🍪 Almond Cookies – Sugar Free 🍪
Almond cookies are delicious treats that offer a healthier alternative to traditional sugar-laden cookies. They are perfect for those who are looking to satisfy their sweet tooth without the guilt of consuming excess sugar. Here’s everything you need to know about almond cookies:
📜 History:
The exact origin of almond cookies is not well-documented, but they are believed to have originated in Asia, particularly in countries like China and Macau. These cookies have become popular worldwide due to their delightful almond flavor and the fact that they are often sugar-free, making them suitable for various dietary preferences.
🧁 Components:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (or a suitable butter substitute)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar substitute (e.g., erythritol or stevia)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Whole almonds or almond slices for garnish (optional)
👩🍳 Preparation Steps:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly.
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Cream Butter and Sweetener: In another bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and the granulated sugar substitute until it becomes smooth and well combined.
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Add Egg and Extracts: Add the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms.
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Shape the Cookies: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form small dough balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. You can also flatten them slightly with a fork for that classic crisscross pattern.
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Garnish: If desired, place a whole almond or some almond slices on top of each cookie for added flavor and decoration.
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Bake: Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the cookies turn golden brown around the edges.
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Cool: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
🕒 Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare these sugar-free almond cookies is approximately 30-40 minutes, including preparation and baking time. It may vary slightly depending on your baking experience and kitchen setup.
Now you can enjoy these guilt-free, sugar-free almond cookies with their nutty and sweet flavors! 😋🍪
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for sugar-free almond cookies:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per cookie, assuming a batch makes 12 cookies):
- Calories: 100-120 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 50-60mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 2-4g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 2-3g
Health Information:
- Low in Sugar: Sugar-free almond cookies are a great option for those looking to reduce their sugar intake or manage blood sugar levels, making them suitable for people with diabetes.
- High in Healthy Fats: Almond cookies are rich in healthy fats, primarily from almond flour and butter. These fats can provide sustained energy and promote satiety.
- Gluten-Free: Since almond flour is the main ingredient, these cookies are naturally gluten-free, which is beneficial for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Nutrient-Dense: Almonds are a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber. They can support heart health and provide antioxidants.
- Moderation: While sugar-free, these cookies should still be consumed in moderation due to their calorie content and fat content. Overeating them may lead to excess calorie intake.
Remember that the exact nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used, so it’s a good practice to check product labels and adjust serving sizes accordingly to meet your dietary goals.
