Are you craving a warm, comforting cookie but watching your sugar intake? This recipe for oatmeal cookies for diabetics offers a delicious and guilt-free alternative. These cookies are packed with the wholesome goodness of oats and subtly sweetened, making them a perfect treat for anyone following a diabetic-friendly diet or simply looking for healthier dessert options. Forget those overly sugary, store-bought cookies – this recipe is your key to homemade happiness! It's easier than you think to enjoy delicious and healthy cookies. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
- ½ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or another sugar substitute like stevia, adjust to taste)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds), ½ cup raisins or cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, almond flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed to avoid lumps in your cookies.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Add-ins (Optional): If using, gently stir in your choice of nuts, raisins, or cranberries.
- Shape the Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success:
- Almond Flour: Almond flour is a great gluten-free alternative and adds a delightful nutty flavor. You can experiment with other nut flours, like coconut flour, but you might need to adjust the liquid slightly.
- Sweetener: Adjust the amount of maple syrup or your chosen sweetener to your liking. Taste the dough before baking to ensure the sweetness level is to your preference.
- Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed. Start checking for doneness around the 12-minute mark.
- Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Variations:
- Spiced Oatmeal Cookies: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies: Add a small amount of dark chocolate chips (70% cacao or higher) for a decadent touch. Remember to check the sugar content of the chocolate chips.
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies: Stir in 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter for extra flavor and protein.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
- Protein: Approximately 3-4g
- Fat: Approximately 4-6g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used. This recipe provides a healthy and delicious alternative that prioritizes natural sweeteners and wholesome ingredients. Remember to consult your doctor or a registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice, especially if you have diabetes. Enjoy your healthy and delicious homemade oatmeal cookies!