There are thousands of different types and variations of cookies in the world. The options are seemingly endless, from classic chocolate chip cookies to fancy Pizzelles and trendy bake shop cookies.
However, despite the diversity, all cookies have one thing in common: they are a sweet treat. You would be hard-pressed to find a cookie recipe that didn’t call for some type of sweetener. And that’s just the way we like it!
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A cookie’s sweet side draws us in and causes us to crave the divine little treat. Nothing satisfies a sweet tooth quite like a cookie. The traditional sweetener used in most cookie recipes is granulated sugar.
However, some people need or desire to lower their sugar intake. This could be due to a health condition or a simple desire to eat healthier.
If you fall into this category, you may think you have to eliminate cookies from your life. But that’s not necessarily true. Luckily, there are a variety of sugar substitutes on the market. Below, we will discuss nine popular sugar substitutes.
1. Honey
Have you ever heard the term “the bee’s knees”? In the 1920s, this term was a popular way of saying something or someone was excellent or high quality. This outdated yet fun phrase is the perfect way to describe our first sugar substitute.
Honey is a natural sweetener that has been used since ancient times. We can thank bees (and their knees) for this sweet, sticky substance.
When baking, honey is an excellent substitute for granulated sugar. However, honey is sweeter than sugar, so you won’t need quite as much. If the recipe calls for one cup of sugar, replace it with about one-half cup of honey.
Also, since honey has more moisture than sugar, you should slightly lower the liquid content in your recipe.
Besides being incredibly sweet, honey has many health benefits, such as boosting your immune system and improving seasonal allergies. Honey is also lower in calories than sugar.
2. Maple Syrup
Another sweet gift of nature is maple syrup. Maple syrup comes from the sap of the maple tree. The tedious, time-consuming process of making maple syrup causes it to be quite a bit more expensive than sugar.
However, maple syrup is sweeter than sugar, so you won’t need as much. Generally, three-quarters cup of maple syrup is a good swap for one cup of sugar.
Not only is maple syrup delicious, but it has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar. Maple syrup also contains antioxidants, which are good for lowering cholesterol and promoting brain health.
3. Applesauce
Applesauce is an inexpensive, lower-calorie option to use in place of traditional sugar. It is packed with vitamins and minerals and is a good source of fiber.
You can replace one cup of sugar with one cup of applesauce when baking. However, this may take some trial and error. The moisture content in applesauce can change the texture of your cookies. So, cut the liquid in your recipe down by about two to four tablespoons.
4. Fruits
Applesauce isn’t the only fruit that makes a good sugar substitute. Mashed fruit, such as bananas and mangos, or chopped, dried fruit, such as dates, are all sweet options to consider.
Along with sweet flavor, these fruits each come with added health benefits, such as containing various nutrients and being high in fiber.
Some mashed or chopped fruits can alter the flavor of your recipe. This could be a good thing, or it could be disastrous, so experiment a little until you find something you like.
5. Coconut Sugar
Coconut sugar, or coconut palm sugar, is similar to brown sugar. This sweet substance is made from the sap of the flower on the coconut plant.
Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index than granulated sugar and has some nutrients. However, this substitution is high in calories and expensive. If you decide to try coconut sugar, you can swap it at a 1:1 ratio to sugar.
6. Palm Sugar
Palm sugar is similar to, but not the same as, coconut palm sugar. Both sugars are collected as sap from their respective plants. Palm sugar comes from the flowers growing on the sugar palm or date palm tree.
Palm sugar is a great alternative to sugar. Swap it out at a 1:1 ratio.
7. Stevia
One of the most popular sugar substitutes on the market today is stevia. Stevia is a zero-calorie sweetener derived from a bushy plant native to South America.
This non-nutritive sweetener is roughly 200-400 times sweeter than sugar, so use it sparingly. About one teaspoon of stevia is equal to one cup of sugar.
8. Monk Fruit
Monk fruit is a small, green fruit native to China. Monk fruit has health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It is also low-calorie and can reduce blood sugar levels.
This little fruit packs a mighty sweet punch. Monk fruit is up to 200 times sweeter than sugar. Because it is so sweet, monk fruit is often combined with erythritol (a sugar alcohol). This combined sweetener can replace sugar at a 1:1 ratio.
9. Agave Syrup
Agave syrup is a natural sweetener that comes from the juice of the agave plant. This sweet syrup is similar in texture to honey and is sweeter than sugar. Agave syrup also has a lower glycemic index than sugar.
When baking cookies, you can use agave syrup as a substitute for sugar but lower your temperature by 10 degrees to ensure the syrup doesn’t burn. Substitute three-quarter cups of agave syrup for one cup of sugar.
While you may need to eliminate or reduce the amount of sugar in your life, there’s no need to punish yourself by giving up on cookies altogether. With options like those listed above, you can have a healthier life and still enjoy this favorite sweet treat.
Be brave and take a chance on one or more of the ideas above. Some may be a flop, but who knows, maybe you’ll create your own original gourmet cookies.
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Infographic
Cookies are a delicious treat, but they usually contain much sugar. If you’re looking to reduce your sugar intake, there are various sugar substitutes available. Explore nine popular options in this infographic.
