Baking Diabetic-Friendly Cookies Without Substituting All-Purpose Flour
I’ve often wondered how to make cookies that are friendly for people with diabetes while still using regular all-purpose flour. But here’s an idea: What if we add seeds like black seeds, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and pumpkin seeds to the mix? These seeds are known to be good for health and might help lower the sugar content in the cookies. So, by using an all-purpose base and adding these seeds, we could make cookies that are both delicious and better for managing blood sugar levels.
When it comes to managing blood sugar levels, it’s not just about reducing sugar content but also considering how different ingredients affect the rate at which glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream. Fiber-rich ingredients like seeds can slow down the absorption of sugars, which may help prevent spikes in blood glucose levels.
Incorporating a variety of seeds into cookies could create a balanced snack option that provides sustained energy without causing rapid fluctuations in blood sugar. However, it’s essential to consider the overall composition of the cookie recipe, including the types and amounts of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, to achieve a desirable balance for blood sugar management.
Now, let’s get to the fun part — the recipes! Here are a few seed-rich cookie ideas to get your baking adventures started:
🍪 Chia Seed Chocolate Chip Cookies: These cookies combine the classic goodness of chocolate chips with the nutritional punch of chia seeds. The chia seeds add a delightful crunch and a boost of fiber, making these cookies a guilt-free indulgence.
🍪Flaxseed Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Oatmeal cookies are a beloved classic, but why not take them to the next level by adding flaxseeds? These cookies are packed with heart-healthy oats and sweet raisins, and the nutritional powerhouse is flaxseed. Plus, the fiber from the oats and flaxseeds can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
🍪Pumpkin Seed Spice Cookies: Embrace the flavors of fall with these pumpkin seed spice cookies. Packed with pumpkin seeds, warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a hint of sweetness, these cookies are perfect for cozying up with a cup of tea or coffee.
🍪Sesame Seed Tahini Cookies: Get a taste of the Middle East with these sesame seed tahini cookies. Made with nutty tahini paste and crunchy sesame seeds, these cookies are a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. Plus, sesame seeds are rich in antioxidants and minerals like calcium and magnesium.
🍪Mixed Seed Breakfast Cookies: Who says cookies can’t be a nutritious breakfast option? These mixed-seed breakfast cookies are packed with a variety of seeds, oats, and dried fruits, making them the perfect grab-and-go option for busy mornings.
Special Tip:
Mixed Seed and Black Seed Breakfast Cookies
Ingredients:
🥣 1 cup all-purpose flour
🥣 1 teaspoon baking powder
🥣 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
🥣 1/4 teaspoon salt
🥣 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
🥣 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
🥣 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
🥣 1 large egg
🥣 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🥣 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
🥣 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
🥣 1/4 cup chia seeds
🥣 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
🥣 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
🥣 2 tablespoons black seeds (Nigella sativa)
🥣 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
Instructions:
👩🍳 Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
👩🍳 Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
👩🍳 Cream Butter, Sugar, and Honey: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and honey (or maple syrup) until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
👩🍳 Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
👩🍳 Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
👩🍳 Fold in Oats and Seeds: Gently fold in the rolled oats, ground flaxseed, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, black seeds, and dried cranberries or raisins (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
👩🍳 Shape Dough into Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough and roll it into balls. Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
👩🍳 Flatten Cookies: Using the back of a spoon or your fingers, gently flatten each cookie dough ball to your desired thickness.
👩🍳 Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set.
👩🍳 Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
👩🍳 Enjoy: Once cooled, grab a cookie (or two!) and enjoy these nutritious mixed seeds and black seed breakfast cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite cup of coffee.
Remember, while these seed-rich cookies may offer nutritional benefits and potentially help manage blood sugar levels, moderation is key. Enjoy them as part of a balanced diet and consider consulting with a healthcare provider or nutritionist for personalized advice, especially if you have specific dietary needs or health concerns.
So, why not whip up a batch of seed-rich cookies today? Your taste buds and your body will thank you for it!
