Have you noticed that cookies are often overlooked or even criticized when it comes to sweet treats? Let's give these little delights the attention they deserve! They're frequently associated with refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and a laundry list of unrecognizable ingredients. But what if there was a way to indulge your sweet tooth without sacrificing your health goals? Enter the humble almond flour cookie—a delightful paradox of deliciousness and wholesomeness. Baking your cookies can be a fun and rewarding experience and a fantastic activity for bonding with kids. There's a sense of satisfaction in creating something delicious from scratch.
This recipe for Almond Cardamom Crisps takes center stage for its focus on minimally processed, less refined ingredients. Let's delve into what makes these cookies such a healthy option. Almond flour is the hero of this recipe. Unlike traditional wheat flour, it's naturally gluten-free and packed with protein and healthy fats. This flour keeps you feeling fuller for longer, preventing unwanted sugar crashes. Additionally, almonds are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and manganese, offering a welcome boost of nutrients. This recipe utilizes maple syrup as the primary sweetener. While still a sugar, maple syrup boasts a lower glycemic index than refined white sugar. This means it causes a slower rise in blood sugar levels, leading to more sustained energy and reduced cravings. Coconut milk or any plant-based milk adds a touch of creaminess and moisture to the dough while staying true to the vegan and dairy-free philosophy. This makes these cookies perfect for those with dietary restrictions or seeking alternative milk options.
While this recipe is a foundation for healthy indulgence, there's room for customization. Here are some additional ways to elevate the health profile: As included in this recipe, spices like cardamom add a delightful flavor while offering potential health benefits. Cardamom has been linked to improved digestion and may even possess anti-inflammatory properties. Feel free to incorporate healthy mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or dark chocolate chips (in moderation!). These additions provide extra texture, flavor, and additional nutrients.
These cookies made with almond flour demonstrate that healthy and delicious can coexist. These cookies provide a well-balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and sweetness from maple syrup. They also offer fiber and essential nutrients from almond flour. By embracing minimally processed ingredients and focusing on natural sweeteners, you can create delightful treats that nourish your body and satisfy your sweet tooth. So, next time you're craving a cookie, consider this recipe. With its emphasis on wholesome ingredients and room for customization, you can create a treat that's as good for you as it is tasty. Enjoy these protein-rich cardamom crisp almond cookies as a healthy and satisfying snack or a delicious dessert!
Makes - 20 Cookies
Preparation time - 5 Mins
Baking Time - 20 Mins
Cooking Time - 5 Mins
Total time - 30 mins
Ingredients
Almond Flour – 2 ½ cups
Cardamom Powder – 2 tbsp
Maple syrup – 1/3 cup
Coconut milk or any plant-based milk – ¼ cup
Dark chocolate – 2 oz ( I have used 70% cacao)
Salt - 1/4 tsp
Directions
In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients.
2. Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Take a small amount of dough, form it into a ball, place it on the parchment paper, and flatten it with a spoon, knife, spatula, or hand to create a disc.
3. Bake the cookies for 10 minutes at 350°F. Remove the pan from the oven, flip all the cookies, and bake for ten more minutes on the upper rack.
4. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After a few minutes of cooling on the baking sheet, use a spatula to transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack. This will allow the air to circulate the cookies, helping them cool evenly and preventing them from becoming soggy on the bottom.
5. To melt the dark chocolate, fill a saucepan with a few inches of water and bring it to a simmer over medium-low heat. Make sure the water is hot but not boiling. Place a heatproof bowl on top of the saucepan, ensuring that the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. This creates a gentle, indirect heat that will melt the chocolate slowly and evenly.
6. Add your chocolate to the bowl. Stir the chocolate occasionally with a spoon or spatula as it melts. Be patient and avoid turning up the heat, as chocolate can easily scorch if overheated.
7. Dunk each cookie partially or fully in the melted chocolate. Then, transfer it to the wire rack until the chocolate is dried up, about 15 minutes.
8. Once the chocolate has hardened, your cookies will be enjoyed! Store The cookies in an airtight container.
References
Almond Consumption and Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials - PMC (nih.gov)
Effects of almond consumption on the reduction of LDL-cholesterol: a discussion of potential mechanisms and future research directions - PubMed (nih.gov)
Elaboration of Cookies Using Oils and Flours from Seeds and Nuts: Effects on Technological, Nutritional and Consumer Aspects - PMC (nih.gov)
Almond consumption improved glycemic control and lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus - PubMed (nih.gov)