Barley flour cookies

Barley Flour Cookies: A Healthy Treat for the Whole Family

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 20 cookies

Welcome to our kitchen! Today, I'm excited to share a delicious and healthy recipe for barley flour cookies. These cookies are perfect not only for satisfying your sweet tooth but also for bringing a healthier alternative to traditional desserts to your table. Barley flour adds a unique flavor and pleasant texture, while the combination of a little brown sugar and carob powder gives them a distinctive taste. Plus, they're easy to make and can turn into a fun activity with the little ones!

A bit of history: Barley flour is a nutritious alternative to wheat flour, rich in fiber and nutrients. Used for centuries in various cultures, barley has been valued for both its nutritional benefits and its versatility in cooking. Barley flour cookies are an excellent way to incorporate this wonderful ingredient into your daily diet.

Ingredients:
- 3 medium eggs
- 1 cup barley flour
- 1 cup wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons grape seed oil
- 2 heaping tablespoons sour cream
- 2 teaspoons sugar substitute (made from stevia)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons carob powder
- A handful of dried cranberries

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients at room temperature. The eggs and sour cream will blend better into the mixture. Make sure the cranberries are dried and chopped finely to distribute evenly in the cookies.

2. Beating the Egg Whites: In a large bowl, add the egg whites and begin beating them with a mixer on medium speed. When they start to foam, gradually add the sugar substitute. Continue beating until you achieve stiff peaks, which will give the cookies an airy texture.

3. Incorporating the Yolks: In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with a little brown sugar. Then, add the oil and sour cream and mix well until smooth.

4. Mixing the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the wheat flour, barley flour, baking powder, and carob powder. Mix these dry ingredients to prevent clumping.

5. Combining the Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the yolk mixture, gently folding with a spatula. Then, carefully incorporate the beaten egg whites using a motion from the bottom of the bowl to the top to keep the air in the mixture.

6. Forming the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a piping bag or a spoon to form dollops of dough on the sheet, leaving enough space between them. Each cookie will rise slightly while baking.

7. Adding the Cranberries: Top each cookie with 1-2 dried cranberries. Not only will they add a vibrant splash of color, but they will also provide a tart flavor that perfectly contrasts the sweetness of the cookies.

8. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool on a wire rack before enjoying.

Helpful Tips:
- If you want to enhance the flavor of the cookies, you can add a splash of vanilla extract or cinnamon to the mixture.
- Barley flour can absorb more moisture than wheat flour, so if you notice the dough is too dry, you can add a tablespoon of milk or water.
- You can substitute the cranberries with other dried fruits, such as blueberries or apricots, to create a personalized version of the recipe.

Nutritional Benefits:
These cookies are high in fiber thanks to the barley flour, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling full. Additionally, the sugar substitute used reduces the calorie intake, making this recipe an excellent option for those looking to enjoy a healthy dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use other types of flour?
Absolutely! If you don't have barley flour, you can use just wheat flour or a combination with whole wheat flour for added nutrients.

2. How can I store the cookies?
The cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can store them in the refrigerator.

3. What drinks pair well with these cookies?
These cookies are delicious alongside a cup of green tea or a flavored coffee. Additionally, a plant-based milk, such as almond milk, pairs perfectly!

A personal note: These barley flour cookies have quickly become my children's favorites. We love making them together, choosing the fruits we use, and turning each cooking session into a fun adventure. I encourage you to try them and discover the combinations you enjoy the most!

Enjoy every bite of these healthy and delicious barley flour cookies, and don't forget to share them with your loved ones! Bon appétit!