Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies by TRobinson

Source: Cooking Light

Ingredients

2 cups shredded carrot 2/3 cup packed brown sugar, divided 1/4 cup unsalted butter, divided 2 tablespoons canola oil 1 teaspoon grated orange rind 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, divided 1 large egg 4.5 ounces unbleached all-purpose flour (about 1 cup) 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3/8 teaspoon salt, divided 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 4 ounces 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°. Cover 2 baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
Combine carrot and 3 tablespoons brown sugar in a bowl; toss to coat. Place carrot mixture in a fine mesh sieve; let stand to drain for 10 minutes. Discard liquid.
Place 2 tablespoons butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH 45 seconds or until melted. Add oil, rind, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and egg; stir with a whisk until well combined.
Weigh or lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour, remaining brown sugar (about 1/2 cup), cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and baking soda in a large bowl; stir well with a whisk. Add carrot mixture and butter mixture; stir until just combined. Drop dough by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheets for a total of 28 cookies (14 per baking sheet); gently pat dough down to form 2-inch circles. Bake at 350° for 11 minutes or until set. Remove pans from oven; let stand 3 minutes. Remove cookies from pans; cool completely on a wire rack.
Combine cream cheese, remaining 2 tablespoons butter, remaining 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, and remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed 3 minutes or until fluffy. Add powdered sugar; beat at low speed 1 minute or until well combined (do not overbeat). Spread about 1 tablespoon icing on flat side of 1 cookie; top with another cookie, flat side down. Repeat the procedure with remaining cookies and filling.

Servings: 14 Serving Size: 1 cookie

Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories 186
Fat 7.5 g
Saturated Fat 3.5 g
Cholesterol 8 mg
Sodium 137 mg
Carbohydrates 28
Fiber 1 g
Protein 2 g