Healthy Coconut Flour Cookies:
Coconut Flour Cookies: A Healthy Treat
These coconut flour cookies are an incredible spin on traditional cookies using wheat flour. Not only are they gluten-free, but they’re also loaded with fiber, healthy fats, and protein, so this is a great option for anyone health-conscious or with dietary restrictions. Coconut flour is well-known for its properties, and it is often used in gluten-free and paleo baking. In this article, we will explore the health benefits of coconut flour cookies, how to make them, and a few delicious recipe variations!
What is Healthy Coconut Flour Cookies?
The coconut meat is kept and dried, and then ground to a tapered powder, creating coconut flour. This flour is a good choice for a gluten-free alternative during cooking and baking as it has a light sweetness and nutty taste. Coconut flour differs from regular flour in that it is very absorbent, so recipes made with it tend to need more liquid to achieve the right consistency.
Not only is coconut flour low in digestible carbohydrates, it is high in dietary fiber, healthy fats, and proteins. This also makes it an excellent candidate for low-carb, high-fiber diets. It’s also an excellent option for those with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or anyone avoiding wheat-based products.
They are nut-free, gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan.
Coconut flour is packed with nutrients that make them great healthy options. Here are some more of the wonders of this super-ingredient:
Gluten-Free: Coconut flour is naturally gluten-free, making it a great alternative for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. This makes this approach very suitable for people who want to enjoy some baked good while not feeling guilty.
High in Fiber: Coconut flour is extremely fiber-rich, which is important for your digestive health. Fiber regulates bowel movements, decreases bloating and may even reduce cholesterol levels.
Healthy Fat Booster: Coconut flour contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), types of fats that are said to increase fat-burning, raise energy levels and aid brain function.
Low Glycemic Index: Coconut flour is low in glycemic index with very little effect on blood sugar levels. That makes it a good choice for diabetics or those attempting to control their blood sugar.
Rich in Protein: Coconut flour is also high in protein, which is important for muscle repair and growth. Coconut flour cookies are rich in protein, which helps reduce hunger and keep you full.
Natural Source of Essential Minerals: Being made from part of the coconut, coconut flour provides minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium, all essential for your overall health and wellbeing.
This recipe uses coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour, and that is an easier way to make a healthier version of your favorite cookie. These cookies make for an indulgent snack without the accompanying sugar crash or bloated feeling.
Healthy Coconut Flour Cookie Recipe
Coconut flour cookies are relatively easy to make, and they can be adapted to fit many tastes and dietary preferences. Coconut flour cookies call for a lot more eggs (and liquids) than wheat-flour cookies because it absorbs so much moisture. Here is a basic coconut flour cookie recipe that you can adjust to your liking.
Healthy Coconut Flour Cookies Recipe — The Basics
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 cup of an unsweetened nut butter (almond/peanut butter, etc.)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (or healthier, lower-glycemic alternative)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- Optional (to taste): 1/4 cup chocolate chips, dried fruit, or shredded coconut
Instructions:
Bits and Blobs: Preheat Oven to 350°F (175°C) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Put the coconut flour, baking soda and salt in a big bowl. Stir to mix evenly.
Whisk together eggs, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Because coconut flour is so absorbent, the dough will be quite thick.
Fold in any add ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or shredded coconut, if using.
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the dough into small balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, pressing them down slightly with the back of a spoon.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the cookies are golden brown at the edges. Watch them closely, because coconut flour cookies do bake fast.
Remove cookies from the oven and let sit for a couple of minutes, then transfer on both sides to cool on a wire rack completely.
How to Make Healthy Coconut Flour Cookies (Variations)
Once you have the base recipe you can get creative with variations that suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun ideas:
Chocolate Coconut Flour Cookies
- For a rich chocolate flavor, stir in 1/4 cup of cocoa powder with the dry ingredients.
- Fold in 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate for an ingredient that satisfies your sweet tooth, but is still on the healthier end of the spectrum when it comes to cookies.
Lemon Coconut Flour Cookies
- Zest one lemon over wet ingredients for a bright, fresh, citrusy note.
- For a lemon glaze, combine powdered erythritol and lemon juice to drizzle over the cooled cookies.
- Coconut Flour Cookies with Cinnamon Spice
- For a warming, spicy twist, stir 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, into the dry ingredients.
- The cookies are delicious alongside a cup of tea or coffee.
Coconut Almond Flour Cookies
- If a softer texture is your jam, you can replace half of the coconut flour with almond flour. This will keep the cookies even softer while also allowing them to be gluten-free.
- Top with toasted sliced almonds for added crunch and flavor.
Coconut Flour Cookies (Sugar-Free)
If you want a sugar-free version you can substitute the honey or maple syrup for a sugar alternative such as stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Adjust the quantity according to the sweetness of your chosen substitute.
How to Make the Best Healthy Coconut Flour Cookies
Use the Correct Quantity of Coconut Flour: Because coconut flour is very absorbent, a small amount is very potent. Follow the amounts in the recipe exactly and do not swap out coconut flour for wheat flour 1-to-1.
Don’t Omit the Eggs: Eggs act like glue, binding the ingredients and adding moisture to the dough. Because coconut flour is gluten-free, eggs are important to help the cookies stay together.
It is better to start with the minimum amount of liquid, and then add more, if needed, during mixing.
Chill the Dough (Optional): If your dough is sticky and difficult to handle, pop it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes. Chilling the dough keeps it from getting too sticky, and also helps the cookies maintain their shape more easily as they bake.
Don’t Overbake: Coconut flour cookies will dry out quickly when overbaked. Watch the cookies, and take them out of the oven when they turn golden around the edges.
Conclusion
These Coconut flour cookies are a great gluten-free alternative to those made with wheat flour. They are gluten-free, high in fiber and packed with healthy fats and protein, among other health benefits. Coconut flour cookies are the sweet treat that hits the mark whether you’re living a gluten-free, paleo or low-carb lifestyle.
Coconut flour cookies get their amazing flavor from the ingredients you mix in with them! Almond, chocolate and lemon, cinnamon and coconut — the combinations are endless. With an appropriate balance of ingredients and techniques, it’s possible to make a batch of cookies that taste good and provide some nutrition, too. So why not try these healthful coconut flour cookies and indulge guilt-free today?
Read More: Healthy Coconut Flour Cookies