Pure indulgence! These keto-friendly almond flour cookies feature organic unsweetened carob chips (with a hint of cinnamon) for a guilt-free treat! They’re also gluten-free, and low-carb with only 3.6g of net carbs per serving! This recipe uses blanched almond flour and pure organic monk fruit sweetener for healthy baking.
These cookies are perfect for diabetics, people on low-glycemic diets, or anyone looking for a healthy cookie option without a lot of extra sugar or chocolate. They can be modified with lots of different add-ins, like nuts, chocolate chips, cranberries, or other dried fruits. There’s sure to be a flavor variation for everyone.
Blanched Almond Flour Health Benefits: Lower Tannins for Better Digestion and Nutrition
Blanched almond flour, made from almonds with their skins removed, offers several health benefits, particularly due to its lower tannin content compared to unblanched almond flour. Tannins, naturally occurring compounds in almond skins, can inhibit nutrient absorption and cause digestive discomfort in some individuals. By removing the skins, blanched almond flour is gentler on the digestive system, making it a great choice for those with sensitive stomachs.
It’s naturally gluten-free, high in healthy monounsaturated fats, protein, and fiber, supporting heart health, satiety, and stable blood sugar levels. Additionally, it’s rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that promotes skin and immune health, and magnesium, which supports muscle and nerve function. Its low-carb profile makes it ideal for ketogenic or low-glycemic diets, providing a nutrient-dense alternative to traditional flours.
Carob Health Benefits and History: From Ancient Egypt to Modern Superfood Alternative to Chocolate
Carob, derived from the pods of the Ceratonia siliqua tree, has a rich history and notable health benefits. Historically, carob has been used for over 4,000 years, originating in the Mediterranean and Middle East, where ancient Egyptians valued it as a food source and even used its pods in mummification processes.
The term “carat,” a unit of weight for precious stones, stems from carob seeds, which were used as a standard measure due to their uniform weight. Nutritionally, carob is a low-fat, caffeine-free alternative to chocolate, rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Its naturally sweet flavor comes from natural sugars making it gentle on digestion and suitable for those with sensitive stomachs.
Carob is also low in sodium and high in polyphenols, which may support heart health and reduce inflammation. Its gluten-free nature and low glycemic index make it a popular choice for diabetic-friendly and allergen-free diets.
Pure Monk Fruit Sweetener: Why It’s Healthier Than Sugar for Diabetes and Weight Loss
Pure monk fruit, derived from the Siraitia grosvenorii plant native to southern China, is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener that offers significant health benefits over refined sugar.
Unlike sugar, which is high in calories and can spike blood glucose levels, pure monk fruit contains mogrosides, potent antioxidants that provide intense sweetness without impacting blood sugar, making it an ideal choice for those managing diabetes or following low-carb diets. It has no carbohydrates or glycemic index, reducing the risk of weight gain and insulin resistance associated with sugar consumption.
Additionally, monk fruit lacks the empty calories of sugar, which can contribute to obesity and dental issues. Its antioxidant properties may also support inflammation reduction and overall health. Historically used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, pure monk fruit is free of artificial additives and provides a clean, natural sweetness, making it a superior alternative to sugar for health-conscious individuals.
Azure Standard: The Best Bulk Source for Organic Ingredients IMO
Azure Standard is a family-owned distributor with over 30 years of experience in providing natural, non-GMO, and organic products. Azure specializes in bulk shipments delivered directly to customers or local drop points. They sell key items for this recipe, including organic blanched almond flour—it’s finely ground from skinless almonds for optimal texture in baking—and delicious organic unsweetened carob chips, a caffeine-free alternative to chocolate perfect for low-carb treats.
Low-Carb Almond Flour Cookies with Unsweetened Carob Chips
Delicious low-carb almond flour cookies with unsweetened carob chips! Keto-friendly, gluten-free, and easy to make with natural ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp pure monk fruit powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups blanched almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsweetened carob chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, monk fruit powder, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a thick dough forms. Fold in the unsweetened carob chips evenly.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions (or use a cookie scoop), roll into balls, and place on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with your hand or a fork, as these cookies won’t spread much during baking.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottom is just beginning to brown. The centers may appear soft but will firm up as they cool.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Important Baking Note: Stop baking before cookies show any top color—aim for light bottom browning at 10-12 minutes. Almond flour is delicate and browns easily, causing bitter off-flavors; slight underbaking ensures soft, chewy results as they firm on cooling.
- Monk Fruit Powder: Since monk fruit powder is intensely sweet, 1 tsp is roughly equivalent to 1/2 cup sugar. If the dough isn’t sweet enough (especially with unsweetened carob chips), you can add an extra 1/8 - 1/4tsp of monk fruit powder, but taste the dough first to avoid over-sweetening.
- Carob Chips: Unsweetened carob chips have a naturally mild, slightly nutty flavor. If you want a stronger chocolate-like taste, you can mix in a small amount of cocoa powder (1-2 tbsp) to the dry ingredients, but this is optional.
- Dough Texture: Coconut flour is highly absorbent. If the dough feels too dry, add 1-2 tsp of water or almond milk. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more almond flour (1 tbsp at a time).
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Variations: For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of extra cinnamon or a handful of chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans) to complement the carob chips. Swap chocolate chips for carob, try sugar-free white chocolate, or dried cranberries for variety.
- Lowering Net Carbs: By removing the carob chips from this recipe net carbs can be reduced to 2.2 g per serving.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 34 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 127Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 91mgCarbohydrates: 5.5gNet Carbohydrates: 3.6gFiber: 1.9gSugar: ~1.0 gProtein: 4g
Nutrition information is automatically generated and may not be exact.
Check out these similar gluten-free and keto-friendly treats:
Gluten-Free Orange Cream and Cardamom Cookies – Soft shortbread-style cookies with citrus and spice.
Raw Cashew Cookie Dough Bites – No-bake, sugar-free bites with pure monk fruit.
Raw Cacao and Coconut Haystacks – Easy, keto-friendly, no-bake chocolate cookie.