Sugar-Free Shortbread Cookies

 

Sugar-Free Shortbread Cookies: A Healthier Take on a Classic

Butter cookies, also known as shortbread cookies, are one of those timeless treats that almost everyone remembers from childhood. Their buttery aroma, crumbly texture, and melt-in-your-mouth sensation made them a staple at family gatherings, often coming out of that familiar blue metal tin.

But times change, and so do our tastes. Many of us have left behind those overly sweet, flour-heavy cookies in search of healthier alternatives. That does not mean giving up cookies altogether. It means reinventing them with ingredients that nourish the body while still delivering comfort and pleasure.

In this post, we will explore how to make sugar-free shortbread cookies using wholesome flours and natural sweeteners. Along the way, we will highlight the nutritional benefits of key ingredients like almond flour, coconut flour, and oats, showing you how small changes can make a big difference.

 

Why Choose Sugar-Free Shortbread Cookies?

Traditional butter cookies are usually made with white flour, sugar, and lots of butter. While delicious, they are not exactly a balanced option for anyone trying to reduce refined carbohydrates or added sugars.

These sugar-free shortbread cookies provide a better alternative. They are:

Gluten-free, thanks to the use of almond flour, coconut flour, and oat flour.

Naturally sweetened with monkfruit or erythritol, low-calorie sweeteners that do not spike blood sugar.

Rich in healthy fats and fiber, making them more satisfying and less likely to cause energy crashes.

This recipe is perfect for children and adults alike. In fact, my daughter loves to dip them into her glass of milk, enjoying the ritual without the excess sugar of store-bought cookies.

 

Sugar-free shortbread cookies offer a healthier twist on a childhood classic.

 

Nutritional Benefits of the Key Ingredients

• Almond Flour: Almond flour is one of the most popular gluten-free flours, and for good reason. It is high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, which help promote satiety and support heart health. Almonds are also an excellent source of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress.

Fun fact: Almond flour provides a naturally sweet flavor, which means you can use less added sweetener in recipes.

• Coconut Flour: Coconut flour is unique because it is extremely high in fiber. Just a small amount adds structure to baked goods while keeping carbohydrate content low. Fiber also helps regulate digestion and promotes a healthy gut microbiome.

Unlike grated coconut, coconut flour is finely ground, giving cookies a delicate, light texture. It pairs beautifully with almond flour, balancing richness with a subtle nutty note.

• Oat Flour: Oats are a fantastic source of beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber known to support healthy cholesterol levels. When ground into flour, oats bring a mild sweetness and a soft, tender crumb to baked goods.

Choosing certified gluten-free oats ensures this recipe is safe for anyone with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.

 

Almond, coconut, and oat flours provide fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

 

Step-by-Step Recipe: Sugar-Free Shortbread Cookies

 

Ingredients (makes about 15 cookies):

• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 1 tbsp whole milk
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp monkfruit or erytrithol (or sweetener of your choice)
• 1 cup almond flour (about 100 g)
• 1/2 cup coconut flour (50 g)
• 1/2 cup oat flour (50 g) (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 200ºC (390ºF). Once the cookies go in, reduce the temperature to 180ºC (355ºF).
• In a medium bowl, whisk the egg with the milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and erythritol until smooth.
• In another bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut flour, and oat flour, making sure there are no lumps.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
• Knead the dough gently with clean hands. Shape it into a cylinder, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
• Once chilled, cut slices of the dough, roll them into small balls, and flatten them slightly.
• Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Remove, flip them over, and bake for another 5 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
• Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing them in an airtight container
• These cookies actually taste even better the next day, as the flavors develop and the texture improves with time.

 

 

Natural sweeteners like erythritol make these cookies kid-friendly and blood sugar-friendly.

 

A Few Practical Tips

Sweetener choice: Erythritol works perfectly here, but you can experiment with xylitol or stevia if you prefer.

Batch cooking: Prepare a double batch and store the cookies in an airtight container for the week ahead. It is a great way to have a healthy snack ready to go.

Pairing ideas: Enjoy them with coffee, tea, or even alongside a square of dark chocolate. Children will love them with a glass of milk.

 

Why These Cookies Are a Better Choice

Making cookies at home is not about perfection or following a strict set of rules. It is about having control over the ingredients and creating snacks that align with your health goals.

By swapping refined flour for nutrient-dense alternatives and replacing sugar with erythritol, you get cookies that are flavorful, satisfying, and much easier on your body. These sugar-free shortbread cookies are not meant to be eaten every day, but they are a wonderful occasional treat that fits into a balanced lifestyle.

And let’s not forget: food is also about joy. Baking these cookies with children, sharing them with family, or enjoying them with a quiet cup of coffee is part of what makes them special.

 

 

Sugar-free shortbread cookies are a perfect example of how you can honor tradition while adapting recipes to modern health needs. With almond flour, coconut flour, oat flour, and a natural sweetener, you get all the comfort of classic butter cookies without the excess sugar or refined carbs.

Next time you crave something sweet, skip the store-bought box and try making these at home. They might just become your new favorite family recipe.

 

You may also like:

• Almond Cookies
• Sugar-Free Applesauce