Carrot Cookies – A Taste of Home During WW2

During World War 2, sugar and cocoa were rationed by the government. Most of these sweet treats that we still enjoy today were simply not available to people at the time, leaving many feeling hopeless and homesick. As a result of the rationing, creative recipes began to emerge – one such pastry invention was carrot cookies.

Carrot cookies proved popular as they could be made from ingredients already available – carrots, raisins, eggs, flour and coconut. Home bakers felt a sense of nostalgia for their homes and childhoods with the taste and texture of the popularly known ‘Orange & Coconut Refrigerator Slice’.

A Nutritional Boost

These delicious cookies also supplied a much-needed boost of vitamin C, B1 and B2 to the war-ravaged nations. Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which is key to maintaining a healthy immune system. This was especially beneficial to the children, who would have been at risk of catching all kinds of illnesses due to their weakened immunities.

The Recipe

Carrot cookies are incredibly easy to make, and are still a great recipe for children. Here is an authentic recipe for carrot cookies that is sure to remind you of days gone by:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of plain flour

  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder

  • 1 cup of sugar

  • 3 large eggs

  • 3/4 cup of vegetable oil

  • 2 cups of carrots, grated

  • 1/2 cup of raisins

  • 1/2 cup of coconut

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C.

  2. Combine the flour and baking powder together in a bowl.

  3. In a separate bowl, beat together the sugar, eggs and oil.

  4. Add the carrots, raisins, and coconut to the above mixture and stir to combine.

  5. Slowly add the flour mixture and stir until everything is evenly distributed.

  6. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto baking trays lined with baking paper.

  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

  8. Let your carrot cookies cool before serving.

A Reflection of History

These days, carrots are often used in baking but the origins of these tasty treats harken back to a simpler time in history. The ingeniousness of the nation’s bakers in finding creative ways to make sweets has let the humble carrot stand side-by-side with more traditional flavours.

Today, we can reflect on the past and appreciate the hard work, resourcefulness, and determination of those who went before us. This simple recipe for carrot cookies allows us to do just that as we continue to keep our memories of World War 2 alive with each delicious bite.