Are you craving a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth cookie but hesitant about the sugar content? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe for sugar-free butter cookies delivers all the buttery goodness and satisfying crunch you love, without the guilt. These easy recipes are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while sticking to your healthy eating goals. Whether you're looking for quick dinner ideas or simply a delicious treat, these cookies are a fantastic choice for homemade cooking.
These cookies are surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner bakers. They’re a perfect example of how delicious and healthy meals can be easily achieved, proving that healthy doesn't have to mean bland! Let’s get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup erythritol or your preferred sugar substitute (granulated)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for added flavor)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
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Cream the Butter & Sweetener: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar substitute until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for best results. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cookie.
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Add Extracts: Beat in the vanilla and almond extracts (if using). The extracts add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
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Gradually Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this can result in tough cookies.
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Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. You can gently flatten them slightly with a fork for a classic textured look.
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Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as ovens can vary.
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Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Sugar-Free Butter Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is truly softened – this will help create a smooth and creamy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even better results, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar substitute to your liking. Some sugar substitutes are sweeter than others.
Variations:
- Add-ins: Get creative! Fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or sprinkles for added flavor and texture.
- Spiced Cookies: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm and comforting twist.
- Lemon Cookies: Zest and juice of one lemon adds a refreshing citrusy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific sugar substitute used. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients and quantities. Generally, these cookies will be lower in calories and sugar than traditional butter cookies.
These sugar-free butter cookies are a perfect example of healthy and delicious treats you can enjoy without compromising on taste. They're ideal for those looking for easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. So, go ahead and give them a try! You'll be surprised by how much you love them. They're sure to become a new favorite among your best recipes.