23 Diabetes-Friendly Cookie Recipes (2024)

Home Recipes Cooking Style Comfort Food

23 Diabetes-Friendly Cookie Recipes (1)Christine RukavenaUpdated: Feb. 21, 2023

    Everyone loves a cookie they can feel good about. These sweet treats have 15 grams of carbs max.

    1/23

    Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

    These soft banana cookies have a cakelike texture and lots of flavor that everyone seem to love. It’s one of the best banana cookie recipes I’ve found. —Vicki Raatz, Waterloo, Wisconsin

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    2/23

    Taste of Home

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

    This soft and chewy low-carb cookie recipe, developed by our Test Kitchen, calls for canola oil instead of butter to reduce the saturated fat. It's hard to eat just one!

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    3/23

    Chewy Coconut Macaroons

    These chewy cookies are my husband's favorite, so he requests them often. I like to make the macaroons on cold winter days and keep them in an airtight bowl on the kitchen counter. They never last long! —Peggy Key, Grant, Alabama

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    4/23

    Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

    When I baked this moist, fudgy chocolate crinkle cookie recipe for the first time, my three preschool children went wild over them! But I like them because they're lower in fat and easy to mix and bake. —Maria Groff, Ephrata, Pennsylvania

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    5/23

    6/23

    Pumpkin Seed Cranberry Biscotti

    Hints of pumpkin seed and almond give this biscotti recipe a wonderful flavor that's just right for fall. Try one with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa! —Nancy Renner, Eugene, Oregon

    7/23

    Carrot Cookie Bites

    This recipe is a longtime family favorite. The cookies are soft and delicious, and the aroma while baking is absolutely irresistible! I'm always being asked for the recipe. —Jeanie Petrik, Greensburg, Kentucky

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    8/23

    Vanilla Meringue Cookies

    These sweet little swirls are light as can be. They're all you need after a big, special dinner. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    9/23

    Triple-Ginger Gingersnaps

    These crunchy treats feature fresh, ground and crystallized ginger, making them a bit more special than the traditional cookie. They are always a hit around the holidays. —Jessica Follen, Waunakee, Wisconsin

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    10/23

    First-Place Coconut Macaroons

    These coconut macaroon cookies earned me a first-place ribbon at the county fair. They remain my husband's favorites—whenever I make them to give away, he always asks me where his batch is! I especially like the fact that this recipe makes a small enough batch for the two of us to nibble on. —Penny Ann Habeck, Shawano, Wisconsin

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    11/23

    Taste of Home

    Maple Walnut Biscotti

    Replace melted chocolate with more maple flavor by combining 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar with 2 tablespoons maple syrup; drizzle over biscotti. — Susan Rogers, Brattleboro, Vermont

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    12/23

    Chipotle Crackle Cookies

    I usually bake these special cookies for the holidays, but my family loves them so I bake them for their birthdays. The addition of ground chipotle chile pepper gives these cookies a little zing. The dough may be sticky, so I dip my hands in confectioners' sugar for easier handling. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois

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    13/23

    Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Meringue Roses

    Eat these pretty treats as is or crush them into a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream. Readers of my blog, utry.it, went nuts when I posted that idea.—Amy Tong, Anaheim, California

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    14/23

    Taste of Home

    Molasses Crackle Cookies

    You can treat yourself to one or two of my crackle cookies without guilt. Most molasses cookies are loaded with butter and have way too much sugar, but not mine. You would never know these are so low in fat.— Jean L. Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin

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    15/23

    Taste of Home

    Gingersnap Cream Cookie Cups

    Whole wheat flour gives a rustic look to little tassies that are big on flavor. The velvety, rich filling is a delectable contrast to the cookie cup.—Rebekah Radewahn, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

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    16/23

    Taste of Home

    Mocha Meringue Sandwich Cookies

    These crisp, chewy cookies can be made any size you choose. They're also great with a variety of fillings—try making them with fruit preserves. —Marie Valdes, Brandon, FL

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    17/23

    Taste of Home

    Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies

    Here's a way to have the refreshing flavor of lemon meringue pie in a hand-held cookie. The meringue base is filled with homemade lemon curd. They are a refreshing treat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    18/23

    Coconut Kisses

    Chewy on the inside and crisp on the outside, these meringue cookies are delicious. They add a light touch to the cookie platter, not only during the holidays but all year round. —Dorothy Beaudry, Albertville, Minnesota

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    19/23

    Taste of Home

    Peppermint Kisses

    These are fun, refreshing and low in fat! —Lynn Bernstetter, Lake Elmo, Minnesota.

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    20/23

    Taste of Home

    Cinnamon Roll Macarons

    These macarons are a fall and winter staple for me. Inspired by the classic cinnamon roll, they are a delicious treat for a cold or snowy day. These pair well with a mug of tea, and can be eaten as a dessert or just a snack. Other fillings would work well with this—including custard, mousse, ganache or other buttercream. —Elizabeth Ding, El Cerrito, California

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    21/23

    Taste of Home

    Swirled Mint Cookies

    No one will believe that these rich and buttery cookies are light, but they are! With their colorful swirls, each one of these minty, sugary bites has its own look. —Lois Hill, Thomasville, North Carolina

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    22/23

    23/23

    Lime Coconut Biscotti

    My family loves this recipe! It’s great with that morning cup of coffee, delicious as an afternoon snack or after-dinner dessert. Citrusy and crunchy, not too sweet, it always hits the spot. —Diana Burrink, Crete, Illinois

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    Originally Published: September 19, 2019

    23 Diabetes-Friendly Cookie Recipes (22)

    Christine Rukavena

    Christine loves to read, curate, sample and develop new recipes as a senior book editor at Taste of Home. A CIA alumna with honors, she creates cookbooks and food-related content. A favorite part of the job is taste-testing dishes. Previous positions include pastry chef at a AAA Five Diamond property. Christine moonlights at a boutique wine shop, where she edits marketing pieces and samples wine far higher than her pay grade.

    23 Diabetes-Friendly Cookie Recipes (2024)

    FAQs

    What desserts don t spike blood sugar? ›

    High-protein desserts, like dark chocolate and peanut butter, can minimize blood sugar spikes.
    • Greek yogurt and honey. ...
    • Protein waffles. ...
    • Dark chocolate and peanut butter. ...
    • Protein cookie dough. ...
    • Chocolate Greek yogurt ice cream. ...
    • Chocolate oat cookies. ...
    • Sweet potato with Greek yogurt, cinnamon, and flaked almonds. ...
    • Berry mousse.
    Feb 15, 2022

    Can Type 2 diabetics eat chocolate chip cookies? ›

    According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes can still have sweets, chocolate, or other sugary foods as long they are eaten as part of a healthful meal plan or combined with exercise. They consider a healthful meal plan to: have limited saturated fat. contain moderate amounts of salt and sugar.

    Is peanut butter good for diabetics? ›

    Individuals with diabetes need foods that can help manage blood sugar and weight. Peanuts and peanut butter can be a powerful ally to reaching success. Peanuts and peanut butter have a low glycemic index, which means they don't cause blood sugar to rise sharply.

    What is the best dessert for type 2 diabetes? ›

    Examples of some diabetes-friendly desserts include:
    • granola (with no sugar added) and fresh fruit.
    • trail mix with nuts, seeds, roasted pepitas, and dried cranberries.
    • graham crackers with nut butter.
    • angel food cake.
    • chia seed pudding.
    • low sugar avocado mousse.
    • frozen yogurt bites made with plain Greek yogurt and berries.

    Can a Type 2 diabetic eat a cookie? ›

    Just because desserts contain sugar does not mean a person with diabetes should avoid them altogether. It's all about having the right balance of nutrients to steady blood sugar levels—and practicing moderation, according to Mackenzie Burgess, RDN, a recipe developer at Cheerful Choices.

    Is there anything sweet a diabetic can eat? ›

    According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), if you have diabetes, you can absolutely include sweets and desserts in your diet, as long as they're part of a healthy eating plan and you don't overindulge.

    Are graham crackers good for diabetics? ›

    Are graham crackers a healthy snack for diabetes? People with diabetes can certainly enjoy graham crackers, keeping in mind that one serving contains about 22 grams of total carbs and 6–8 grams of total sugar. Stick to one serving for a snack and pair with foods high in fiber and protein for balance.

    Is there any dessert a diabetic can eat? ›

    All types of dessert foods can be incorporated into diets for people with diabetes. "Combining carbohydrates with protein and fat, as well as choosing higher fiber carbohydrate sources, can produce a more modest rise in glucose that is easier to match to the body's natural insulin or medications," says Kirptich.

    What store bought cookies can diabetics eat? ›

    One way to do this is to find grain free cookies made with nut-based flours so there's less carbs, and more protein and fat… but still a delicious cookie! Simple Mills Crunchy Cookies: Picture a more blood sugar friendly version of Famous Amos chocolate chip cookies, and that's what these are. So good!

    What kind of candy can a diabetic eat? ›

    What are the best emergency sweets for people with diabetes?
    Type and portion of candyAmount of carbs
    1 Reeses snack-size peanut butter cup9.4 grams
    1 fun-size package of skittles18.2 grams
    1 fun-size snicker bar10.5 grams
    1 fun-size almond joy bar10 grams
    2 more rows
    Oct 26, 2022

    What reduces blood sugar quickly? ›

    The quickest way to lower your blood sugar is to take fast-acting insulin. Exercising is another fast, effective way. However, in severe cases, you should go to the hospital. High blood sugar levels are known as hyperglycemia or high blood glucose.

    What is the number one snack to lower blood sugar? ›

    But there is one food that stands alone as the best snack for lower blood sugar: nuts. Nuts are delicious, nutritious and incredibly versatile as far as snack foods go. Plus, they can be stored at room temperature (or in the freezer for longer periods) and are great for grab-and-go snacks.

    Which nuts should diabetics avoid? ›

    Avoid nuts that are coated in salt — Dobbins notes that sodium is bad for your blood pressure — and sugar. More bad news if you love the sweet-and-savory combo: Chocolate-covered peanuts and honey-roasted cashews are high in carbs and not the best choice when you have diabetes, Dobbins says.

    Is Banana good for diabetes? ›

    Takeaway. A person with diabetes should include a variety of fresh, whole foods in their diet, such as nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. Bananas are a safe and nutritious fruit for people with diabetes to eat in moderation as part of a balanced, individualized eating plan.

    Can a diabetic eat Oreo cookies? ›

    Owner Sound Bites Nutrition, LLC calls out Oreos as particularly problematic since they're high in sugar and fat and people can't seem to eat just a few. Instead: Andrews says, "If you have a craving for something crunchy or chocolate, I recommend cocoa dusted almonds.

    What sweets are OK for diabetics? ›

    Diabetes: 8 Sweet Snacks Safe For Diabetics
    • Cocoa nut butter. Cocoa powder is a great addition to your diet. ...
    • Chia pudding. Chia pudding is another great addition to your diet thanks to its numerous health benefits. ...
    • Apple & nut butter. ...
    • Dark chocolate.
    • Green yogurt.
    • Pears. ...
    • Oatmeal bites. ...
    • Fruit popsicles.
    Jun 1, 2022

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