Introduction
If you’re following a keto lifestyle or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional cookies, these Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth without the carbs! These cookies are made with almond flour, sugar substitutes, and a sugar-free chocolate chip mix that makes them perfect for a ketogenic, low-carb, or diabetic-friendly diet. Even if you’re not on a special diet, these cookies taste just as delicious as their sugary counterparts! This recipe provides a guilt-free indulgence, allowing you to enjoy your favorite treat without compromising on taste or your health goals.
Why Keto Cookies?
When you’re following a ketogenic diet, your goal is to reduce your carbohydrate intake and encourage your body to burn fat for energy. Most cookies, however, are loaded with sugars, flour, and other carb-heavy ingredients. By making keto-friendly cookies, you can have your dessert and stick to your dietary goals. This recipe uses almond flour as the base, which is lower in carbohydrates than traditional flour. It also uses a sugar substitute to keep the cookies sweet but without spiking blood sugar levels.
Additionally, the keto chocolate chip cookies are a great option for people with diabetes or those looking to keep their blood sugar levels stable. These cookies fit into the low-carb, low-sugar lifestyle, making them a great addition to your healthy eating habits.
Ingredients
Before diving into the process, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make these delightful keto-friendly chocolate chip cookies.
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups of almond flour (finely ground, blanched almond flour is the best for this recipe)
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda (for rise and texture)
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt (balances the sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum (optional, helps improve the cookie’s texture)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter (softened to room temperature, helps create that chewy texture)
- 1/4 cup of coconut oil (melted, provides moisture and keeps the cookies soft)
- 1/3 cup of a keto-friendly sweetener (such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener; adjust based on your preference for sweetness)
- 1 large egg (room temperature for even mixing)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (adds a rich, warm flavor)
Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup of sugar-free chocolate chips (choose your preferred low-carb chocolate chips, such as Lily’s brand)
- Optional: 1/4 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans for added texture, if desired)
Nutritional Information (per cookie, assuming 12 cookies):
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Net Carbs: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugars: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 55mg
Weight Watchers (WW) SmartPoints:
- Green Plan: 2 SmartPoints per cookie
- Blue Plan: 2 SmartPoints per cookie
- Purple Plan: 2 SmartPoints per cookie
Note: SmartPoints values are approximations based on the ingredients used and may vary depending on the brands of products used and your specific WW plan.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking and for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking soda, salt, and xanthan gum (if using). This helps to ensure that all dry ingredients are evenly distributed and removes any clumps in the almond flour.
Step 3: Cream Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and melted coconut oil. Add the keto sweetener (erythritol, monk fruit, or a blend) and beat the mixture on medium speed until smooth and well combined. The mixture should become light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the wet ingredients, then continue to mix until fully incorporated. This step is important as it helps to achieve the right cookie texture and ensures the egg binds all ingredients properly.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring constantly to combine them without overmixing. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated. You should have a soft, slightly sticky dough. If the dough feels too runny, you can refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to firm it up.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Now it’s time to fold in the sugar-free chocolate chips. You can also add nuts at this stage if you like a bit of crunch in your cookies. Gently mix the chocolate chips into the dough using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, form the dough into balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread. If you prefer larger cookies, you can increase the dough ball size, but this may slightly alter the baking time.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they’re still soft when you take them out of the oven. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking, as almond flour-based cookies tend to brown more quickly than regular cookies.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps the cookies firm up and ensures they hold their shape.
Once cooled completely, serve and enjoy your Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Storage Tips:
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, and you can enjoy them later by allowing them to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Variations and Substitutes:
- Nut-Free Option: Replace almond flour with sunflower seed flour for a nut-free version of this recipe.
- Coconut Flour Version: If you prefer to use coconut flour, replace almond flour with 1/4 cup of coconut flour and reduce the egg to one large egg. Coconut flour absorbs more liquid, so you may need to adjust the wet ingredients.
- Add-ins: You can mix in different flavor options like shredded unsweetened coconut, or even a few drops of mint extract or almond extract for a unique flavor twist.
Why These Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies Are Perfect For Your Diet
These cookies are not only low-carb but are also rich in healthy fats from the coconut oil and almond flour. The sweetener used keeps the sugar count at a minimum, making them suitable for keto dieters, diabetics, or anyone looking to reduce their sugar intake. The cookies also provide some protein, which is helpful in maintaining muscle mass while on a ketogenic diet.
Low SmartPoints Value
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its low SmartPoints value on Weight Watchers. Each cookie contains only 2 SmartPoints on the Green, Blue, and Purple plans. This makes it easier for you to enjoy a sweet treat without derailing your healthy eating plan. Compared to traditional chocolate chip cookies, which often have a SmartPoints value of 6-10, these keto cookies are a much lighter option.
Conclusion
Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies are a great way to indulge your sweet cravings while sticking to your low-carb and healthy lifestyle. They are quick to prepare, use simple ingredients, and are incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re on a keto diet, following Weight Watchers, or simply seeking a healthier dessert option, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Their chewy texture, rich flavor, and low carb content make them a guilt-free pleasure everyone can enjoy.
So, the next time you crave a cookie, don’t settle for a sugar-laden alternative. Whip up a batch of these keto chocolate chip cookies, and enjoy a delicious treat that fits your health goals.