5 Tips for Creating Healthier Cookies

By Brandi Swieter 

National Cookie Day arrives in early December. The day leaves many pining for a delicious cookie that brings them back to their childhood. These options aren't the healthiest, however, as they contain lots of fat and sugar. Creating healthier cookies for Cookie Day and the rest of the year is the better solution. Some tips will help.

Use Fruit and Nuts

Chocolate chip cookies may be a favorite for many, but the recipe calls for flour, butter, and sugar. The chips themselves are full of sugar as well. Using fruit and nuts in a cookie recipe is a better way to help get a snack while still being healthy. Mixed fruit and nut cookies are one option. Apricots, dates, coconut, macadamia nuts, and pistachios make up this version.

Use Coconut Sugar

Regular table sugar can spike up blood sugar levels. Coconut sugar does not cause such a large change. Bakers can substitute coconut sugar in their cookie recipes if they want a healthier and more beneficial ingredient in the mix. 

Go Vegan

A vegan version is also much healthier for the body. A vegan chocolate chip cookie is even possible. It doesn't use any eggs, milk, or butter so there is less fat. Vegan chocolate chips contain no milk either. 

Try Oat Flour

An oat flour is a healthier alternative to all-purpose flour typically seen in stores. Using just a small amount of flour paired with whole rolled oats also works to modify to a healthier cookie version. Spelt flour is another possibility. It's made from wheat. These options provide fiber and nutrients that a white, bleached flour does not offer. 

Always Make Homemade

One of the biggest tips for finding healthy cookies is to make them homemade. Even the light versions of cookies sold in stores tend to have more sugar than what is necessary. They may also still contain dyes and other harmful chemicals. Creating homemade versions and following healthy recipes ensures a better overall cookie which no one has to feel guilty about eating too many. 

Cookies are not typically touted as a healthy snack, but the food item can be made better by making some substitutions. Homemade versions are better than store bought. Fruit-filled versions are also more beneficial for the body. Enjoy a cookie the healthy way to benefit from the snack.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Indianapolis, Ind.