Keto Cookies: Healthy Or A Hoax?

Cookies are a classic dessert and a favorite snack for many. But are they keto-friendly?

The short answer is yes, you can enjoy cookies while on a keto diet. However, traditional cookies are typically made with ingredients like wheat flour and sugar, which are high in carbs and not suitable for a keto diet. The good news is that there are many delicious keto-friendly cookie recipes available that use low-carb and sugar-free alternatives.

For example, keto chocolate chip cookies made with almond flour, coconut flour, or a combination of both, can be just as tasty as their traditional counterparts. These keto cookies often use sugar substitutes like erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit extract, and sugar-free chocolate chips.

In addition to chocolate chip cookies, there are also keto-friendly versions of other cookie favorites, such as peanut butter cookies, shortbread cookies, and even Oreo-style sandwich cookies. So, if you're craving a sweet treat while on a keto diet, there are plenty of options to choose from!

Keto cookies: yay or nay?

Keto cookies are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while sticking to your low-carb diet. But are they really okay to eat? The short answer is yes, keto cookies can be a delicious and nutritious treat. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before indulging.

The Benefits of Keto Cookies

First, let's take a look at why keto cookies are a good choice for those following a ketogenic diet. As anyone who has tried the keto diet knows, giving up sweets and treats can be one of the hardest parts. Keto cookies provide a way to enjoy a sweet treat while still staying within the strict guidelines of the diet.

Keto cookies are typically made with ingredients like almond flour or coconut flour, which are low in carbs and high in healthy fats. They are also usually sweetened with sugar substitutes like erythritol or stevia, which don't spike blood sugar levels like regular sugar. This makes them a good option for those with diabetes or insulin resistance.

In addition, keto cookies can be a good source of protein and healthy fats, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. They are also usually lower in calories than traditional cookies, which can aid in weight loss.

Potential Drawbacks of Keto Cookies

Now, let's address some of the potential concerns about keto cookies. One of the main issues is that they may still contain a significant amount of calories and fat. Just because they are keto-friendly doesn't mean you can eat unlimited quantities. It's important to practice portion control and fit them into your daily macros.

Another potential issue is the taste and texture. Some people find that keto cookies have a slightly different taste and texture compared to traditional cookies due to the alternative ingredients used. They may be more crumbly or have a slightly different mouthfeel. However, many people find that the taste is very similar to regular cookies, especially if they are made with high-quality ingredients.

Finally, there is the issue of cost. Keto-friendly ingredients can be more expensive than traditional baking ingredients, and specialty keto cookies purchased from stores can also be pricier. However, making your own keto cookies at home can help keep costs down.

The Bottom Line

So, are keto cookies a yay or nay? Overall, they can be a delicious and nutritious treat for those following a ketogenic diet. They provide a way to satisfy your sweet tooth while still sticking to your low-carb goals. However, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes and to make sure the cookies fit within your daily macros. Additionally, be prepared for a slightly different taste and texture, and be aware that specialty keto cookies may come with a higher price tag.

How to make keto cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup finely ground almond flour
• 2-4 tbsp chocolate chips or sugar-free chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar or powdered erythritol or stevia equivalent
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2-3 tsp milk of choice, as needed

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 325 F.
• Stir dry ingredients very well (so you don’t end up biting into a clump of baking soda!).
• Add wet ingredients to form a dough.
• Shape into cookies – use a cookie scoop to first form balls and then shape into cookies.
• Place on a cookie tray and bake on the center rack for 10-12 minutes.
• Let cool for an additional 10 minutes before handling, as they are very delicate at first but firm up completely once cool.

Keto cookie ingredients

There are many variations of keto-friendly chocolate chip cookies, but the ingredients are usually a combination of almond flour, coconut flour, butter, eggs, and sugar-free chocolate chips. Some recipes also include heavy cream, vanilla extract, and baking soda.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sugar-free chocolate chips

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In a large bowl, mix together the almond flour, baking soda, and salt (if using).
• In a separate bowl, beat the butter, sweetener, and vanilla extract until creamy.
• Add the egg and beat until well combined.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
• Fold in the chocolate chips.
• Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
• Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 7-9 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.

The best keto cookie recipes

Cookies are a delicious treat, and you can still enjoy them while on a keto diet. Here are some of the best keto cookie recipes:

Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies

These keto chocolate chip cookies are just like Grandma used to make. They are soft and chewy, crisp around the edges but tender on the inside and packed with dark chocolate and pecans. The best part is that they have just 1.1 net carbs per cookie!

Keto Cowboy Cookies

These keto cowboy cookies are loaded with chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans. They are big, crispy on the edges, and soft and chewy in the center. The recipe yields 24 large cookies, but you can easily cut the recipe in half for 12 large cookies.

Keto Cookies with Almond Flour

These keto cookies with almond flour are deliciously soft, flourless, and completely sugar-free. They are like something between a traditional chocolate chip cookie and a butter cookie. The texture is so rich and buttery, it’s almost like eating chocolate chip shortbread!

Keto Cookies with Coconut Flour

If you are allergic to nuts or prefer not to use almond flour, you can try making keto cookies with coconut flour. These keto dark chocolate cookies require only coconut flour and are just three net carbs for a large cookie.

Keto Cookies with Peanut Butter

If you are a fan of peanut butter, you can try making keto cookies with peanut butter. These cookies are crumbly, buttery, and filling. A serving of four cookies has only 2g net carbs.

Keto cookie FAQs

The best flours to use for keto cookies are almond flour and coconut flour. Some recipes don't use any flour at all.

Yes, you can have chocolate on keto! Use unsweetened cocoa powder or sugar-free chocolate chips.

Instead of peanut butter, you can substitute with any unsweetened nut or seed butter. Some popular choices are sunbutter or almond butter.

Will one cookie break my ketosis?

Technically, one cookie will not break your ketosis. However, it might trigger cravings for more carbs or completely falling off the wagon.

Saying "no, thank you" is not rude. You can also say something like, "They look delicious, but I'm on a diet."

Frequently asked questions