It’s not often I bake cookies, as I tend to prefer raw desserts. The weather however has been typical for this time of year in Colorado, sunny, then rainy, windy, then snowy. Spring just hasn’t made up its mind to stay. So with cooler temperatures and snow covered trees it seemed like a good time to fill the house with the warm and comforting aroma of ginger.
Of course these cookies needed to be gluten free, and I needed a sugar alternative as I have to watch my blood sugar (genetic history of diabetes). So this cookie recipe is the result.
Lakanto (Monkfruit) Sweetener
This recipe also uses Lakanto in place of sugar. Lakanto is made from Non-GMO erythritol and the supersweet extract of the luo han guo fruit, also known as monkfruit. Unlike sugar and the other sweeteners, Lakanto does not feed the harmful yeast (candida) and bacteria in your body. Lakanto is also safe for diabetics.
Lakanto all-natural sweetener, has:
Zero calories
Zero glycemic index
Zero additives
No influence on your blood sugar and insulin release
A one-to-one ratio with sugar — so it’s easy to measure and use
There are two varieties of Lakanto available Golden and Classic. Golden Lakanto has a flavor similar to brown sugar or molasses. Classic Lakanto has a flavor similar to table sugar. Lakanto is available online and in health food stores.
Other Low GI Sugar Options for Diabetics
So what do you do if you have sweet cravings and you’re diabetic? Your best option is to look for sugars that are low on the glycemic index. Some examples include:
Coconut Palm Sugar-This sweetener is higher in nutritional value with vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and C, it is also high in Iron, Magnesium, Potassium and Zinc. Some companies mix this with cane sugar so be sure to read the label. This sugar can be found as a nectar or in granules.
Xylitol-This natural sugar is found in many fruits, vegetables and birch trees. It doesn’t affect insulin levels and due to its dental benefits it is frequently found in gum and toothpaste.
Stevia-This sweetener is zero calories and low on the GI scale. It is available in a liquid and powdered form. Avoid overly processed brands that may contain additional additives.
Inulin-This soluble fiber with a sweet taste is usually found in a powdered form online and in health food stores. This is a great option for diabetics and individuals with candida.
So let’s get to the recipe!
Gluten Free Ginger Cookies
This recipe makes approximately 30 cookies.
Ingredients
2.5 C. Gluten Free Flour
1 tsp. Baking Soda
½ tsp. Salt
5 T. Applesauce
¼ C. Lakanto
1/3 C. Golden Lakanto
2 T. Molasses
2 tsp. Ground Ginger
½ tsp. Cinnamon
1 Large Egg
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350.
Mix applesauce, two sugars, molasses, ginger and cinnamon. Whisk in egg.
Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix till ingredients are combined well.
Let mixture rest for 15 minutes.
Scoop mixture into 1-1/2” balls. Place 2” apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
Bake 16-18 minutes till cookies spread slightly and are slightly firm to the touch.
Remove pan from oven, let cookies rest on baking pan 5-10 minutes.
Transfer to cookie rack and allow to cool.
Please note the cooking time. I live at a high mountain elevation and things take longer to bake here. Your cooking time may need to be adjusted
