Olivia Napolean - Philadelphia Campus

‘Tis the holiday season! The time of year filled with ugly sweater parties, cookie exchanges and lots and lots of eggnog. Even if you are already pursuing a healthy lifestyle, the time between Thanksgiving and New Years can cause even the most diligent of people to overindulge. If you are one that loves to bake those holiday cookies, there are small steps you can take to make those little indulgences healthier!

Substituting ingredients high in saturated fat and refined grains with healthier alternatives can allow you to enjoy your favorite sweets without all the guilt. Below is a classic snickerdoodle recipe with a healthy twist. By switching to whole wheat flour, butter alternative, and sugar substitutes, these cookies will be both more nutritious and delicious!

Snickerdoodles

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
  
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
  
• 1/4  tsp salt
  
• 1/4 tsp cream of tatar
  
• 1/4 tsp and 1/8 tsp baking soda
  
• 1/4 cup sugar or Splenda (6 packets)
  
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  
• 1 1/2 Tbsp skim milk or nut milk
  
• 1/4 cup butter substitute (I can’t believe it’s not butter, Earth Balance)
  
• 1/2 cinnamon sugar
  

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 330 F
2. Combine dry ingredients and mix well
3. In a separate bowl, melt butter substitute and stir in vanilla extract and milk
4. Slowly pour dry ingredients into the wet and mix
   
5. Portion dough into 1 inch bowls and roll in cinnamon sugar then place on ungreased cooking sheet 1 inch apart
6. Cook for 9-10 minutes

 
If you do not like the idea of altering the ingredients to classic holiday cookies, the biggest tip to follow is portion control! Indulge in your favorite foods this time of year, but just be mindful of the amount you are consuming.

However you choose to spend the holidays, enjoy it to the fullest! (No pun intended)

**https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2011/11/08/skinny-snickerdoodles/

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