Are you craving a biscuit but don’t want to have to work out the carb count? Then these quick ground almond biscuits are just what you have been looking for. Easy to make, gluten and refined sugar-free, these soft cookie like biscuits are the ultimate in diabetic carb count free snacks!
Almond biscuits are a delicious and versatile snack that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast on the go or an afternoon snack, these biscuits are sure to satisfy you. But the major bonus is that they are totally carb count free! This means all the usual weighing and figuring out what ingredients to count for doesn’t have to happen and you can simply enjoy them!
And if you are looking for more diabetic friendly biscuit and cookie inspiration then make sure to read my round up of 10 EASY DIABETIC COOKIE RECIPES – SUGAR FREE & LOW CARB
Why this is such a great recipe
With their nutty flavour and soft, delicate texture, these quick ground almond biscuits only need a few ingredients and are incredibly easy to make – even for the less experienced bakers!
These biscuits are incredibly versatile as well, so you can experiment and add a whole host of different flavours to the dough. Go to the recipe variations to discover some of my favourite suggestions.
But as I said earlier as these are only made with ground almonds and use a sugar substitute, these biscuits have a low glycemic index and will not raise blood sugars.
Why use almond flour instead of wheat flour?
Using almond flour instead of wheat flour offers several advantages, particularly for individuals following specific diets or those with dietary restrictions. Since my daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, almond flour or ground almonds have become an absolute staple in our kitchen. But here are some reasons why almond flour is a popular alternative:
- Gluten-Free: Almond flour is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for people with gluten sensitivity or those who have celiac disease.
- Low Carbohydrate: Almond flour is lower in carbohydrates compared to traditional wheat flour. This makes it a preferred option for individuals following low-carb or ketogenic diets.
- Nutrient-Rich: Almond flour is rich in nutrients, including healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. It provides more nutritional value compared to refined wheat flour.
- Blood Sugar Control: Almond flour has a lower glycemic index than wheat flour, meaning it has a smaller impact on blood sugar levels. This can be beneficial for individuals managing diabetes or those looking to stabilize their blood sugar.
- Dietary Fiber: Almond flour contains dietary fibre, which supports digestive health and can contribute to a feeling of fullness. Fiber is often lacking in traditional wheat flour.
- Unique Flavor and Texture: Almond flour adds a nutty flavour and a moist, tender texture to baked goods, enhancing the overall taste of the final product.
Using Almond flour has meant that my daughter has been able to enjoy cakes and biscuits without the need to give any insulin alongside them. This little bit of food freedom from insulin may not sound like much but for her, it can be quite liberating. This has only been possible however when we have used sugar alternatives as well.
Baking with Almond Flour
This article looks into the benefits of using almond flour in baking and for diabetes management, how to use it, along with plenty of top tips.
It’s important to note that almond flour may not be a one-to-one substitute for wheat flour in all recipes due to its different composition. But you can read more about this in my Baking with Almond Flour Guide. Additionally, those with nut allergies should avoid almond flour and opt for other gluten-free alternatives like coconut flour or rice flour.
What is the difference between ground almonds and almond flour?
Almond flour involves a blanching process to remove the skins of the almonds before being finely ground into a flour. Whereas ground almonds are a coarser version of almond flour and they tend to be ground with their skins still on. Ground almonds can also be called almond meal.
I find both types are very interchangeable, so use whichever you prefer and can easily buy.
You can find a list of my recommended products that I use on my shop page!
Baking with a sugar substitute
In this recipe, I use a white sweetener, xylitol. This is a nutritive 1:1 substitute for sugar and I find it works really well in baking and cooking.
This is my sweetener of choice due to its low glycaemic index, it doesn’t have a funny taste profile and we found that it doesn’t cause a rise in blood glucose levels.
You could also use an erythritol-based sweetener if you prefer. This is also a 1:1 sugar replacement and doesn’t cause a rise in blood glucose levels, but I personally find it can alter the taste profile of your food.
You can find a list of my recommended products that I use on my shop page!
If you prefer to use other sweeteners like sucralose or stevia, remember to convert your quantity. Most brands have this information on their websites. And if you would like to read more on different sugar substitutes and diabetes then make sure to read this post:
Sugar Substitutes and Diabetes Management
The world of sugar substitutes and type 1 diabetes can be confusing. This guide explores substitutes in the UK and diabetes management
However please also feel free to use good old-fashioned caster sugar if that is your preference. Just remember to carb count for it!
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sweeteners and quantities in my sweet treat recipes. It may take a few attempts to find your preference as we all have different palates.
Ingredients for almond biscuits
- Ground almonds/almond flour
- A great gluten-free alternative to wheat flour
- This flour adds a lovely nutty flavour and is a great no carb-count option for cakes and biscuits
- See above for more info
- Baking Powder
- I use gluten-free
- Essential for adding air and lightness to your bake
- Sugar alternative
- I used Xylitol but you could also use erythritol
- See above for recommendations and suggestions
- Eggs
- A key component to any bake and should be free-range if you can
- Butter
- Helps to bind the ingredients
- Almond essence
- An artificial flavour enhancer
- Adds extra delicious almond flavour
Equipment Needed
Measuring Spoon (tsp/ tbsp)
How to make these easy almond biscuits
These almond biscuits are quick to make and can be hand mixed without the need for any particular equipment or fuss.
Step 1
Start by preheating your oven to 200C / 180C fan and prepare a baking tray with greaseproof paper.
Step 2
Next in a large bowl mix together the almond flour, baking powder and xylitol.
Step 3
Then in a separate bowl whisk the eggs, melted butter, and almond essence
Step 4
Add the wet mixture to your dry and mix to combine into a soft dough
Step 5
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, spoon out some mixture, lightly roll it into a ball and place it on the baking sheet.
Repeat this process another 11 times.
Step 5
Then using something with a flat round surface (I used a coffee press) lightly press the biscuits to form a circular cookie shape. You can also use your fingers for a more rustic-looking cookie.
Step 6
Gently press some flaked almonds onto the top of each biscuit and then place the tray in the preheated oven to bake for 15 minutes or until the biscuits have a light golden colour.
Step 7
Leave them to completely cool on the tray before transferring them to a cooling rack
Recipe Variations
The almond cookies are delicious just as they are but this basic recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit lots of other flavour combinations.
Here are a few suggestions you could try:
Add a Zesty Hit – Add some Orange, Lemon or Lime Zest to the biscuit dough – the pairing of the sweet almond and tangy zest gives these cookies a refreshing twist.
Add some warmth – Try adding a tsp or 2 of mixed spice, pumpkin spice or cinnamon for a warmer earthier sweet flavour to your biscuits
Chocolate – Adding cocoa powder and chocolate chunks to your basic almond biscuit recipe is a great way to create a rich, indulgent treat.
Click below for the recipe and instructions
For a tropical flavour – Mixing unsweetened shredded coconut into your almond biscuit dough adds texture and a slightly tropical flair to this classic cookie recipe.
Try another Nut – Swap out some (or all) of the almonds in your recipe for pistachios! This variation gives the cookies an earthy yet slightly sweet flavour. Blitz the pistachios in a blender first to make a fine nut flour
Cheese – This recipe is so versatile you can even make them into a savoury biscuit version.
Try this delicious gluten-free and carb count-free Easy Savoury Cheese Biscuits recipe.
Whichever variation you choose, almond biscuits are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. They are easy to make, versatile, and always delicious!
If you liked this, then take a look at these other delicious and nutritious recipes that are blood sugar-friendly and beneficial for diabetes management:
Tips for Making Ground Almond Biscuits Perfectly Every Time
Here are some of my top tips for making the best batch of almond biscuits every time:
- Proper measurement and mixing of ingredients – As with all recipes the most reliable way to ensure the best results is to accurately weigh and follow the steps below. I always use weighing scales to help with this.
- Baking time and temperature – Ovens vary in temperature and how they cook so keep an eye on your biscuits to determine if they need longer or less time in the oven. I often start checking 5 minutes before with any recipe. These biscuits should have a light golden colour when they come out of the oven.
- Leave the biscuits to cool on the baking tray – These biscuits are very soft when they are hot so leave them to cool on the baking tray before you move them to a cooling rack to completely finish cooling.
How to store the almond biscuits
You can store these almond biscuits happily in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Although I would be amazed if they lasted that long!
You can also freeze the cooked cookies which is great if you want to batch cook so that you can grab them as you want them.
To freeze them pop the cookies onto a baking tray but make sure they aren’t touching. Once fully frozen you can then put them in an airtight container or bag for up to 1 month.
Diabetes Note
These delicious quick almond biscuits are a carb count free option for us! But as always you know best what ingredients to count for.
Carb Counting
The overall carb count for each individual biscuit is 0 grams!!!
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