Desserts and Baking

Low Calorie HCG Diet Apple Cookies

These crisp and chewy apple cookies are a lifesaver for anyone navigating the strict Phase 2 of the HCG diet. By utilizing the natural pectin in the fruit and a touch of cinnamon, you can transform a standard apple into a satisfying dessert that fits your macros perfectly.

HCG Diet Apple Cookies
Prep
10 min
Cook
60 min
Serves
1
Level
Easy
Per serving
115 kcal

Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 225°F (107°C) and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or high-quality parchment paper to prevent sticking without using oil.

  2. Finely grate the apple into a bowl. Place the grated apple into a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out approximately half of the excess juice (you can drink the juice as part of your allowance).

  3. Crush the Melba toast into a very fine powder using a mortar and pestle or by placing it in a bag and rolling over it with a heavy jar.

  4. Mix the squeezed apple, crushed Melba toast, cinnamon, and stevia together in a small bowl until well combined.

  5. Divide the mixture into 4 to 6 small mounds on the baking sheet and press them down firmly with the back of a spoon to form thin cookie discs.

  6. Place in the oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. Flip the cookies carefully halfway through the cooking time.

  7. Remove from the oven once they are dry to the touch and slightly browned. Let them cool completely on the tray to allow them to crisp up further.

Notes

The thinner you press the apple mixture, the crunchier the cookies will become.

If you prefer a softer 'cookie', reduce the baking time by 15 minutes.

Granny Smith apples work best for this recipe because their tartness balances the sweetness of the stevia.

Ensure the Melba toast is ground to a dust; if the pieces are too large, the cookies may crumble.

Questions

Can I use honey instead of stevia?
No, honey is not permitted during Phase 2 of the HCG diet as it contains sugars that are not compliant with the protocol.
Are these cookies suitable for Phase 3?
Yes, they are fine for Phase 3, though you might choose to add nuts or healthy fats once you are off the strict calorie restriction.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes, you can air fry them at 300°F for about 15-20 minutes, but check them frequently as they can burn quickly in the concentrated heat.
Do I have to use the Melba toast?
The Melba toast acts as a binder. If you omit it, the cookies will be more like dehydrated apple mush, but they will still be tasty.

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