Are you following a keto lifestyle but finding it hard to resist the temptation of cookies? Worry no more! This recipe for keto coconut chocolate chip cookies offers a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional, carb-laden cookies. Made with coconut flour, these cookies are not only low in carbs but also packed with flavor and a satisfying texture.
Why Coconut Flour?
Coconut flour stands out as a superior choice compared to regular white flour due to its nutritional profile. White flour is primarily composed of quick-burning starch, which can contribute to weight gain and inflammatory diseases over time. In contrast, coconut flour boasts a wealth of fiber and protein, promoting a feeling of fullness and preventing overeating. Moreover, coconut flour is an excellent option for those avoiding grains and gluten, aligning perfectly with Paleo and gluten-free diets.
The Art of Baking with Coconut Flour
Baking with coconut flour requires a slightly different approach than using traditional wheat flour. Coconut flour has a unique ability to absorb moisture, acting like a sponge in recipes. To achieve perfectly textured chocolate chip cookies, it's essential to balance the dryness of coconut flour with ample moistening ingredients.
Recipe for Keto Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Here's a simple and delicious recipe to create your own batch of keto-friendly coconut flour chocolate chip cookies:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 3 Tbsp. butter, softened (or coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
- 3 Tbsp. granulated Swerve sweetener (or another keto-friendly sweetener)
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 cup sugar-free dark chocolate chips, such as Lily's or ChocZero
- 1 cup coconut flakes (unsweetened shredded coconut)
- 3/4 cup roughly chopped walnuts (optional, omit for nut allergies)
- Almond flour
- Coconut flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the coconut oil, butter (or coconut oil), sweetener, and salt. Mix well until combined. Beat in egg and vanilla until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Slowly mix in dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Fold in the sugar-free chocolate chips, coconut flakes, and walnuts (if using).
- Form the Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough about two inches apart onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten the Dough: Gently flatten each dough ball with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the coconut is toasted.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on the sheet for at least 25 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool further. This step is crucial, as the cookies will be delicate when warm.
Tips for Perfect Keto Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Don't Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies while they're baking to prevent them from becoming too dry.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before moving them to a wire rack. This will help them firm up and prevent crumbling.
- Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for longer storage.
- Refrigerate Dough: To keep the cookies from spreading while baking, refrigerate the cookie dough for 10-15 minutes before baking.
- Use Parchment Paper: Parchment paper or a silicone-lined mat on the cookie sheet ensures that the cookies remove easily from the baking pan.
Variations and Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut oil for butter to make these cookies dairy-free.
- Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts for a nut-free version.
- Egg-Free: Experiment with egg substitutes like ground flax seeds, chia seeds, or psyllium husk powder mixed with water. Tapioca starch or arrowroot powder can also be used, but be mindful of their higher carb content.
- Sweetener: Adjust the amount of sweetener to your preference. You can also use a brown sugar substitute for a richer flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Feel free to experiment with different types of sugar-free chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate.
- Nuts: You can also play around with the type of nuts and chocolate chips. Lily has a wide range of chocolate chips now as does ChocZero.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. It's always best to calculate nutritional information independently for accuracy. Erythritol carbs are typically not included in carb counts, as they have been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are calculated by subtracting fiber from total carbs.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
The Science Behind the Recipe
- Coconut Flour: Coconut flour's high fiber content makes it very absorbent, requiring more liquid ingredients to prevent dryness.
- Baking Soda: A small amount of baking soda helps the cookies spread out more evenly, resulting in a thinner, crispier edge.
- Cooling Time: Allowing the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet allows the melted butter to be reabsorbed, creating a chewier texture.
Keto-Friendly Sweeteners
Several keto-friendly sweeteners can be used in this recipe, including:
- Erythritol: A sugar alcohol that doesn't impact blood sugar levels.
- Swerve: A blend of erythritol and oligosaccharides.
- Monk Fruit Sweetener: A natural sweetener derived from monk fruit.
- Stevia: A natural sweetener derived from the stevia plant.
Serving and Enjoying Your Keto Cookies
These keto coconut chocolate chip cookies are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet cravings while staying true to your low-carb goals. Enjoy them as a:
- Dessert after a satisfying keto meal
- Mid-afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea
- Special treat to share with friends and family
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto