Are you craving a sweet treat but hesitant about the sugar overload? We've got you covered! These healthier sugar cookies deliver all the delightful buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture you love, with a significant reduction in refined sugar and a boost of wholesome goodness. Perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings without the guilt, these cookies are a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. They're also a great quick dinner idea if you need a simple dessert to round off your meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (you can reduce this to ½ cup for an even healthier option)
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup rolled oats (adds texture and fiber!)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) for added flavor and crunch
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but you can certainly do it by hand – it just requires a bit more elbow grease!
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few lumps are okay!
Step 4: Stir in Oats and Nuts (Optional)
Gently fold in the rolled oats and any chopped nuts you’re using.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness and use cookie cutters to create your desired shapes. Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each one.
Step 7: Baking Time
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy your delicious and healthier sugar cookies!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is properly softened but not melted. This ensures a smooth and creamy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Baking Time Varies: Ovens vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies to prevent burning.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Surprise: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful twist.
- Spiced Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for warm, spiced cookies.
- Glaze it Up: Once cooled, drizzle your favorite glaze over the cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
*Calories: Approximately 100-120 (depending on size and ingredients)
Note: This is an approximate nutritional value and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
These healthier sugar cookies are a fantastic homemade cooking project, perfect for any occasion. They're delicious, relatively quick to make, and a much healthier alternative to traditional sugar cookies. Enjoy!