Low Carb Orange Spice Cookies: A Delightful Low-Carb Treat
When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth while maintaining a low-carb lifestyle, these Low Carb Orange Spice Cookies offer a delightful balance of flavor and nutrition, all while remaining within your dietary goals. This unique recipe ingeniously incorporates the unexpected ingredient of pork rinds, which might raise an eyebrow at first, but trust us—this ingredient adds an intriguing crunch and depth to the cookie’s texture without the carbs typically found in traditional cookie recipes. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with these aromatic, citrus-infused delights that are perfect for any occasion, especially during brunch or as a quick snack.
Recipe Overview
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Servings: Approximately 40 cookies
Ingredients
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ingredients you will need to create these tasty cookies, including their nutritional values:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Splenda granular | 5 tablespoons |
| Brown Sugar Twin | ½ cup |
| Baking powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground ginger | 4 teaspoons |
| Ground nutmeg | 1½ teaspoons |
| Walnuts, chopped | ½ cup |
| Orange zest | ½ cup |
| Pure vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional content of your cookies is essential for maintaining your low-carb lifestyle. Here is the nutritional breakdown per cookie:
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 43.3 kcal |
| Total Fat | 3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 18.8 mg |
| Sodium | 112.9 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 1.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugars | 0.2 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
Instructions
Now that you have gathered all your ingredients and understood their nutritional contributions, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for preparing these delightful low-carb orange spice cookies.
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will ensure that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect, slightly crisp exterior while remaining soft inside.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pork rinds, Splenda, Brown Sugar Twin, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg. Using a whisk, blend these dry ingredients until they are thoroughly mixed and there are no lumps remaining. This step is crucial as it ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the cookie batter.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the fresh ground ginger, orange zest, vanilla extract, sour cream, and eggs. Mixing these ingredients separately will help in achieving a well-emulsified batter, leading to a softer and fluffier cookie texture.
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Incorporate Mixtures: Gradually stir the wet mixture into the dry pork rind mixture. Use a spatula to fold them together until the batter is well blended and forms a cohesive dough. Be careful not to overmix; just ensure everything is nicely combined.
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Prepare Baking Sheets: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. This will also make cleanup a breeze after baking.
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Shape the Cookies: Using a rounded tablespoon, drop portions of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
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Flatten Cookies: To achieve a uniform shape and thickness, flatten each cookie gently using the bottom of an oiled glass. This step not only helps with even baking but also ensures that the cookies have a delightful appearance.
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Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary depending on your oven, but the cookies should be lightly golden around the edges when done.
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Cool: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling time is essential as it allows the cookies to firm up, making them easier to handle.
Serving Suggestions
These Low Carb Orange Spice Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you are enjoying them as a post-workout snack, serving them at a brunch gathering, or simply indulging in a sweet treat without the guilt. Their delightful orange zest and warm spice flavors are sure to please, offering a unique taste experience that keeps you coming back for more.
Final Thoughts
While the combination of pork rinds and sweet flavors may seem unconventional at first, this recipe illustrates how creativity in the kitchen can lead to delicious results that align with your dietary needs. By incorporating low-carb ingredients and focusing on flavor, these cookies are an excellent addition to your dessert repertoire, allowing you to enjoy sweet treats without the carbs.
With approximately 40 cookies per batch, you’ll have plenty to share—or to keep all to yourself! Enjoy baking and savoring these scrumptious Low Carb Orange Spice Cookies, and remember, the journey of discovering new flavors is part of the fun in maintaining a low-carb lifestyle. Happy baking!
