Lemon Shortbread Cookies for Diabetics

Creating an indulgent and suitable recipe for diabetics can be a delightful challenge. Lemon shortbread cookies are a timeless classic with their buttery texture and zesty flavor. By substituting traditional sugar with a natural sweetener like monk fruit, we can craft a treat that’s delicious and diabetic-friendly. These cookies offer the perfect balance of sweetness and citrus tang, making them an ideal companion for your afternoon tea or as a light dessert after a meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup monk fruit sweetener
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and monk fruit sweetener until smooth.
3. Add the lemon zest and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix well.
4. Gradually incorporate the almond flour and salt, stirring until a dough forms.
5. Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it to a 1/4-inch thickness.
6. Use a cookie cutter to shape the cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional and Dietary Benefits for a Diabetic:

Crafting a cookie that caters to the needs of someone with diabetes requires careful consideration of ingredients and their impact on blood sugar levels. These lemon shortbread cookies are designed with this in mind, substituting high-glycemic ingredients for those with a lower impact on glucose levels.

The base of almond flour is gluten-free and high in fiber, healthy fats, and protein, which can help manage blood sugar. The natural sweetener in this recipe, derived from monk fruit, adds sweetness without the calories or carbohydrates that can cause blood sugar spikes.

By incorporating butter, we not only achieve the classic shortbread texture but also add a source of fat, which slows down the absorption of carbohydrates. The lemon zest provides a refreshing flavor and contains vitamin C and antioxidants, which are beneficial for overall health.

Enjoying a cookie or two as part of a balanced diet can bring joy and a sense of normalcy to the daily routine of a diabetic. The key is moderation and understanding how each cookie component fits into one’s dietary plan.