Health-Conscious Holiday Cookie Ideas

When it comes to the holidays, it is important to enjoy the foods you love, like cookies, and continue family traditions. Not every food or recipe needs to be modified to make it “healthier.” I would not recommend you alter your great aunt’s sugar cookie recipe, but if you are looking for a few more health-conscious options to add to your cookie tray this year, below are some great ideas. See the recipes for additional nutrition benefits and tips for cooking with kids.

Allergy Friendly Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti are allergen-free, kid-tested, and approved by our Healthy Kids in the Kitchen class. If you are not concerned about gluten or wheat, you can use all-purpose flour in place of the gluten-free flour.

The peanut butter cookie recipe has a secret ingredient – beans! Do not be scared; the peanut butter masks any bean flavor and the beans create a nice crumbly texture, as well as adding some valuable fiber and protein. This recipe is very easy to make and comes together quickly. These cookies are also free of gluten, egg, and dairy.

Fruit-filled cookies are lower in sugar than many cookies. Making a chia seed jam for the filling adds a tiny boost of fiber and heart healthy fats. If you do not have chia seeds, regular jam will taste just as delicious.

Although these recipes are a bit healthier, they are still cookies. A healthy diet does not exclude sweets and baked goods, and should be enjoyed in moderation.

Happy holidays and have a happy and healthy New Year! 

Visit Healthy Kids in the Kitchen to learn more about cooking with your kids. Email jmasterson@wheelerclinic.org to register.

These classes are provided to the community free through the support of the Corsini and Brantner Families.