Introduction
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also has no added sugar. It sounds almost too good to be true, doesn't it? Yet, these chocolate chip cookies are a delightful reality, perfect for those looking to indulge without the guilt.
Made with wholesome ingredients that naturally enhance the sweetness, these cookies prove that you don’t need refined sugar to enjoy a delicious treat. Whether you’re on a health kick or simply trying to reduce your sugar intake, this recipe will become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Let’s dive into the world of naturally sweetened cookies that are sure to impress family and friends alike. With every bite, you can feel good knowing you’re making a healthier choice without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup medjool dates, pitted
- ¼ cup hot water
- 2 cups almond flour
- ¼ cup coconut flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup sugar-free dark chocolate chips
Directions & Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, soak the pitted medjool dates in hot water for about 10 minutes to soften them.
- Once softened, blend the dates with the soaking water in a food processor or blender until smooth. This will create a date paste that will sweeten your cookies.
- In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix well until fully combined.
- In another bowl, mix the date paste, unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix.
- Fold in the sugar-free dark chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie as they will spread slightly while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
FAQs
What gives these cookies their sweetness without added sugar?
The natural sweetness comes from the medjool dates and unsweetened applesauce, both of which provide flavor and moisture.
What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky to handle, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, which will make it easier to scoop.
Can I use a different type of flour?
You can experiment with other flours, but keep in mind that the texture may change. Almond flour is key for the best result.
What if my cookies come out too dry?
If the cookies are dry, it could be due to overbaking. Make sure to monitor them closely and take them out when the edges are golden.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to customize your cookies as you like.
How can I make these cookies more chocolatey?
You can increase the amount of sugar-free dark chocolate chips or add cocoa powder to the dough for a richer chocolate flavor.
Can I scale this recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, you can easily double or even triple the recipe. Just ensure you have enough baking sheets and adjust the baking time if necessary.
Conclusion
These chocolate chip cookies without added sugar are a testament to the fact that you can enjoy delicious treats without compromising on health. Each bite is a delightful balance of flavors, with the natural sweetness of dates complementing the rich chocolate.
Next time you crave something sweet, reach for this recipe and enjoy cookies that are both wholesome and satisfying. Share them with friends and family, and watch as they can’t believe there’s no added sugar!
Recipe Card
No Added Sugar: Believe in These Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, soak the pitted medjool dates in hot water for about 10 minutes to soften them.
- Once softened, blend the dates with the soaking water in a food processor or blender until smooth. This will create a date paste that will sweeten your cookies.
- In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix well until fully combined.
- In another bowl, mix the date paste, unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix.
- Fold in the sugar-free dark chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie as they will spread slightly while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
