Why Make This Recipe
Healthy sugar cookies are a fantastic treat that doesn’t compromise on flavor while still being good for you! Using natural sweeteners like maple syrup and coconut sugar means you can enjoy cookies without the guilt. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
How to Make Healthy Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup coconut oil (solid state, softened but not melted)
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 cup coconut sugar
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, and salt. Set them aside.
- In a larger bowl, combine the softened coconut oil (make sure it’s not melted), maple syrup, and coconut sugar. Use a whisk or a fork to mix them together well.
- Add the room temperature egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the mixture. Mix everything until it’s smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until there’s no dry flour left.
- Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. You can chill it overnight if desired.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Use a spoon to scoop out portions of dough (about 2 tablespoons) and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet and gently flatten them.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 7-8 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is slightly underdone.
- Right after taking them out of the oven, gently tap the baking sheet on the countertop to create a gooey crinkle center.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
How to Serve Healthy Sugar Cookies
These cookies are great on their own but can be served with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for a pretty presentation.
How to Store Healthy Sugar Cookies
Store your healthy sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months.
Tips to Make Healthy Sugar Cookies
- Make sure to measure the flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
- Chilling the dough is essential for the right texture; it helps the cookies spread less when baking.
- Don’t overbake the cookies; they will harden as they cool!
Variation
You can add some chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for extra flavor and texture. Feel free to experiment with different extracts, like lemon or orange, for a citrus twist!
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the coconut oil?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter or another type of oil if you prefer.
2. Are these cookies gluten-free?
They are not gluten-free, but you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
3. Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, honey can be used as a substitute, but it may change the flavor slightly. Adjust sweetness as needed!
Enjoy making and sharing these healthy sugar cookies!
Healthy Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sweetener until light and fluffy using an electric mixer. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond milk until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined to form a soft dough.
- Flatten the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until firm enough to roll.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
- Place the cut cookies on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.