Hi folks.
Okay so some of you may be scratching your heads right now. For multiple reasons. First you are looking at this cookie and thinking there’s no way its healthy. Well I am here to tell you as far as cookies go this is a healthy alternative in a big bad way. Plus it’s delicious. In a big bad way. Secondly those who know me are now wondering if they have come to the right blog. I am usually Miss Sugar Pants. But today calls for Lunie to put away her sugar jar and help support World Diabetes Day.
When Carolyn of All Day I Dream About Food put out the word she was helping raise awareness for World Diabetes Day I knew I wanted to help. After we spoke and I was all signed up I must admit I kind of wondered if she’d bumped her noggin a little bit. I’m not normally known for low sugar or low carbs. So I was a wee bit worried about participating. Carolyn assured me I could do this and with her help I decided to jump in with both feet.
Now since I’m known for over the top sweets I did not want to take the easy way out. I could have made a salad or main dish. But that’s not how I roll. I wanted to challenge myself to see if I could tackle a healthier sweet. I looked around the internet for recipes for inspiration. Some of the major websites out there really do not have great healthy options for diabetics. I was sort of surprised what kind of recipes I was coming across. I found a cookie recipe I loved but it was just not healthy enough for my liking. Not for a day like today. So I went to a friend’s site, Mellissa of I Breathe I’m Hungry. Mellissa is amazing when it comes to healthy, great tasting, low carb food. I knew what I wanted to make. I still had cherry cookies stuck in my brain. Colour me happy when I found the exact cookie I had been scoping out on Mellissa’s site. I knew her Chocolate Cherry Walnut Cookies were what I wanted to make. One small problem though, I don’t buy some of the ingredients Mellissa uses. So I did what most of us do and did some substituting to my own taste and what I had stocked in my pantry. I tweaked her version a little bit and these cookies are what I ended up with. They are delicious and I’m a picky gal. So if I am sitting here scarfing them at midnight they must be good.
I really wanted to get into the spirit of this and do something to help. While I don’t have diabetes I know many people who do. My best friend had gestational diabetes when she got pregnant with her first child. I remember sitting up at the hospital with her. She was so worried about her health. They spent 10 years trying to have children, and when she finally got pregnant her health went pretty wonky. Watching her go through that broke my heart. I remember her picking her finger and counting everything she ate. It is quite an adjustment for anyone suffering from it. And wicked serious too. The stats on diabetes are frightening.
The American Diabetes Association states that 25.8 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes. 7 million of them are undiagnosed. I cannot even fathom this. The numbers are scary. 79 million people are prediabetes. Adults with diabetes are reported to have heart disease death rates about 2 to 4 times higher than those people without diabetes. The risk of stroke is also 2 to 4 times higher. It can cause blindness, kidney disease, nervous system damage, and amputation. This scares the heck out of me. I am not going to lie folks, you all know I love sugar. So these numbers and risks scare me. It makes you think about all those affected by it. And all those who are will be.
I admire Carolyn for her commitment to this cause. She is such an inspiration to so many of us. I’ve never met a more supportive blogger. She stops by here and I know she can’t eat the food I’m posting most of the time. But she pops in any way to say hello and comment. It always touches me when she does that because I would imagine it’s difficult for her to pop in to a blog that posts recipes high in sugar content. She’s just a sweetheart of a lady with a ton of heart and an abundance of courage. I’m so happy to help her in raising some awareness today.
I hope this recipe is as diabetic friendly as I planned for it to be. I struggled a bit with some ingredients but hopefully with all my tinkering I’ve got it right. I hope Carolyn can try it out herself.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of greek yogurt I used cherry flavoured for added taste
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon cherry extract
- 1/4 cup swerve
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/8 teaspoon of vanilla salt
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
- 1/2 cup white flour
- 1/4 cup cake flour
- 3/4 cup oats
- 4 oz dark chocolate chopped
- 1/4 cup pistachios chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
See notes for substitutions depending on diet!
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325.
- Mix your dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Mix your wet ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Add your wet ingredients to your dry ingredients and mix well.
- Drop spoonfuls onto a parchment lined cookie sheet.
- Place in oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes depending on the size of your cookies.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool.
- Serve with a big old chocolatey, cherry, pistachio smile!
Notes
I made one batch using coconut sugar. Coconut sugar is questionable for diabetics. It has a lower glycemic index but sugar is still sugar. I posted the non-coconut sugar version but if you're not diabetic and looking for more sugar in the cookie the coconut sugar is the way to go. Mellissa used date sugar which I've never used but bet it's fabulous.
Mellissa's recipe used whole wheat flour. Since I am not allowed whole wheat flour due to IBS and diverticulitis and diabetic diets can warn to watch wheat I used white flour with a small mix of cake flour. The reason I used the cake flour was Swerve recommends it when baking. So I wanted to give it a try. I liked the result. If you aren't concerned about wheat and want a healthier cookie feel free to use whole wheat flour. Possibly even coconut flour, I've not tried that but it could work.
If you are watching your calories feel free to cut back the pistachios and cherries. I figured the indulgence was worth since it was a cookie.
As you can see you can totally play around with this recipe to adapt it to your diet and lifestyle. It's a great recipe to tweak and have fun with!!
Can I just say how much I love these cookies. They are so good hot out of the oven. I tried a few different versions. For one I doubled the yogurt for a more moist cookie. What was odd is I liked the drier version. But I wanted to play around with different ingredients and tweak to my own taste. I have to say my job is not a hard one. Being a cookie taste tester not such a bad gig. Especially when the cookie in question is a fairly healthy cookie.
I encourage you all to stop by Carolyn’s blog, All Day I Dream About Food. She has some helpful information on diabetes you are going to want to read. Carolyn is also giving away a blue Kitchenaid Stand Mixer, blue is the colour of diabetes awareness. So make sure you swing by her blog to say hello, get some info and enter the giveaway.
I am lucky enough to have received a sample pack of Swerve. I’ve actually never tried it until now. I really liked working with it. The information says to bake it a little lower than a recipe made with sugar which is why I adjusted my oven to 325 instead of 350 degrees. Worked like a charm. I really don’t think anyone would guess these cookies were not made with sugar. The taste was bang on. So two enthusiastic thumbs up for the Swerve products.
This is the fabulous package I received to try out. Now one of my very lucky readers gets to win this same package. It’s filled with swerve products and fun baking items as well. I was so impressed with the kit. It was like Christmas morning here the day it arrived. If you want to snag yourself one too here’s what you need to do:
Mandatory entry:
Leave a comment saying what you want to try making when you win your awesome swerve kit!
Additional entries:
1. Follow me by email and leave a separate comment saying you did so, as well as your email address in case you win!
2. Like Swerve on Facebook and let me know you did so in a separate comment!
3. Follow Swerve on Twitter and let me know you did so in a separate comment!
Giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents. Winner will be drawn by random.org on Wednesday, November 21 at midnight. Good luck.
Please remember I need your email address in order to contact you. Also remember one comment per entry! Thanks and good luck.
Thank you so much to Carolyn for allowing me to join the cause today. I am honoured to be a part of this.
Thank you to Swerve for the awesome gift they sent me and the awesome gift they will be sending one lucky reader!
Toodles and smoochies! xx
CJ at Food Stories says
Just making my way through all the sites that are participating in Carolyn’s World Diabetes Day awareness campaign & wanted to say hello & thx (I’m a type 2, btw) 🙂
Kim Bee says
Hi CJ, thanks so much for stopping by.
Dara says
These cookies are so up my alley! I love them. Baking with Greek yogurt is so great. Yum. Heading over to say hello to Caroline now…
Kim Bee says
Thanks so much Dara. I know you’re a healthy girl so you liking these means the world to me. I still need to input the nutritional stuff. Going to attempt that tonight. I don’t usually include it but I’m so curious where they are with everything.
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Would love to bake some cookies for my mom.
Kim Bee says
I think your mom would love that.
Suzanne T says
I would love to try these cookies, and i would also use it in some of my Christmas baking!
Kim Bee says
They are yummy cookies. Swerve would be perfect for christmas baking.
Suzanne T says
I liked swerve on FB !
Kim Bee says
Thanks Suzanne.
Carissa says
I want to try your recipe.
Kim Bee says
Awe thanks Carissa.
Carissa says
I like swerve on facebook.
Kim Bee says
Thank you.
LKPNYC says
I would make these cookies!!! Swerve is a bit pricey where I live so I’ve been hesitant to try it- but now I have a delicious reason!
Kim Bee says
You will love them. Good luck.
Kate from Scratch says
Follow you by email! Looks fantastic!
Kim Bee says
Thanks Kate.
Tara Noland says
My daughter’s birthday is coming up and this would be a treat for the kids. Little cupcakes to take to the mall as we are doing a shopping and a movie party.
Kim Bee says
How cute. Sounds like a perfect party.
Tara Noland says
Following Swerve on Twitter.
Kim Bee says
Thanks Tara.
Tara Noland says
Subscribed via email at [email protected]
Kim Bee says
Thanks so much Tara!
Tara Noland says
Following Swerve on FB
Kim Bee says
Thank you Tara.
Ashley Woods says
I would make lots and lots of delicious Christmas cookies!
Kim Bee says
I love Christmas cookies!
Ashley Woods says
I liked swerve on Twitter – following as @AcquisitionOT.
Also, my email is: [email protected]
Kim Bee says
Thanks Ashley.
Moira richardson says
Wow! I want to make these cookies immediately! Thanks for challenging yourself and sharing a yummy cookie recipe that I can eat!
Kim Bee says
Thanks Moira. You are too kind. Glad you like these.
chrysta says
I would love to bake these cookies for sure. Wow they look fantastic!
Kim Bee says
Thanks so much Chrysta.
chrysta says
I follow swerve on Fb!
Kim Bee says
Thanks.
chrysta says
I subscribe to you by email
Kim Bee says
Thanks Chrysta.
Jaime @ Jaim's Kitchen says
Sounds absolutely yummy! I’ve never tried adding yoghurt to a cookie dough mix but you have convinced me 😉
Kim Bee says
It really adds moisture. Without all the crazy butter. You must try. It works great in cake too.
Sarah G says
These look out of this world! I am so giddy about all the places Carolyn has linked to today and all of you have the skills to make the most wonderful food! Thank-you for the inspiration!
If I win the Swerve giveaway I am making my son a really yummy birthday cake with it. Here’s hoping!
Kim Bee says
Thanks so much Sarah.
Good luck!
Becky @ Becky's Place says
Hot chocolate or a cheesecake. Or both.
Kim Bee says
Both excellent choices.
Cindy Brickley says
My special Pie: Blueberry Yam Walnut crusted Pie.
[email protected]
Kim Bee says
That sounds fab Cindy!
Cindy Brickley says
I Follow you via email.
[email protected]
Kim Bee says
Thanks Cindy!
Cindy Brickley says
I Like Swerve on Facebook.
[email protected]
Kim Bee says
Thank you Cindy.
Cindy Brickley says
I Follow Swerve on Twitter.
[email protected]
Kim Bee says
Thanks so much Cindy.
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. says
The cookies look great, Kim! You did a great job with the recipe. I have been wanting to try Swerve. I would probably make cookies or cupcakes!
Kim Bee says
Thanks so much Stephanie. I was so impressed with it. It tastes great,
Suzanne Perazzini says
I have never tried Swerve before or even seen it before. These cookies sound pretty wholesome to me. I have some coconut oil but I would like to try the yoghurt version. I guess I am out of the running for the giveaway.
Kim Bee says
Thanks Suzanne. I love using yogurt in baking. Works really well. I feel your pain, being Canuck puts me out of the running for most giveaways as well.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
You’re all doing a tremendous job making more people aware that they might have type II diabetes. Our lifestyles need to change in order for that to be reflected in the disease numbers and recipes like this certainly get our attention.
Kim Bee says
I was thrilled to help. I am normally horrible with sugar consumption. It was a real learning experience to do this.
diabeticFoodie says
Chocolate, cherries AND pistachios? Yes please!
Kim Bee says
All my fave things in one cookie. It was true love immediately.
[email protected] says
Hey chick! Thanks so much for making over my cookies! It’s an honor to have a small part in bringing awareness to the epidemic of diabetes! Your version looks UH-MAZING! I love the pistachios idea! I’ve been meaning to try Swerve, if it tastes good to YOU (the sugar queen) then it must be pretty good! They should be paying you for your endorsement, because I’m sure a ton of people will try it based on your recommendation! I know I will! Down with sugar!!!
Kim Bee says
I am so thrilled you like them. I had to do them, they were calling my name in a big way. I had to use pistachios, it’s my thing. I love them way too much. I did not taste the difference. I was really impressed. I could do less sugar if I stay stocked in swerve. I lol’d at the endorsement thing. I hope I convince some people to try it. It’s great stuff.
Debra says
So glad you joined in for World Diabetes Day. Such a great idea and your recipe sounds great. I can’t even believe you used Swerve! I found some at our health food store but it’s probly 10 times more expensive. However, this year I’m doing Christmas baking with Swerve and almond flour. Lots of goodies such as Cranberry bliss bars will be passing my family’s lips! Thanks for the chance to win!
Kim Bee says
Thanks Debra. I adore Carolyn so wanted to help in some small way. She’s such a sweetheart. I am trying the confectioner’s version this weekend. Quite honestly if this stuff can convince me, the sugar whore of the century, to use it then it must rock big time. I’m super picky.
Ashley Bee (Quarter Life Crisis Cuisine) says
Ohhh myyy that ooey gooey chocolate is just too good!
Kim Bee says
I swear I had chocolate all over my camera. Who can resist hot melty chocolatey cookies.
Jan says
I really want to make these yummy cookies right now! But I’m missing a very important ingredient and that is Swerve. After I would bring them over my parents to try but not saying what it is. Then I would give the Swerve to my parents b/c thier on the borderline of diabetes unfortunately. My Mom still makes homemade cookies every week esp. in the winter months for them.
Kim Bee says
You are such a sweetheart Jan. Good luck. I’m secretly hoping you win cuz you are such a sweetie.
Jan says
I already subscribe to you by email.
Kim Bee says
Thanks Jan.
Choc Chip Uru says
What ooey delicious goodness in a cookie my friend great job 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Kim Bee says
Thanks so much Uru.
Catherine H. says
Thanks for participating in this awareness-raising event. My sister has Type I and I myself have to be pretty careful, especially when I’m pregnant, so I’ve been eating low-carb for nearly five years. New recipes are always a good thing! I would definitely make Carolyn’s chocolate peppermint crunch cake for my son’s fourth birthday.
Kim Bee says
You are too kind. Thank you. I realize now that there is not enough good diabetic recipes out there. I love Carolyn’s stuff and Mellissa’s. Kudos to people who do low carb. I’m a sugar addict normally and I found this a challenge to do. But so glad I did it and learned more through the process.
Catherine H. says
I subscribed by e-mail. [email protected]
Kim Bee says
Thanks Catherine.
Barb says
I would like to make vanilla muffins if i win
Kim Bee says
Good choice Barb.
Jan R says
I would like to make cupcakes.
Kim Bee says
Great choice Jan. I am testing out the swerve confectioners sugar this weekend.
Jan R says
I am an email subscriber.
Kim Bee says
Thanks so much Jan.
Nikki says
I would like to make cinnamon buns if i win
Kim Bee says
Great pick Nikki. Love cinnamon buns.
Jordan D says
I’d love to try making a sugar-free pumpkin pie and sugar-free graham cracker crust! Swerve sounds great.
Kim Bee says
Sounds amazing.
Jordan D says
I like Swerve on facebook!
Kim Bee says
Thanks Jordan.
Jordan D says
I follow Swerve on twitter
@j_mosh
Kim Bee says
Thank you Jordan.
Ramona says
Swoon…. I want/need these. 🙂 What a yummy combination. 🙂
Kim Bee says
Thanks Ramona.
Ruth says
I’ve never tried Swerve before, I’m really interested! The cookies look so yummy!
Kim Bee says
Thanks Ruth.
Lany says
I want to make cookies with Swerve. ANY kind of cookies. Every since cutting out sugar, cookies is all I crave 🙂
Kim Bee says
Good luck Lany.
Lany says
I liked Swerve on Facebook
Kim Bee says
Thank you Lany.
Lany says
Already follow Swerve on Twitter
Kim Bee says
Thanks so much Lany.
Lany says
Following you by email 🙂 [email protected]
Kim Bee says
Thanks for the follow.
Dita says
Your recipe looks very tasty. Can’t wait to win giveaway so I can try your cookies. Great Job. Thanks
Kim Bee says
Thanks Dita.
Meghan Finley says
I’d make cookies
Kim Bee says
Good choice.
Meghan Finley says
I Like Swerve on Facebook
Kim Bee says
Thank you Meghan.
Meghan Finley says
I Follow Swerve on Twitter @immortalb4
Kim Bee says
Thanks for that.
Ttrockwood says
I would make my molasses ginger cookies first!
Kim Bee says
Now those sound lovely.
Ttrockwood says
Liked swerve on fb (teri)
Kim Bee says
Thank you Teri.
Kamila says
I wanna win this because Im all for healthier sugar alternatives 🙂
Kim Bee says
It’s a good thing.
Kamila says
I already like swerve on fb
Kim Bee says
Thank you for that.
Kamila says
I already follow swerve on twitter
Kim Bee says
Thank you Kamila.
Emily @ Life on Food says
I did just scratch my head and think of all of those things in the first paragraph. Now, I will take any chocolate cookie but even better if it is a healthy cookie.
Kim Bee says
Lol I know this is not typical of my site. So thrilled to help Carolyn though. It’s a great cause.
Lily says
I think it’s lovely this blog is trying to promote diabetes awareness but I have to say this recipe misses the mark. I’m a type 1 and wouldn’t go near this cookie. White flour, oats and dried cherries all shoot my blood sugar sky high. These are high glycemic ingredients and not low carb. Not a recipe I’d consider diabetes friendly. At least for a type 1.
Kim Bee says
I made notes in the recipe to swap the flour. I cannot have whole wheat flour due to an illness of my own so anyone who does have diabetes should and can use whole wheat. There are notes to adapt the recipe to your own needs. I have my own health issues which prevent me from eating certain foods but wanted to join in to help Carolyn raise awareness. I stressed in the post I’m not diabetic so this is going out on a limb for me. It’s why I was so honest in the post.
Tara Noland says
Woohoo!!! I am the winner. Thank you so very much!!!! You have the most fantastic blog and you already know that I am a huge fan!!! Lucky me!! Woohoo!! Going to be baking for my daughter’s birthday party as I said.
EllenCF says
the cookies from today’s post look divine or I have some cheesecake recipes that I’ve been dying to try but cannot find Swerve in stores!!!!!
EllenCF says
I have been getting your email for a while now and LOVE it!!!!!