Easy Sugar-Free Halloween Cookie Recipe

by Lisa Parris

Overview

Halloween is our unofficial national sugar fest. For those unable to eat sweets due to dietary restrictions or those who choose not to for health reasons, a holiday that aims to be nothing but pure merriment can become a day of pure torment. Strict sugarless solutions, like fruit, may be a bit severe for most people, but sugar-free baked goods may offer a guilt-free way to enjoy the holiday.

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease three baking sheets or spray them liberally with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2

Place the shortening and Splenda in a large mixing bowl. Beat on low speed until thoroughly combined. Add vanilla, eggs and pumpkin. Beat on low for 2 minutes.
Step 3

Measure the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger into a separate bowl. Stir the dry ingredients, mixing them together.
Step 4

Pour the pumpkin mixture into the flour and stir vigorously until well blended. Add the dried cranberries, orange peel and nuts, blending into the cookie dough with a large spoon.
Step 5

Drop dough by rounded teaspoons onto the prepared baking sheets and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. This recipe makes approximately 3 dozen.

1
Pumpkin Spice Cookies: ½ cup vegetable shortening 1 cup granulated Splenda 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 2 eggs 1 cup solid pack pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) 2 ¼ cups all purpose flour 2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. ground nutmeg 2 ½ tsp. cinnamon ½ tsp. ginger 1 cup dried cranberries 1 tbsp. orange zest 1 cup chopped walnuts
Pumpkin Spice Cookies:
½ cup vegetable shortening
1 cup granulated Splenda
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 cup solid pack pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
2 ¼ cups all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
2 ½ tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. ginger
1 cup dried cranberries
1 tbsp. orange zest
1 cup chopped walnuts
If you prefer, alternate sweeteners can be used instead of Splenda. Check your package to ensure you are using the equivalent to 1 cup of sugar. Also, be certain the sweetener you select is suitable for baking before you begin. Some artificial sweeteners disintegrate when heated and are therefore inappropriate for use in baking.
If you prefer, alternate sweeteners can be used instead of Splenda. Check your package to ensure you are using the equivalent to 1 cup of sugar. Also, be certain the sweetener you select is suitable for baking before you begin. Some artificial sweeteners disintegrate when heated and are therefore inappropriate for use in baking.

Overview