consciouseating
Better by the Dozen
Bake up Holiday Cheer with Decadent,
yet Healthy Cookies
by Melissa williams
W
hether chewy or crunchy, eaten straight or dunked in milk,
cookies are a perfect accompaniment to holiday parties and
chilly nights gathered around the fireplace. This year, indulge
family and friends with a batch of these tasty treats, updated by using
unrefined flours, natural sugars, and nutrient-boosting ingredients, includ-
ing dried fruit, heart-healthy nuts, vitamin-rich pumpkin, and antioxidant-
laden organic dark chocolate. To cut unhealthy fats, these recipes also
substitute unsweetened applesauce and egg whites for some of the butter.
Such creative twists gladly transform cookies from a guilty indulgence to a
healthier treat—true comfort food for a joyous season.
Gingerbread People
Makes 3 ½ dozen / Preparation tip: Currants make good eyes, noses and buttons; place on cookies before baking.
Or, decorate with all-natural colored sprinkles before baking.
1 ¼ cups unbleached all-purpose flour ½ cup brown sugar
1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour 5 Tblsp unsalted butter, softened
3 tsp ground ginger ½ cup molasses
2 tsp ground cinnamon 1 egg
½ tsp ground allspice
½ tsp ground nutmeg Icing (optional)
½ tsp ground cloves 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
½ tsp baking powder ¼ tsp lemon or vanilla extract
¼ tsp baking soda 3-4 Tblsp water
¼ tsp salt
1. In a medium bowl, combine flours, spices, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine sugar and butter; beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until thoroughly combined
and fluffy. Add molasses and egg and blend. Add flour mixture to molasses mixture; beat on low until blended.
Divide dough in half and wrap each half in plastic. Chill for 1-2 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 350°. On a floured board, roll dough into a ¼-inch-thick circle. Cut out cookies with a cutter. Place
one inch apart on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Decorate with candies and currants, if desired. Bake for
7-8 minutes until firm. Let cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. To make icing, combine powdered sugar and lemon or vanilla extract. Add 3 tablespoons water and stir. If neces-
sary, add an additional tablespoon of water until a spreadable paste forms. Use a piping cloth (or zip-top plastic bag
with one corner snipped) to decorate cooled cookies.
42 Broward County
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