Cookies are a sweet treat that most people enjoy after a meal, but they can be loaded with fat and calories. Make cookies healthier for your family by using whole grains and antioxidant-rich fruits to provide sweetness. The fat content in cookies can be lowered by making simple substitutions to some ingredients. Substitutions to make cookies healthier can be used for any type of cookie. Experimentation may be necessary to find the texture and flavor you like best.
Step 1
Give your cookies a little more fiber by using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose white flour. Substitute whole wheat versions for the entire measure of flour or use half whole wheat and half white flour, depending on your taste. Cookies made with whole wheat flour provide more nutritional value but may be more dense and "heavier" than those made with a combination of the two flours.
Step 2
Use an egg substitute product when baking if you are concerned about the cholesterol levels. Egg substitutes are widely available at supermarkets. Measurements are on the packaging to tell you how much of the product equals one whole egg.
Step 3
Replace oil, butter or other fat products with equal measures of unsweetened applesauce. The applesauce gives the cookie the moisture that fats usually bring to the recipe. Experiment with substituting all of the fat or using half oil and half applesauce to find the cookie texture you prefer.
Step 4
Add 1 cup of quick cooking rolled oats to traditional cookie recipes for added nutritional value. The oats provide some fiber and lend a crunchy texture to the cookie.
Step 5
Opt for dark or semi-sweet flavors rather than milk chocolate when baking chocolate or chocolate chip cookie. Dark chocolate contains flavanol antioxidants that promote good health.
Step 6
Add dried fruit to the dough for extra sweetness. Dried fruit---including cranberries, cherries, raisins, figs, and prunes---contain healthy antioxidants, according to articles published in the February 2009 issue of the "British Journal of Nutrition" and the July 2008 issue of "Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry." Vary the type of fruit according to taste.
Things You'll Need
- Whole wheat flour
- Egg substitute
- Unsweetened applesauce
- Oatmeal
- Dark chocolate chips
- Dried fruit
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