Hey guys, I'm back and just in time for Valentine's day treat!
Like many humans, I love treats. Cookies, cakes, chocolate, I can't get enough. But because I am a nutritionist, I am well aware of the repercussions of having too many sweet treats wreaking havoc on blood sugar levels and creating an influx of inflammation. Growing up in a healthy household, my mom always cut the sugar in half for all the baked goods she made. Growing up with that mentality, I am always finding ways of swapping out common ingredients with healthier sugar and flour alternatives to make a guilt-free treat!
So, it's time to show that you care about your loved ones with these delicious and rich cookies with a healthy twist! The bonus; it's only ten ingredients and gluten-free.
Red Velvet Cookies
Time: 35 minutes (plus 20-30 minutes to cool)
Makes: 20 cookies (10 servings)
Cost per serving: $ 1.35 (2 cookies)*
Ingredients:
2 Eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp Himalayan salt
3/4 cup Bob's Red Mill Coconut flour
1/4 cup Organic Traditions Red Velvet Latte (alternative: Organic Traditions Beet Latte)
3/4 cup 50% Dark Chocolate chips
1/2 cup Bob's Red Mill rolled oats
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine dry ingredients (Coconut sugar, baking soda, Himalayan salt, coconut flour, and latte mix).
In a small bowl, blend the wet ingredients (Eggs, butter, and vanilla extract).
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient bowl. Once combined, add in the chocolate chips and rolled oats.
Roll the mixture into firm, small balls and place them on the baking sheet approximately 1 inch apart.
Gently press a fork into the center of each batter ball.
Bake in the oven for 13- 16 minutes.
Once baked thoroughly, remove from the oven and carefully place the cookies onto a plate. Allow them to cool for 20-30 minutes before devouring them!
From the cupboard:
Organic Traditions Red Velvet Latte, coconut flour, baking soda,
Himalayan salt, coconut sugar, vanilla extract, and 50% dark chocolate chips.
From the fridge:
Eggs, butter, and rolled oats.
Why coconut flour?
Compared to conventional flours, coconut flour has a higher nutrient density while still having a light and fluffy texture. Two tablespoons of flour contain: 5g fiber, 3g protein, and 3g naturally occurring sugar. The conventional flour would get you 0.66 g of fiber and 2.66 g of protein but zero sugar.
Great for a keto lover looking for a cheat day without going deep into the carbohydrate pool!
A word of caution: although coconut flour is gluten-free, it will need some binding agents like eggs or acacia gum to reduce the chances that the cookie may crumble in your hands.
Why coconut sugar?
Although coconut sugar only has one gram less per serving (2tsp), it does have a lower glycemic load of 35 compared to refined white sugar ranging from 60-65. A lower glycemic index means less of a spike in blood sugar, which is fantastic news for people who are diabetic or pre-diabetic! I've used coconut sugar for over five years as a substitute for almost all my recipes. Trust me, the sugar die-hards can't tell, and it's better for them!
And why Wholesome?
Wholesome is a line of baking products that goes above and beyond providing quality products. They are certified Fair Trade, so they also care about the well-being of their suppliers. So whether you are looking for icing sugar for your cupcakes or finding a sugar alternative for your specific dietary needs, your conscious will be clear that it benefits everyone involved in the process.
Organic Traditions Latte Mixes
Not only are these tasty drink mixes make for a quick and guilt-free afternoon pick me up, but you can also add them to baked goods to deepen the flavor profile! All you have to do is replace the flour base with a preferred amount of the latte mix (2 tablespoons for light flavor or up to 1/4 cup for richer flavor), whip it up, and pop it in the oven to bake! The options are endless with the range of latte mixes. Use their Turmeric Latte for nice aromatic buns to pair with stews, or add the Yerba mate mint to a brownie batter. These are simple ways to surprise your next guests at any culinary function without pulling out half the spice cabinet!
Organic Traditions is a quality company with quality sourced ingredients you can trust. They work with farmers and strive to keep their USDA organic, Ecocert, and Vegan based options so everyone can enjoy a delicious drink!
This Red Velvet Latte mix is a holiday edition, so it can prove tricky to find, sorry! Buy Organic Traditions has a Beet Latte mix with similar ingredients to get the same desired effect. Including the benefits of nitric oxide support from beets to support the heart and energy production.
Plus, it's lightly sweetened with coconut sugar. Are you noticing a trend?
So show someone that you care about their health, and spend quality time with those you hold dear to your heart! After all, who could resist a cookie?
How do you show your love? Are you celebrating any relationship milestones this year? Are you practicing self-love this year?
Until then, stay well!
Chloe
*Prices may vary depending on where you shop.