Hey there, cookie enthusiasts! Today, I've got a delightful sugar cookie recipe to satisfy your sweet cravings. But before we dive into this gluten-free and dairy-free delight, let's talk about taming that notorious sugar spike. As a functional medicine specialist, I'm all about finding ways to make our favorite treats a bit friendlier to our bodies. So, get ready to learn how to indulge in sweet, sugary goodness without the dreaded sugar crash.

We've all been there – enjoying a sugary treat, only to experience a rollercoaster of energy levels and mood swings as our blood sugar skyrockets and then plummets. But fret not, my friends! There's a way to slow down this sugar spike, and it involves a secret ingredient: protein.

When we consume sugary foods on their own, our bodies absorb the sugar quickly, causing a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. However, when we pair those sugary delights with a source of protein, like the one we'll introduce shortly, it helps stabilize our blood sugar levels, preventing those energy crashes and mood swings.

Pairing your sugar cookies with protein-rich options is a fantastic way to slow down that sugar spike and make your indulgence a bit more balanced. Here are three delicious sources of protein that complement sugar cookies wonderfully:

Greek yogurt is a creamy, tangy option that pairs exceptionally well with sugar cookies. It's packed with protein, making it an ideal accompaniment. Opt for plain or vanilla Greek yogurt for a delightful contrast of flavors. The creaminess of yogurt balances the cookie's sweetness, creating a satisfying and balanced treat.

Almonds are a healthy snack and a great source of protein. Whether you choose whole almonds or almond butter, the nutty goodness of almonds adds a satisfying crunch and a dose of protein to your sugar cookie experience. Spread some almond butter on your cookie, or enjoy a handful of almonds on the side for a perfect pairing.

Cottage cheese may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of cookies, but its creamy texture and mild flavor make it a surprisingly good partner. It's rich in protein and can be enjoyed alone or with a drizzle of honey. Cottage cheese's versatility allows you to customize your sweet cookie experience while adding that essential protein punch.

Our hero in this sugar cookie recipe is coconut sugar. Unlike refined white sugar, coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index, which means it doesn't cause your blood sugar to skyrocket as rapidly. It offers a delicious caramel-like flavor that's perfect for sugar cookies.

1 cup of coconut sugar

1 tablespoon of packed light brown sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp of pure vanilla extract

1 tsp almond extract

2 cups of Carol's Sorghum Blend (1 1/2 cups of sorghum flour, 1 1/2 cups potato starch or cornstarch, and 1 cup of tapioca flour)

1 tsp of Xanthan Gum

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a mixing bowl, cream the coconut sugar, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.

Whisk together Carol's Sorghum Blend, xanthan gum, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a smooth cookie dough forms.

Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a fork, creating a classic crisscross pattern on top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown.

Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before indulging.

With this gluten-free and dairy-free sugar cookie recipe featuring coconut sugar, you can enjoy your favorite treat while taming the sugar spike. By incorporating protein-rich choices into your diet and opting for lower-glycemic sweeteners like coconut sugar, you're well on your way to satisfying your sweet tooth without the energy rollercoaster.

So, go ahead, slow down that sugar spike, and savor every delectable bite of these guilt-free sugar cookies. Your taste buds and your body will thank you! 

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Dr. Lisa Gengo specializes in tackling the fundamental triggers of gut disorders and heart health challenges like hypertension, weight resistance, and thyroid issues and provides expert nutritional guidance. These issues often play pivotal roles in the development of weight gain, sleep disorders, and a range of intricate medical concerns. Explore further by clicking here to learn more about her expertise and approach to holistic well-being—Dr. Lisa Gengo's Functional Medicine Practice.