Kidney-Friendly Butterscotch Cookies

If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), chances are you’ve been told that sweets and treats should be avoided at all costs. Truthfully, savoring sweets and treats in moderation is the key to balancing enjoyment and health when you have CKD!

While a kidney friendly diet may require you to be mindful of things like sodium, potassium, protein, or phosphorus, occasional indulgences like cookies can still be part of a kidney friendly lifestyle. Opt for kidney-friendly dessert recipes, using whole wheat flours and smaller portions of salt and sugar. Trying using applesauce as a natural sweetener too! It can also be helpful to use baking soda instead of baking powder as baking powder contains phosphate additives which can be harmful in excess.

Check out one of my favorite kidney friendly cookie recipes, butterscotch cookies.

Makes 12 servings

Cook time: 10-15 minutes
Prep time: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients for butterscotch cookies

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp softened vegan butter (or regular butter works fine too)
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ½ cup butterscotch chips

Directions for butterscotch cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. While the oven is preheating, combine the flour, cinnamon, and baking soda into a small mixing bowl. Mix well.
2. Next, in a separate larger bowl, add the brown sugar, butter, and applesauce and mix until well combined.
3. Add your flour mixture (dry ingredients) to the sugar and butter mixture (wet ingredients) and mix until just combined.
4. Then, stir in the butterscotch chips. Form into 1-2 inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
5. Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes. Cookies should be lightly browned and spread out in a regular cookie shape. Enjoy!

Cookies can totally fit in a kidney friendly diet! Keep in mind that when enjoying sweets and treats with CKD, moderation is key. This cookie recipe has been created to be lower sodium, sugar, and phosphate additives and higher in fiber. Before making any dietary changes, always consult your healthcare team and renal dietitian.