Delicious and Healthy Cookies – Keto-Friendly and Gluten-Free
By Dr. Eric Berg DC
12/23/2024
Delicious and Healthy Cookies – Keto-Friendly and Gluten-Free
Total Time:1 hour (including chill time)
Serves:35
Per serving:140 calories, 2 g protein, 1 g carbohydrates, 14 g fat
Ingredients
8 oz organic butter, softened
4 Tbsp xylitol
2 tsp vanilla extract
pinch sea salt
2 cups pecans, chopped
2 cups almond flour
4 oz Lily’s dark chocolate bar, chopped
½ cup of almond flour
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F/ 163 degrees C.
In large bowl, mix butter and xylitol until well combined.
Blend in vanilla extract, salt, pecans, two cups of almond flour, and chocolate until evenly incorporated into mixture.
Form cookie dough into 35 small balls and roll in additional almond flour.
Place dough balls on prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Bake cookies for 13 minutes, then cool for 10 minutes before placing in freezer until frozen.
Serve with homemade maple syrup or unsweetened melted chocolate, if desired.
Recipe tips:
Opt for sugar-free dark chocolate chips instead of a bar to bake healthy chocolate chip cookies.
Add baking soda or baking powder for a fluffier texture.
Substitute butter with coconut oil or ghee for a decadent twist that offers a hint of nuttiness and suits lactose-sensitive diets.
If you prefer a milder sweetness, reduce the xylitol by half.
Almond butter or peanut butter can be used as a binding agent instead of butter.
Mix in two tablespoons of low-glycemic yacon syrup for a subtle caramel-like flavor.
Lacking gluten as a binder, these Delicious Cookies are shaped into balls rather than flattened, reducing the likelihood of crumbling.
For the perfect cookie texture, almond flour is preferable to almond meal.
If desired, replace crushed pecans with macadamia or cashew nuts.
Incorporating coconut sugar instead of xylitol creates a chewier and more intense sweet flavor.
Break up or blend the chocolate bar in a food processor before adding it to the mixture.
Don't melt the butter on the stove. This may cause the dough to spread too much and become flat. Instead, let the butter soften naturally at room temperature.
Freezing these cookies isn’t essential, but it helps preserve their chewy texture and extend freshness.
Indulge in a delightful combination of crunch and melt-in-your-mouth goodness with these Delicious and Healthy Cookies.
These gluten-free treats are crafted with creamy butter, rich almond flour, pecans, and chunks of dark chocolate for a nourishing twist on classic flavors.
And, what’s more, they’re the perfect indulgence to satisfy your sweet cravings while keeping you in ketosis.
Why you’ll love this keto-friendly recipe
These Healthy Cookies are a dream come true for anyone seeking a more wholesome take on a classic favorite.
This keto-friendly recipe replaces traditional brown or cane sugar with xylitol, a low-glycemic sweetener, so you can relish each bite without experiencing the typical sugar rush.
Moreover, almond flour is used instead of wheat flour, boasting a glycemic index (GI) of less than one, while all-purpose flour has a GI of approximately 71. This means almond flour is a far better option for those looking to maintain stable blood sugar levels without sacrificing flavor or texture.
You can also personalize this recipe to suit your taste. For instance, add nut butter for richness or incorporate unsweetened coconut flakes for a dash of tropical goodness.
Furthermore, consider adding chia or flax seeds to boost omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, which can support heart health and promote digestive wellness.
These delicious and easy-to-make morsels are also ideal for batch baking, as they store well and provide a mouthwatering treat you can enjoy throughout the week.
Perfect for all occasions, from everyday confection to holiday celebrations, Delicious and Healthy Cookies are a fun and satisfying way to enjoy dessert without disrupting ketosis.
What makes these cookies healthy?
These gluten-free Healthy Cookies aren’t just a delicious treat but are also packed with nutritious ingredients that provide impressive health benefits.
Organic butter has a rich and decadent flavor while offering higher amounts of vitamin K2 and omega-3 fatty acids than conventional butter.
“Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for brain health and cognitive functions and help maintain balanced cholesterol levels,” explains Dr. Berg.
In addition to the butter, pecans also offer a dose of healthy fats and are abundant in antioxidants, which promote heart health and metabolic balance.
This has been confirmed by a study published in Nutrients, suggesting that consuming a handful of whole pecans daily may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM).
Including nuts in the diet can be particularly beneficial for older adults who are overweight or obese, as they’re at greater risk of developing cardiometabolic health issues.
Almond flour, another powerhouse ingredient, is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, such as vitamin E, which supports skin integrity and immune system functions.
Moreover, dark chocolate provides a luxurious and nutritious treat, as it’s rich in flavonoids that may aid in protecting against infections and reducing blood pressure.
Together, these wholesome ingredients not only create a delicious cookie but also promote overall wellness by supporting heart health, brain function, and metabolic balance.
Serving and storing Healthy Cookies
One of the best things about these Healthy Chocolate Cookies is that they're perfect for meal prepping.
Once frozen, they stay fresh for up to three months, and you can easily grab one whenever you're craving a sweet treat, ensuring you always have a nutritious option on hand.
Alternatively, you can store these cookies in the refrigerator for up to five days. Just ensure to let them cool completely before placing them into an airtight container to avoid moisture buildup, which can affect their texture and freshness.
To serve, you can enjoy them frozen, at room temperature, or slightly warmed in the toaster oven for a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
These Healthy Baked Cookies also make for an excellent gift, especially during the holiday season, or a thoughtful gesture for someone with dietary restrictions.
More keto cookie recipes
If you’re a dessert lover, you’ll adore these keto-approved recipes that are just as delicious and nutritious.
Here are a few tasty low-carb and gluten-free cookies you can easily make at home:
Keto Snickerdoodles: The combination of warm cinnamon, butter, and almond flour makes these goodies an irresistible tribute to a beloved classic.
Cream Cheese Keto Cookies: Savor these decadent confections, where rich cream cheese and butter blend to create an irresistibly smooth delight.
Keto Lemon Ricotta Cookies: Bursting with zesty lemon and velvety ricotta, these cookies offer a refreshing twist that brightens your day.
Keto “Oatmeal” Chocolate Chip Cookies: Packed with sugar-free shredded coconut and crunchy almonds, these delectable morsels offer all the flavors and textures of traditional oatmeal cookies without the extra carbs.
Keto-Friendly Chewy Ginger Cookies: These cookies are a festive treat featuring a spicy kick of ginger and an irresistibly chewy consistency.
Keto-Friendly Almond Butter Cookies: Rich and nutty, these cookies showcase almond butter for a guilt-free dessert that's both satisfying and delicious.
Pumpkin Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: The cozy warmth of pumpkin spice and silky pumpkin puree makes these low-carb sweets a comforting fall favorite.
Easy Keto Peanut Butter Cookies: Smooth peanut butter and rich dark chocolate unite to create a tantalizing fusion of flavors.
Delicious Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies: These scrumptious morsels feature a rich buttery base and plenty of chocolate chips, ensuring you'll return for more.
Final thoughts
These easy-to-make Delicious and Healthy Cookies are crafted using nutrient-dense and low-carb ingredients, including organic butter, almond flour, and dark chocolate.
Serve these delectable morsels with Homemade Maple Syrup, a scoop of No-Churn Ice Cream, or sugar-free Whipped Cream for a guilt-free after-meal dessert.
FAQ
1. What are the most healthy cookies?
The most healthy cookies are those made with nutrient-dense ingredients, such as organic butter, flaky sea salt, and sugar-free dark chocolate.
Compared to store-bought cookies with added sugars, preservatives, and unhealthy oils, these homemade versions provide a wholesome treat without compromising on flavor or nutrition.
2. Are keto cookies gluten-free?
Yes, keto cookies are gluten-free as they don't contain wheat or grains. Instead, they use almond or coconut flour, which are both excellent gluten-free alternatives to conventional flour.
3. What cookies can I have on keto?
There are many keto-friendly cookies, such as Keto Shortbread Cookies, Cream Cheese Keto Cookies, and Keto Snickerdoodles. These recipes feature low-carb ingredients, including erythritol or stevia for sweetness, complemented by healthy fats such as organic butter or coconut oil.
4. Is almond flour a healthy alternative to white flour for cookies?
Yes, almond flour is a healthier alternative to white flour for cookies.
Almond flour is gluten-free, low in carbohydrates, and rich in essential nutrients like vitamin E, making it an ideal choice for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
5. What type of sugar should I use to make cookies healthier?
To make refined sugar-free cookies, use natural sweeteners, such as xylitol, erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit. These options won't cause blood sugar and insulin spikes, which helps promote metabolic balance and supports a healthy body weight.
