So all you agave haters gather round. These gluten free chocolate chip cookies are completely free of agave, I have used yacon instead.
What is yacon? It is a perennial root, composed primarily of water and Fructooligosaccharide (FOS). These short chain sugars have a lower caloric value (as they are digested anaerobically) and high fiber content. FOS is a prebiotic that is extremely helpful with digestion.
I use yacon as my “brown sugar” or “molasses” in my recipes. For example, in my book, The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook, I use yacon in my recipes for Gingerbread Men and S’mores.
Chocolate Chip Cookies with Yacon
Ingredients
- 2½ cups blanched almond flour (not almond meal)
- ½ teaspoon celtic sea salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup grapeseed oil or palm shortening
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup yacon syrup
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl
- Stir together wet ingredients in a small bowl
- Mix wet ingredients into dry
- Form ½-inch balls and press onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet
- Bake at 350°F for 7-10 minutes
- Cool and serve
So, for those of you that are agave averse, what is your favorite substitution for this ingredient in my recipes? I’ve heard of people using everything from apple sauce and stevia to honey. If you have a formula or a favorite recipe that replaces agave with another ingredient, be sure to leave it in the comments section!
One of my favorite bloggers, Chris from Celiac Handbook is featuring me on his Facebook page this week. Chris is an amazing guy who does so much to spread awareness of celiac disease and is always selflessly promoting other bloggers in our community. He is fabulous.
Sheri says
Making this tonight. Is there really a Tablespoon of Vanilla or should it say a teaspoon?
Elana says
Sheri, tablespoon is correct.
Trish says
This recipe came out great! I bought some yacon to give it a shot in my quest for no sugar sugar. took one taste and almost threw it on the tradh when I found your recipe. It’s edible now! I’m keeping this recipe to use with other sweeteners. Thanks!!!
Elana says
Trish, so glad this recipe saved the (yacon syrup) day!
Cheryl Clark says
Yacon syrup breaks down at this temp so you wont get full benefits.
Elana says
Thanks Cheryl!