Creating Healthier Christmas Cookies

By Brandi Goodman 

Christmas cookies are commonly served around the holidays. Many families spend time making them together. You may be inclined to pull out the basic sugar dough but this really isn't the best option. You can make healthier versions of your classic Christmas cookies by making a few substitutions.

Avoid Icing

Lots of people choose to use icing to decorate their cookies. Icing contains so much sugar, you should instead try to decorate with a few small candies or sprinkles instead to help cut back on the amount of sugar you're getting in each one. If you still want to use icing, then at least create a homemade version with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative. The store bought ready-to-go options are far too sugar-filled.

Use a Sugar Substitute

White sugar that is traditionally used in cookies has few benefits, if any, for your health. Use a sugar substitute instead that will help to make your cookies a little less worrisome. Turbinado sugar, for example, is a bit of a better option because it's not completely refined. It has some of the original molasses flavor. Options such as Stevia or using pure maple syrup or organic honey are also possible but sometimes harder to work with.

Swap Some Butter With Nonfat Yogurt

Cookies need butter to give them the right consistency and flavor. You don't have to use as much though. Swap out some of the butter with nonfat plain yogurt instead and you'll cut back on the fat and calories in your recipe. Use unsalted butter for the rest of it so you don't have as much sodium either.

Go Organic

Sugar cookies aren't the only options at Christmas. You can make some other options as well. Go organic to cut back on the fat and caloric content. You can make organic chocolate chip cookies, for example. Look for versions of organic butter, brown sugar, eggs, flour, and chocolate for a healthier recipe. These things are free from pesticides and artificial agents, making them safer to consume.

Health should always be concerned, even at Christmastime. It's fine to indulge on a day like Christmas, but with so many treats and choices usually served throughout the season it's best to create options that are as healthy as possible to enjoy. Create healthier cookies that you don't have to feel guilty eating more than one.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Wilmington, N.C.