It's time for my annual holiday cookie swap. I had so much success with my 100-calorie cookie platter last year that I decided to try the challenge again this year.
I like to say that I live by the "everything in moderation" mantra, but something about the holidays makes me want to throw that out the window. It's all those cookies -- they're my downfall! So if I can fill my platter with festive, delicious treats that satisfy my holiday cookie obsession without loads of extra calories and fat, then I believe it's possible to get the best of both worlds.
But wait -- without all that extra butter and sugar, can a healthier cookie really compete with all the other cookies at the cookie swap? You bet! I did some more digging around in the EatingWell healthy cookie jar and found five new amazingly delicious holiday cookies for this year's platter -- all 100 calories or less. These cookie recipes use sweeteners judiciously, have no hydrogenated fat and are made with all-natural ingredients and as much whole-grain flour as possible. But you would never know...
Joy Cookies (53 calories)
I love shortbread for the holidays. These pretty coconut-chocolate-almond-topped shortbread cookies are reminiscent of Almond Joy candy bars. Recipe by JoAnne Geiger, Baltimore, Maryland.
Orange Spice Molasses Cookies (85 calories)
These traditional spiced molasses cookies have added applesauce to help keep the cookies moist and whole-wheat flour and oats to incorporate whole grains. Recipe by Shyla Huber, Springfield, Oregon
Pecan-Cinnamon Wafers (63 calories)
Seemingly simple, these healthier pecan cookies promise tons of buttery flavor. They're made with whole-wheat pastry flour and plenty of nuts. Recipe by Debbie Limas, North Andover, Massachusetts.
Citrus-Kissed Honey Buttons (59 calories)
Citrus-flavored sugar cookies are a lovely addition to any holiday cookie platter. Recipe by Teresa Ralston, New Albany, Ohio.
Almond Cherry Bites (101 calories)
Dried cherries, ground almonds and a drizzle of chocolate make these cookies festive for the holidays. Recipe by Beatrice & Anne Ricart, California.
For the recipe to any of these cookies check out Eatingwell.com