While most of the United States is painfully aware that 25% of Americans are obese, the one person who might not be privy is jolly old Saint Nick.
That’s right: on Christmas Eve, as those who celebrate the holiday tuck their families into bed, most leave cookies out for Santa Claus without thinking about the calories, fat and sugar that Santa has to consume in one night.
So, we’re here for Mr. Claus. We’ve pulled together our favorite recipes to get you through the last days of cookie season.
Chocolate Cookies: Every chocolate lover will agree that there is nothing better than a warm cookie right out of the oven. Whether it’s chocolate chips dotting your favorite biscotti or hints of chocolate in a traditional gingerbread cookie, there are plenty of ways to incorporate chocolate into holiday cookies.
BabyCakes Chocolate Chip Cookies (Gluten-Free)
Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies
Cookies with Nuts: If you like your cookie with a little extra crunch, look to the nuts and nut butters in your pantry to jazz up your favorite cookie. A little bit of peanut butter or a few walnuts will go a long way.
Oatmeal Fruit & Walnut Cookies
Fruit Based Cookies: Fruit is a healthy snack – until you put it in a cookie. Well, this time you can have your fruit and eat it too, because these healthier recipes replace some of the sugar and fat with natural sweetness from dried and fresh apples, dates and raisins.
Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies
Bar Cookies: No two cookies are created alike and if you want to change up your cookie routine, pick a new shape this year. Bar cookies are a fun way to try your favorite cookie in a new form.
Chocolate Chip Cookies, Healthier
Simple & Sweet: These cookies are plain and simply delicious without any bells and whistles. If you have a sweet tooth but prefer cookies without nuts, chocolate chips or dried fruit, you’ll love the hints of cinnamon, vanilla and spice in these cookie options.