What is a healthier option for cookies?

Oatmeal cookies with dark chocolate chips Oats provide a chewy texture and a satisfying fullness, while dark chocolate offers a rich, sweet flavor. This swap is healthier due to the fiber in oats and antioxidants in dark chocolate, with less sugar overall.

What type of cookie has the least calories?

Shortbread and trefoils : They were the lowest in calories per cookie (30 and 32 calories, respectively), and lowest in saturated fat and added sugars.

Can homemade cookies be healthy?

Additionally, you can increase the nutritional value of homemade cookies by substituting ingredients, such as refined sugar and white flour, for healthier alternatives . You can also add nuts, oats, or dried fruit to your chocolate chip cookie for a protein and antioxidant boost.

Can I eat cookies and still lose weight?

Of course you can . Simply pay attention to consistently eating the amount of calories that keeps you at the weight you'd like to be, and make the majority of your foods “healthy.” The cookies (or whatever treat you love) are part of the diet—not the entire diet.

Are graham crackers healthier than cookies?

“There's also very little fiber and low nutritional value .” But it varies, depending on the brand. “This can be used as an example of why it is important to read food labels,” Gans says. But, she adds, “many brands have added sugars and very little fiber that make them on par with having a regular cookie.”

Are cookies OK for weight loss?

BOTTOM LINE: The Cookie Diet may result in short-term weight loss, but no studies support its effectiveness . It relies heavily on prepackaged cookies, is highly restrictive, and does not provide guidance on how to maintain weight loss without cookies.

What can I bring instead of cookies?

Real Food Tips: 12 Homemade Holiday Gifts (that aren't cookies!) Homemade Vanilla Extract. ... Assorted Whole-Grain Muffins. ... Seasoning Mixes. ... Homemade Granola Cereal or Granola Bars. ... Homemade Bread. ... Glazed/Candied Nuts and Popcorn Mixes. ... Homemade Whole-Grain Pasta. ... Home Canned Goods. More items... Dec 2, 2011

Do healthy cookies exist?

Healthiest Breakfast Cookies These cookies from the blog Choosing Chia pack gluten-free rolled oats, almond flour, nut butter, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds, plus four types of seeds: sunflower, pumpkin, chia, and sesame.

Are homemade or store bought cookies healthier?

Baking at home gives you control over the ingredients in your baked goods, and can be much healthier than choosing store-bought breads, cakes, and cookies .

10 Healthier Holiday Cookie Recipes Under 135 Calories (2024)

Get festive and make Santa Claus’s “nice” list with a batch of jolly holiday cookies! We know you have a lot of options so we’ve put together a list of cookies that trim down on the traditional high calorie, high sugar, high fat versions using nutritious ingredients like sweet potatoes, nuts and oats! Bake some of these more nutritious cookie recipes–they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and will also make beautiful gifts for your friends. Each serving is less than 135 calories and each recipe makes a lot so be sure of share the love!

1. CHOCOLATE-PEPPERMINT SHORTBREAD | MYFITNESSPAL’S RECIPES

These festive cookies are full of holiday cheer and delight kids and grown-ups alike. Your taste buds will thank you for these holiday treats: They use a combination of butter and canola oil so they taste buttery-rich, but have less saturated fat. Recipe makes 24 servings at 1 cookie each.

Nutrition (per serving):Calories: 103; Total Fat: 6g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 6mg; Sodium: 24mg; Carbohydrate: 11g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 5g; Protein 1g

2. GINGERBREAD CHRISTMAS TREE COOKIES | SKINNYTASTE

Make delicious gingerbread cookies using half the butter, but still keeping the same great flavor and texture. And, no cookie cutter required! These adorable gingerbread Christmas tree cookies are decorated with a smattering of green frosting and sprinkles on top. Recipe makes 30 servings at 2 cookies each.

Nutrition (per serving):Calories: 104; Total Fat: 1g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 9mg; Sodium: 49mg; Total Carbohydrate: 21g; Dietary Fiber: 0g; Sugars: 11g; Protein: 2g

3. SWEET POTATO MOLASSES COOKIE|WHITE ON RICE COUPLE

Humble sweet potato plays a central role in this soft, festive cookie made with molasses and raisins soaked in rum. Yum! Buttermilk gives the cookies moistness, but if you don’t have any on hand, substitute with 1/4 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1/4 cup of whole milk then stir and let sit for 5 minutes. Recipe makes 24 servingsat 1 cookie each.

4. SKINNY CUT OUT SUGAR COOKIES|KIM’S CRAVINGS

Cut out sugar cookies are a Christmas staple! You can make these light, vegan version with flavorful coconut oil anddecorate them with icing made from raw cashews, vanilla, cinnamon, maple syrup and almond milk. This recipe makes 18 servings at 1 cookie each.

Nutrition (per serving):Calories: 103; Total Fat: 5g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 145mg; Total Carbohydrate: 13g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugars: 6g; Protein: 2g

5.WHOLE WHEAT GINGERBREAD BISCOTTI|EVERYDAY MAVEN

Sweet and spicy gingerbread biscotti is delicious dipped in a cup of hot coffee or tea. These sturdy cookies travel well and can be mailed as homemade holiday goodies. Recipe makes 32 servings at 1 biscotti each.

Nutrition (per serving):Calories: 75; Total Fat: 2g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 6mg; Sodium: 51mg; Total Carbohydrate: 13g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugars: 7g; Protein: 2g

6.NUTCRACKER COOKIES|OH SHE GLOWS

Hearty, nutty and vegan–these nutcracker cookies have a crisp, toffee-like exterior followed by a chewy, doughy middle. Mixed nuts, dates and ground flax give great texture to this holiday treat. Recipe makes 14 servings at 1 cookie each.

Nutrition (per serving):Calories: 134; Total Fat: 8g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 116mg; Total Carbohydrate: 15g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugars: 9g; Protein: 3g

7. LINZER THUMBPRINT COOKIES | HEALTHY SEASONAL COOKIES

These bite-sized rendition of a linzer torte is a healthier holiday treat. Thumbprint cookies are made with whole-grain flour then baked with raspberry jam nestled in the middle for a gorgeous presentation. Recipe makes 24 servings at 1 cookie each.

Nutrition (per serving):Calories: 121; Total Fat: 6g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 18mg; Sodium: 162mg; Total Carbohydrate: 17g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugars: 9g; Protein: 2g

8.RASPBERRY OATMEAL COOKIES|AMY’S HEALTHY BAKING

Want a cookie without refined sugar or refined flour? Make a batch of these soft and chewy raspberry oatmeal cookies. If you don’t have fresh raspberries available, frozen berries work equally well. What’s more, each sweet cookie is less than 100 calories! Recipe makes 15 servings at 1 cookie each.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 98; Total Fat: 3g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 12mg; Sodium: 108mg; Total Carbohydrate: 18g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugars: 10g; Protein: 2g

9. NO-BAKE CHOCOLATE CHEWY TRUFFLE COOKIES |FOOD NETWORK

Quick and easy, this no-bake cookie recipe calls for just three steps: Combine all ingredients, roll dough into sweet balls and refrigerate. This no-fuss treat is a great way to get your kids involved in the kitchen. Recipe makes 24 servings of 1 ball each.

Nutrition (per serving):Calories: 67; Total Fat: 2g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 1mg; Sodium: 59mg; Total Carbohydrate: 13g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugars: 6g; Protein: 1g

10.ESPRESSO CRINKLES|COOKING LIGHT

Add little caffeine buzz with your holiday treat by making these espresso crinkles. The coffee adds a layer of depth to the chocolate cookie dough and powdered sugar creates a beautiful crackled look. Recipe makes 24 servings at 1 cookie each.

Nutrition (per serving):Calories: 99; Total Fat: 2g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 156mg; Total Carbohydrate: 20g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugars: 13g; Protein: 1g

Originally published December 2016, updated December 2022

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