February 26, 2024 by Emily
Are you craving something sweet but want to steer clear of refined sugar? Look no further! In this article, we’re diving into a delightful recipe for energy-packed cookies that are free from both flour and sugar. These guilt-free treats are not only delicious but also easy to make, giving you the satisfaction of indulgence without compromising your health goals.
Why Opt for Sugar-Free Treats?
Sugar is undoubtedly delicious, but it comes with a host of health concerns, from weight gain to increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. By choosing sugar-free alternatives, you can satisfy your sweet tooth without the negative consequences. Plus, you’ll likely experience more stable energy levels and fewer cravings throughout the day.
Ingredients Checklist
Before we embark on our baking adventure, let’s gather our wholesome ingredients:
- 120 gr. (4 ounces) dates
- 50 gr. (1.8 ounces) dried cranberries
- 30 gr. (1 ounce) oatmeal
- 60 gr. (2 ounces) almonds
- 30 gr. (1 ounce) peanuts
- 20 gr. (0.7 ounces) pumpkin seeds
- 15 gr. (0.5 ounces) sesame
- 15 ml (0.5 fl ounces) honey
- 130 gr. (4.6 ounces) dark chocolate without sugar
- 20 ml (0.7 fl ounces) olive oil
Preparing the Base Mix
Start by giving your dried fruits a revitalizing soak in cold water for 15 minutes. This step not only removes preservatives but also activates their beneficial properties. Once soaked, drain the water and blend together the dates, dried cranberries, and oatmeal until you achieve a sticky mixture.
Adding Nutty Goodness
Next up, let’s introduce some crunch and nutty flavor! Fry the almonds and peanuts separately in a frying pan until golden brown. Then, chop them finely or grind them in a blender for a more uniform texture. Add these nutty delights to your base mix and give it a good stir.
Sweetening Naturally with Honey
Rather than reaching for refined sugar, we’ll sweeten our cookies naturally with a touch of honey. Add 15 ml of honey to the mixture and ensure it’s evenly distributed. Not only does honey provide sweetness, but it also offers a plethora of health benefits, including antioxidants and antibacterial properties.
Crafting the Cookie Spheres
Now comes the fun part – shaping our cookie dough! Roll the mixture into small spheres and place them on a silicone mold. Gently flatten each ball to your desired thickness. This step sets the foundation for our delicious cookies.
Tempting Chocolate Coating
To elevate our cookies to gourmet status, let’s dip them in dark chocolate. Melt 130 gr. of dark chocolate without sugar in a water bath and stir in 20 ml of olive oil for a glossy finish. Once melted, carefully dip each cookie into the chocolate mixture, ensuring they’re fully coated.
Decorating with Pumpkin Seeds
For a final flourish, sprinkle some pumpkin seeds over the chocolate-coated cookies before they set. Not only do pumpkin seeds add visual appeal, but they also provide a delightful crunch and a boost of nutrition, including magnesium and zinc.
Chilling for Perfect Texture Pop your cookies into the refrigerator for 30-40 minutes to allow the chocolate coating to set and the flavors to meld together. Once chilled, your healthy indulgence is ready to be savored! Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.
