Description
Satisfy your craving for that classic Girl Scout cookie crunch with this low-carb, home-baked version designed for the modern American kitchen. We’ve added a pinch of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor without adding caffeine jitters, creating a sophisticated treat that tastes indulgent but light. With negligible sugar and plenty of healthy fats, this recipe is a helpful option for steady energy levels.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups superfine almond flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder (optional, for enhanced chocolate flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar-free sweetener (such as Monk Fruit or Allulose)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 large egg white, beaten to soft peaks
Chocolate Coating
- 6 ounces sugar-free dark chocolate chips or roughly chopped chocolate
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
Prepare the Dry Mix: In a medium bowl, sift together the almond flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, espresso powder, and sea salt. Whisk well to ensure there are no lumps and set aside.
Cream the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sweetener on medium speed. Continue for about 2 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
Add Flavors: Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the vanilla extract and the first amount of peppermint extract (1/4 teaspoon) to the butter mixture. Mix briefly to combine.
Combine and Fold: With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in two batches, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the beaten egg white with a spatula until a cohesive dough forms.
Chill the Dough: Place the dough between two large sheets of parchment paper. Roll it out to approximately 1/4-inch thickness. Transfer the rolled dough (still in the paper) to the freezer for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
Cut and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the freezer, peel off the top paper, and use a 2-inch round cutter to punch out cookies. Place them on the baking sheets 1 inch apart. Re-roll scraps and repeat (chill again if dough gets too sticky). Bake for 11-12 minutes.
Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes (they solidify as they cool), then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before dipping.
Dip: Place the chocolate, coconut oil, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Using a fork, dip each cooled cookie into the chocolate, tapping off the excess, and place onto a parchment-lined tray.
Set: Refrigerate the coated cookies for 15 minutes until the chocolate shell hardens.
Notes
- Health Insight: These cookies are an excellent choice for blood sugar management, offering just ~2g net carbs per piece with virtually no added sugar. However, they are relatively dense in saturated fats compared to their calorie count. Consuming 2-3 cookies can quickly approach the daily recommended limit for saturated fat, so mindful portioning is key.
- Allergy Alert: This recipe contains tree nuts (almond flour) and dairy (butter). To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter stick alternative and use dairy-free chocolate.
- Storage: Keep these cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months for an extra crispy treat.
Nutritional info (per 1 cookie): Calories: 128 | Total Fat: 12g (Saturated: 5.5g) | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 30mg | Total Carbs: 7g (Fiber: 3.5g, Sugars: <1g, Sugar Alcohol: ~1.5g) | Net Carbs: 2g | Protein: 3g
These are approximate estimates based on standard nutritional data. Values may vary based on brands, exact measurements, and specific ingredients. For precise calculations, use a nutrition tracking app like MyFitnessPal or consult a reliable database.
