Low-Sugar Healthy Sugar Cookies
If you’re on a quest for a delightful treat that won’t compromise your health goals, you’ve landed in the right place. These Low-Sugar Healthy Sugar Cookies are not just your average cookies. They bring together wholesome ingredients with a fraction of the sugar, making them a perfect guilt-free indulgence. With whole-wheat pastry flour, natural sweeteners, and rich flavors, you’ll be amazed at how satisfying these cookies can be. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a sweet bite, these cookies are sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Low-Sugar Healthy Sugar Cookies are a game changer for several reasons. First, they are made with whole-wheat pastry flour, which adds a nutty flavor and boosts the nutritional profile. Second, the use of raw organic cane sugar paired with baking stevia significantly reduces the sugar content while keeping the cookies sweet and enjoyable. Plus, they are incredibly versatile! You can easily customize them by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. Best of all, they are simple to make and perfect for all occasions, from casual snacking to festive celebrations.
What You’ll Gather
To create these delicious cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups whole-wheat pastry flour (180g)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons raw organic cane sugar
- 1/3 cup baking stevia
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Kitchen Gear Checklist
Before you start baking, make sure you have these essential kitchen tools:
- Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate measurements.
- Electric mixer – to cream the butter and sugars smoothly.
- Baking sheet – for placing the cookie dough.
- Parchment paper – to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – for uniform cookie sizes.
- Cooling rack – to let your cookies cool properly.
Low-Sugar Healthy Sugar Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookies bake evenly and have the perfect texture.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole-wheat pastry flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt throughout the flour.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the unsalted butter with the raw organic cane sugar and baking stevia. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This process incorporates air, giving your cookies a lovely texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts
Add the large egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined. The egg yolk adds richness, while the extracts provide a delicious flavor.
Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look a bit underbaked; that’s perfect, as they will continue to set as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
Better Choices & Swaps
If you’re looking to make these cookies even healthier or simply want to customize them, consider these options:
- Substitute coconut oil for butter for a dairy-free option.
- Use almond flour instead of whole-wheat pastry flour for a gluten-free version.
- Add oats or nuts for extra texture and nutrition.
- Mix in dark chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips for a richer taste.
Mistakes Even Pros Make
When baking Low-Sugar Healthy Sugar Cookies, even experienced bakers can encounter some pitfalls. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Not measuring ingredients correctly can lead to inconsistent results.
- Overmixing the dough can make the cookies tough instead of tender.
- Skipping the chilling process can cause cookies to spread too much.
- Not using parchment paper can lead to cookies sticking to the baking sheet.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
Storing your Low-Sugar Healthy Sugar Cookies properly will keep them fresh and delicious for longer. Here are some tips:
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
- Reheat cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain their softness.
Your Top Questions
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole-wheat pastry flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour if you don’t have whole-wheat pastry flour on hand. However, keep in mind that the flavor and nutritional content will differ slightly.
What can I use instead of raw organic cane sugar?
You can substitute coconut sugar or another granulated sugar of your choice. Just be mindful that it may alter the flavor slightly.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) in place of the egg and yolk.
How can I add flavor to these cookies?
You can mix in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or add citrus zest for a bright twist. Experimenting with different extracts can also enhance the flavor!
Don’t Miss These
If you enjoyed these cookies, you’ll love exploring more of our delicious recipes! Check out:
- Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Easy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies
The Last Word
These Low-Sugar Healthy Sugar Cookies are a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth while making smarter choices. With their wholesome ingredients and reduced sugar content, you can enjoy these treats without the guilt. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies will surely become a favorite. They represent a perfect balance between indulgence and health, proving that you can have your cookie and eat it too! Happy baking!
Low-Sugar Healthy Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole-wheat pastry flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the unsalted butter with the raw organic cane sugar and baking stevia until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the large egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Notes
- Substitute coconut oil for butter for a dairy-free option.
- Use almond flour instead of whole-wheat pastry flour for a gluten-free version.
- Add oats or nuts for extra texture and nutrition.
