What Are Some Healthy Alternatives for Christmas Cookies?

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores various approaches to baking Christmas cookies, with participants sharing their personal experiences and preferences regarding cookie preparation and alternatives. Some express interest in healthier options while others discuss traditional baking practices.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions baking the same five cookie varieties each year while introducing a couple of new ones.
  • Another participant shares that they do not bake cookies themselves, as their mother bakes enough for everyone.
  • One participant describes their participation in a cookie exchange, opting for a non-traditional cookie made from honey oat cereal and marshmallows.
  • Another participant typically bakes 12 dozen cookies for their father's birthday, planning to make at least six different kinds.
  • One participant has a tradition of helping their grandmother with baking and also makes banana and pumpkin bread.
  • Another participant is preparing for a cookie exchange and needs to make two dozen cookies.
  • One participant plans to bake seven to eight different kinds of cookies for a decorating party.
  • Several participants express a desire for healthier alternatives, with one specifically mentioning trying recipes from a Cooking Light magazine.
  • One participant indicates they follow a low-carb lifestyle and do not bake Christmas cookies.
  • Another participant shares their experience making chocolate cherry almond cookies from a health magazine, noting some adjustments made to the recipe.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the types of cookies baked and the interest in healthier alternatives, with no clear consensus on a specific approach to Christmas cookies.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a range of experiences from traditional baking to exploring healthier options, reflecting diverse baking habits and preferences during the holiday season.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants interested in holiday baking practices and those exploring healthier alternatives for traditional recipes may find this discussion relevant.

S
shelliebeard
Messages
6
Incentive PointsIf someone promotes to Director on Jan 1st, so they qualified as a Director in December...do the 3,000 points count in 2008 or in 2007?

I have someone about to promote so we were just trying to see if this would get us off to a good start in 2008 (pretty pointless for both of us in 2007). She has signed 9 consultants total, but hasn't had 5 active and qualified at one time yet. It's bound to happen next month! :pray:
 
It would count in the next year's incentive.
 
I have many cookie dependent friends and relatives so I always bake the same 5 varieties and introduce 1 or 2 newbies each year.
 
Not usually.. my mom bakes enough for everyone. If I baked 'em they wouldn't last until the holidays. LOL...
 
This year i'm not baking them for myself/family. I am doing a cookie exchange and have to make 5 dozen. Although i'm taking the easy route I guess cause i'm not baking:p It's not even really a cookie. It's a honey oat cereal with melted marshmellows and then dipped in chocolate. The only thing that I make every year is fudge!! Yum can't wait to make it next week.
 
I will be baking cookies for Christmas. I usually bake 12 dozen for my dads birthday (Dec 24th) and I try to do at least 6 different kinds. I havent sat down to plot the kinds yet, but usually chocolate haystacks, molasses cookies, shortbread, sugar cookies, peanut butter cookies, then who knows.
 
I have helped grams every year since I can remember! Plus I end up doing banana and pumpkin bread loaves along with the cookies.
 
I usually do. I have to make 2 dozen for a cookie exchange at bunco this Friday.
 
I am baking about 7-8 different kinds this year. Plus I have to make, roll, cut and bake about 8 dzen for our annual cooie decorating party............

Next week is cookie week.........
 
I always bake Christmas Cookies and goodies. This year though, I think I'm going to try to do it from the new Cooking Light magazine i just got and see if they can tell the difference. I would love healthier alternatives! If the flavor doesn't lack but the fat and calories do, then I'm all about that!
 
Depends on how much time I have..I have candy molds and love to make peanut butter cups, chocolate covered cherries and suckers when I have time.

I have to make 6 dozen cookies by Sunday for a cookie exchange
 

Attachments

I make sugar cookies sometimes. I do not make cookies very often. I prefer to call my mom and get her to make them and go up there right when they are coming out of the oven.

I make more finger foods and snacks than cookies.
 
Low carb lifestyle here, no Christmas cookies.
 
MissChef said:
I always bake Christmas Cookies and goodies. This year though, I think I'm going to try to do it from the new Cooking Light magazine i just got and see if they can tell the difference. I would love healthier alternatives! If the flavor doesn't lack but the fat and calories do, then I'm all about that!
Click to expand...
I just made some chocolate cherry almond cookies from Health magazine Dec. '07. We left out the almonds because older DS doesn't like them. There's an entire article with about 4 or 5 recipes. Use Bittersweet chocolate bar and dried cherries. Not as soft as I'd like them to be but good flavor.
I also have made cut outs and frosted them with the kids, and candy cane cookies with peppermint flavor. Very tedious twisting of pink and white dough. Still going to make a peppermint bark and peanut brittle.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some healthy alternatives to traditional Christmas cookie ingredients?

Instead of using white flour, consider using whole wheat flour or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients. You can also substitute refined sugar with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar. For butter, try using applesauce or coconut oil to reduce saturated fat.

Can I make Christmas cookies without refined sugar?

Yes! You can use natural sweeteners such as mashed bananas, applesauce, or dates to sweeten your cookies. These alternatives not only provide sweetness but also add moisture and nutrients to your cookies.

What are some healthy add-ins for Christmas cookies?

Consider adding ingredients like dark chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruits, or seeds. These add-ins can enhance the flavor and texture of your cookies while providing additional health benefits, such as healthy fats and antioxidants.

Are there gluten-free options for Christmas cookies?

Absolutely! You can use gluten-free flours such as almond flour, coconut flour, or oat flour. There are many gluten-free recipes available that can help you create delicious Christmas cookies without gluten.

How can I make Christmas cookies lower in calories?

To lower the calorie content of your cookies, you can reduce the amount of sugar and fat used in the recipe. Additionally, consider using smaller cookie cutters to create smaller cookies, allowing you to enjoy the treat without overindulging.

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