Spoil her this Mother’s Day the sweetest way and with homemade treats straight from the heart (and the oven)
They say moms have the secret ingredient that no cookbook can capture: unconditional love. This Mother’s Day, why not return the favour with a little kitchen magic of your own?
Whether you’re a grown-up kid, a dad on duty, or simply someone who wants to show mom how much she’s appreciated, nothing says “I love you” quite like a handmade treat. And this year, Chef André Hill, Executive Chef at Radisson Red Waterfront, is sharing one of his favourite feel-good recipes to help you do just that.
It’s quick. It’s easy. It’s deliciously thoughtful. And it involves carrots. So, technically, it’s healthy too (we won’t tell mom about the sugar if you don’t).
“Every year we celebrate moms for their grit, their warmth, and their ability to juggle everything life throws at them,” says Chef Hill. “But the best gift? Giving her a break and doing something meaningful with your own two hands. These cookies are fun to make and even better to eat – a small gesture with big heart.”
Whether you bake them solo or rope in the kids for some supervised chaos in the kitchen, this sweet surprise is guaranteed to make mom smile.
Chef André Hill’s Mother’s Day Carrot Cookies
Ingredients:
- 105g brown sugar
- 50g castor sugar
- 125g butter
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- 1 egg
- 200g flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp cardamom
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- Pinch of salt
- 150g grated carrots (squeeze the juice out with your hands – and go ahead, take a sip!)
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 170°C.
- Cream together the butter and sugars using a mixer (or a wooden spoon and a bit of elbow grease – either way works).
- Add the egg and vanilla essence.
- Fold in all the dry ingredients until combined.
- Stir through the grated carrots until evenly mixed.
- Roll into balls about the size of a ping pong ball and gently flatten to about 5mm thick.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and lightly crisp around the edges.
- Cool on a rack before serving.
Extra love tip: If you have a heart-shaped cookie cutter, roll out the dough and cut out heart cookies before baking (and preferably with a touch of cinnamon).
This recipe is about giving your time, attention, and a bit of joyful messiness back to someone who’s given you so much.
“It doesn’t need to be complicated,” adds Chef Hill. “A warm batch of homemade cookies, a handwritten note, maybe a cup of tea in bed – these are the things that moms remember.”
Whether you’re baking for your mom, your grandmother, or someone who’s been like a mom to you – this is your cue to step into the kitchen and show your love the homemade way.
About Chef André Hill
Chef André Hill is the Executive Chef at Radisson RED Waterfront, known for his playful approach to food, deep respect for local ingredients, and passion for creating memorable moments around the table. When he’s not dreaming up new dishes at OUIBar + KTCHN, he’s usually enjoying a good jazz record or mentoring the next wave of culinary talent.
