Shortbread biscuits are a timeless treat loved by many for their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture. However, traditional shortbread recipes often rely on sugar to achieve that perfect balance of sweetness.
If you’re looking to enjoy these classic cookies without the sugar, you’ve come to the right place! This sugar free shortbread biscuits recipe offers a delightful alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.
By using natural sweeteners and wholesome ingredients, these biscuits make the perfect guilt-free snack or tea-time companion. Whether you’re managing your sugar intake or simply want a healthier option, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results every time.
Get ready to bake a batch of scrumptious, crumbly, and naturally sweetened shortbread biscuits that everyone will love. Plus, stick around for some tips and variations to customize your biscuits exactly how you like them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sugar free shortbread biscuit recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving a sweet treat without the sugar crash. Here’s why it stands out:
- Healthy and guilt-free: Uses natural sweeteners such as erythritol or monk fruit, making it suitable for diabetics and those cutting back on sugar.
- Simple ingredients: No complicated or artificial additives – just pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
- Perfect texture: These biscuits achieve that classic shortbread crumbly and buttery consistency, even without sugar.
- Versatile flavor: Easily customizable with vanilla, almond, or citrus zest to suit your preferences.
- Easy to make: Requires minimal prep and baking time, perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) erythritol or your preferred sugar substitute (monk fruit sweetener works well)
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (30g) almond flour (optional for extra texture)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange (optional for a citrus twist)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Rolling pin
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cookie cutters or knife (for shaping)
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cream the butter and sweetener: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and erythritol together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Continue until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add vanilla and zest: Mix in the vanilla extract and the citrus zest if using. This will add a lovely aroma and flavor to your biscuits.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour (if using), and salt.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Use a spatula or your hands to gently combine everything until it forms a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this will make the biscuits tough.
- Roll out the dough: Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. If the dough is too soft, chill it in the fridge for 20 minutes before rolling.
- Cut the biscuits: Use cookie cutters or a knife to cut the dough into your desired shapes – classic rounds or rectangles work great.
- Arrange and chill: Place the cut biscuits onto the prepared baking tray, leaving some space between each. Chill in the refrigerator for another 10 minutes to help maintain shape during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-browning.
- Cool completely: Remove the tray from the oven and transfer the biscuits to a cooling rack. Let them cool fully to firm up before serving.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra touch of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a handful of finely chopped nuts to the dough.”
- Use different sweeteners: If erythritol isn’t your favorite, monk fruit sweetener or xylitol can be substituted in equal amounts.
- Gluten-free option: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these biscuits gluten-free.
- Flavored shortbread: Add lavender, rosemary, or even cocoa powder for unique flavor twists.
- Decorate: For a festive touch, dip half the biscuit in sugar-free dark chocolate once cooled.
- Storage: Store the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Biscuit (approx. 12 biscuits) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Fat | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Protein | 1g |
Serving Suggestions
These sugar free shortbread biscuits make a perfect companion to your afternoon tea or coffee. Serve them as part of a dessert platter alongside fresh berries and sugar-free whipped cream for a delightful treat.
They also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of herbal tea for a cozy, low-sugar snack.
For a festive occasion, try serving them with a dollop of sugar-free lemon curd or a spread of natural nut butter. These biscuits are also great for gifting – package them in a pretty tin or box and share the love of healthy baking with friends and family.
Looking for more delicious and healthy recipes? Check out my Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food for a heartwarming meal, or explore light options like the 400 Calorie Vegetarian Dinner Recipe Ideas for Healthy Meals.
For fresh ideas to accompany your biscuits, the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas is a must-try!
Conclusion
Enjoying classic shortbread biscuits without any sugar is easier than you think with this simple and delicious recipe. Not only do these sugar free shortbread biscuits satisfy your sweet tooth, but they also offer a healthier alternative for those mindful of their sugar intake.
Their buttery texture, combined with natural sweetness, makes for an irresistible treat that can be enjoyed anytime.
Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is versatile and approachable, allowing you to customize flavors and ingredients to your liking. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different natural sweeteners or spices to make the biscuits uniquely yours.
Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Sugar Free Shortbread Biscuits
Description: Deliciously buttery and crumbly shortbread biscuits without any added sugar. Perfect for a guilt-free treat or tea time snack.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 12 biscuits
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup erythritol or preferred sugar substitute
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 tbsp finely chopped nuts or seeds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Cream the softened butter and erythritol until light and fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll dough into a log and chill for 15 minutes.
- Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Optional: sprinkle chopped nuts or seeds on top.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow biscuits to cool on the tray before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 14g | Carbs: 3g
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