Healthier Christmas Cookie Ideas
One of the best parts of the holiday season is lots and lots of cookies! Chocolate chip, sugar, peanut butter — there's just so many flavors to choose from. Unfortunately, our little cookie treats don't help our waistlines, so before we know it those after-dinner cookies have turned into an unflattering extra five pounds. Fear not, for this year we're bringing you cookie swaps to help cut the calories, and make these treats a bit healthier.
Cut Ingredients
Adding tons of butter, sugar, and other ingredients can lead to a Christmas cookie that contains an overwhelming amount of calories. Try making simple cookies with three or four ingredients to eliminate some unnecessary calories. Our peanut butter cookie recipe simply combines an egg with brown sugar and your favorite nut butter for an easy treat that won't set you back too far.
Click here for Justin's Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe.
Replace Butter with Oil or Bananas
Butter makes up a big portion of the fat in our cookies. Try replacing butter with canola oil or mashed bananas to cut the calories. One tablespoon of butter replaced with healthy oil eliminates at least five grams of saturated fat. Remember, this may change the flavor and texture of your cookies, so experiment with the ratios before you serve them on Christmas.
Click here for the Banana-Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe.
Try a New Healthy Cookie
We're always afraid to serve anything but our classic sugar cookies on Christmas, but putting out a healthy alternative that still tastes great may surprise you and your guests. These cookies use coconut, banana, oats, and almonds to create a crunchy, tasty cookie. With no butter, sugar, or vegetable shortening, this recipe steers clear of fattening ingredients.