Diabetes affects 37.3 million people in the country—which accounts for about 11.3 percent of the population. The body’s inability to make enough insulin or use the insulin released effectively, increases the possibility of blood sugar spikes and so foods like cakes, cookies, highly processed food, or even fruits high in sugar are generally avoided. But with a little ingenuity and creativity that sweet tooth can still be satisfied!

Chocolate almond flour cookies

Chocolate lovers with diabetes can enjoy this sugar-free cookie recipe when they crave a quick, gooey dessert.

To make this cookie, combine 2.5 cups of almond flour, ½ cup of butter, ½ cup allulose, a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses, ½ cup sugar-free dark chocolate chips, and an egg. Mix butter and sweetener in a bowl, and then add eggs, vanilla extract, and blackstrap molasses. Gradually add almond flour to this mixture. After mixing and achieving a soft-dough consistency, you can add chocolate chips or nuts. Roll out the dough and cut half-inch-thick slices using a cookie-cutter. Then flatten them on a baking sheet and place them in the oven. The cookies should take 10-12 minutes when baked at 350°F. This diabetic cookie recipe contains only 4g of carbohydrates per cookie.

Cranberry cookies

These low-calorie cranberry cookies are a perfect addition to the list of diabetic cookie recipes. The recipe calls for combining 2 ripe bananas with a cup of rolled oats and ⅓ cup of dried cranberries. Mix it well and divide the batter into cookie-shaped segments. Place them on a parchment paper-lined baking tray and bake at 350°F in a preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes. You can also add nuts and freeze-dried fruits to make these cookies rich in protein, calcium, fiber, and healthy fats. This three-ingredient sugar-free cookie recipe can be a quick and healthy option for people with diabetes.

Pumpkin cookies

This recipe contains pumpkin that is both gluten-free and low in sugar content. The recipe requires you to mix a cup of coconut oil with ½ cup of low-carb sweetener. Add ¾ cup pumpkin puree, an egg, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Once combined, gradually add the dry ingredients— 2½ cups of gluten-free flour (either almond flour or tiger nut flour), ½ tsp of cinnamon, ½ tsp of ground ginger, salt, ½ tsp baking soda, and a pinch of nutmeg powder. Portion the dough into cookies and place them on the parchment paper for baking. These take approximately 18-20 minutes to bake at 350°F. This diabetic cookie recipe is suitable for those on a strict food plan as it is low in carbs and high in protein, vitamins, and fiber.

Apple oatmeal cookies

This recipe comes together quickly and makes soft and delicious cookies. First, preheat the oven to 350°F. In a bowl, add all the dry ingredients—1 cup flour, ¼ tsp of nutmeg, ½ tsp baking soda, ¼ tsp salt, and 1 tsp of cinnamon. Using a stand mixer or whisk, combine ½ cup butter and ½ cup brown sugar; mix well. Then add an egg and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Finally, add 1 cup of shredded apples and mix well. Shape the dough into cookies and place them in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes. This dessert is also nutritious, being rich in protein, calcium, iron, sodium, and vitamins.

Pecan cookies
This recipe contains fewer carbohydrates as it substitutes flour with pecans, and it is easy to prepare. The cookies come together using three simple ingredients—eggs, pecans, and a low-calorie sweetener. Grind a cup of pecans to a fine powder. Then add an egg and ¼ cup of low-calorie sweetener to form the dough. Place scoopfuls on a baking tray and place in a preheated oven for 10 minutes. Bake at 350°F or till they become firm. You can store the cookies once they cool down.

Cinnamon cookies

Cinnamon has several health benefits including a reduction in blood sugar levels and the overall improvement of gut health. The spice also has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. This diabetic cookie recipe calls for mixing a cup of rolled oats with ¾ cup of whole wheat flour, 1 tsp of ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp of salt, and ½ tsp of baking powder. In another bowl, combine ½ cup of margarine, an egg, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and ½ cup of artificial sweetener. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix to form a dough. It needs to be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before rolling the dough into tiny balls. Bake the cookies at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or till they turn golden brown.

To manage blood glucose levels, one needs to follow appropriate food, exercise, and treatment plans. These diabetic cookie recipes are a healthier alternative when compared with their sugar- and flour-based counterparts. Further, they can help keep insulin levels in check while also satisfying sugar cravings.