ellie, thanks for the comment. I use these as a savory snack thats why there is no sweetener :)
Made these last night, and they are GONE tonight. Loved them, although if you are looking for a sweet cookie this is not your cookie. Might suggest adding some dried cranberries, or such. I added a fig jam to the top of mine.: ) But I loved them either way. Thanks~
Just did, tastes delicious, and I still have one batch to go (waaaaay to small baking sheet), thanks for sharing, I just started with Paleo eating and I will surely try many of your recipes, thanks a lot again! :)
So Happy to hear that, let me know what you get when you redo them :)
My 1 year old ate these up. I think next time I might mash in a banana as they turned out a little dry for me, but overall a good recipe to play around with. Always fun to have a good template to play with!
Not sure why but mine came out pretty dry. I did not use coconut oil just veggie oil.
Let me know how you like them :)
I am absolutely trying these this weekend – looks great! :)