Commercial Brands Offering 100 Calorie Shortbread Cookies
For those seeking convenience, several brands offer pre-packaged, portion-controlled shortbread options, making it easy to grab a quick, guilt-free snack. The most well-known of these is the Lorna Doone shortbread cookie, which has been a staple in lunchboxes and pantries for decades. A single serving, typically a small pouch of several crisps, is marketed as being only 100 calories, providing the classic, buttery flavor in a manageable portion.
Another option is the brand Nunbelievable, which has introduced a line of 100-calorie shortbread cookies that incorporate baobab fruit powder. This ingredient, known for its superfood properties, provides additional minerals, antioxidants, and prebiotic fiber, adding a nutritional boost to the classic cookie. Nunbelievable's line includes several varieties, such as original, chocolate, and baobab lemon poppyseed, catering to different flavor preferences. These pre-made options are ideal for busy lifestyles and help prevent overeating by providing a clear serving size.
Creating Your Own 100 Calorie Shortbread Cookies at Home
Making your own low-calorie shortbread at home gives you complete control over the ingredients and nutritional content. By making a recipe that yields a larger number of smaller cookies, you can achieve the desired calorie count per piece. Healthier substitutions, such as using almond flour or alternative sweeteners, can also significantly reduce the calorie count compared to traditional recipes.
A simple recipe for low-calorie shortbread:
- Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 ½ tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup cold light butter, cubed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor and pulse until combined.
- Add the cubed light butter and vanilla, pulsing until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough to an 8x5-inch rectangle and chill in the freezer for 15 minutes.
- Cut the dough into 1-inch squares and place on a cookie sheet.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
- This recipe yields 48 cookies, with each approximately 40-50 calories, allowing for multiple cookies to make a 100-calorie serving.
Ingredient Substitutions for Lower-Calorie Shortbread
To further reduce the caloric impact, several smart substitutions can be made when baking shortbread.
- Butter Alternatives: Instead of traditional butter, consider using light butter or even alternatives like coconut oil, which is sometimes used in healthier shortbread recipes. For a vegan option, some recipes swap out butter completely and rely on ingredients like almond flour for a rich texture.
- Sugar Alternatives: Pure maple syrup or other natural sweeteners can replace refined sugar, as seen in some healthy shortbread recipes. For a no-sugar-added version, low-calorie sweeteners like sucralose can be used, as demonstrated in a low-carb recipe from Allrecipes.
- Flour Alternatives: Using whole wheat pastry flour or almond flour can boost fiber and protein content, while reducing the overall calorie density. Blanched almond flour is a popular gluten-free choice for healthier shortbread.
Comparison of 100-Calorie Shortbread Options
| Feature | Commercial Options (e.g., Lorna Doone) | Homemade Recipe (48 cookies) |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | High (pre-packaged, ready to eat) | Low (requires preparation, baking) |
| Ingredient Control | Low (pre-determined by manufacturer) | High (full control over ingredients) |
| Cost | Typically higher per serving | Lower per cookie, higher upfront cost |
| Customization | Limited to available flavors | Endless possibilities for flavorings |
| Nutritional Profile | Varies by brand, some add fortified ingredients | Completely customizable, can add fiber or protein easily |
| Taste | Consistent, classic flavor | Can be varied based on ingredients and technique |
Storing Your Low-Calorie Shortbread
Whether you bake your own or purchase them, proper storage is key to maintaining freshness. Store homemade shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Pre-packaged cookies in individual servings will have a longer shelf life and maintain their crispness until opened.
Conclusion
What are the 100 calorie shortbread cookies? They represent a mindful, portion-controlled indulgence for those who love the classic buttery treat but want to manage their calorie intake. From the convenience of pre-packaged brands like Lorna Doone and Nunbelievable to the complete customization of a homemade batch using healthier ingredient swaps, there is a path to enjoying shortbread without guilt. By understanding the options, you can easily incorporate this delicious snack into a balanced diet, whether you're a busy professional or a home baker experimenting with healthier ingredients.
Note: While 100-calorie servings are convenient, always check the full nutritional panel of pre-packaged snacks to ensure they align with your overall dietary goals.
