Carrot Cookie Bites

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup shortening
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 cups quick-coooking oats
• 1 cup shredded carrot
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions

1. 1

   In a large bowl, cream shortening and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, buttermilk and vanilla. Combine the flour, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg and cloves; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in the oats, carrots and pecans.

2. 2

   To freeze cookie dough, drop desired amount of dough by rounded teaspoonfuls onto baking sheets; cover and freeze until firm. Transfer frozen cookie dough balls into resealable plastic freezer bag. May be frozen for up to 3 months.

3. 3

   Drop remaining cookie dough by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 6-8 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.

4. 4

   To use frozen cookie dough: Place dough balls 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.