Oatmeal Walnut Cranberry Cookies with Coconut Sugar
Today I decided that I would try making some healthy cookies. I wasn’t entirely sure it was possible to make cookies without regular sugar, but I was determined to try it. I replaced both the granulated sugar and brown sugar with organic coconut sugar. Researching showed me that when replacing brown sugar, you need to add in a little liquid or fat. This is because the molasses content in brown sugar helps your recipe retain moisture. I used a little almond milk to counteract this to keep the cookies from being too dry. I also added dried cranberries and a healthy dose of walnuts. These cookies turned out so, so good!
Here are some things to think about when deciding to switch from granulated sugar to coconut sugar.
Granulated sugar has a higher glycemic index - about 65. Brown sugar has a glycemic index of about 64. Compare that with coconut sugar’s glycemic index which is about 35. Note: The glycemic index numbers measure how quickly your blood sugar rises while eating food containing carbohydrates. Foods with a glycemic index of under 55 are digested more slowly, causing only a gradual increase in blood sugar. Foods with a higher glycemic index means these foods will cause a more rapid increase in blood sugar.
Granulated sugar is overly processed and uses bone char from cows to bleach the sugar. (It’s definitely not vegan).
Brown sugar is just white refined sugar with molasses added to it. If the white sugar used bone char, then the brown sugar is not vegan either.
Coconut sugar is vegan.
Coconut sugar contains Vitamin C, antioxidants, and minerals.
These cookies are absolutely scrumptious! You won’t miss the granulated sugar, I promise.
Happy baking!
Oatmeal Walnut Cranberry Cookies made with coconut sugar.
Oatmeal Walnut Cranberry Cookies with Coconut Sugar
These cookies are made with oatmeal, walnuts, cranberries and coconut sugar and are so good, you won’t miss the granulated sugar at all. If you find most cookies too sweet, you’ll love these cookies. The flavor is exceptionally good.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup coconut palm sugar
- 1 Tbsp milk or almond milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup walnuts - chopped
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries (try to find some without added sugar)
Instructions
- Prepare a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Grind the oats in a food processor or blender and set aside.
- In a medium sized bowl, whisk the flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and coconut sugar until well incorporated. Add in the milk, egg, and vanilla and beat until creamy,
- Add the flour mixture slowly and mix only until incorporated.
- Use a rubber spatula or spoon to stir in the walnuts and cranberries.
- Chill the dough for about 10 or 15 minutes and start pre-heating the oven to 375 F.
- Remove dough from fridge and use a cookie scoop to place cookie dough on prepared sheet.
- Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until done. Place on wire rack to cool.