The Best Healthy Sugar Cookies
Here’s go-to cookie recipe that’s not only good for you but also a breeze to make! This healthy sugar cookie keeps things simple with just a bit of butter (way less than the usual recipes), swaps out refined sugar for maple syrup or honey, and adds in whole wheat flour for that wholesome twist. I’ve been making these cookies (and these healthy gingerbread cookies) for years with my kids, and I’m so excited to finally share the recipe with you! While we mainly bake these soft sugar cookies during Christmas (hello cookies for Santa!), they are perfect for Valentine’s Day, Easter, birthdays (also check out this first birthday cake), and any other special occasions on your calendar. It’s such a sweet way to create lasting memories with your little ones and establish a family tradition. And yes, decorating with kids will most likely get messy, but that’s all part of the experience. I do provide some helpful tips to minimize the mess below.
Ingredients
I am highlighting just the ones that need further explanation. The complete list is in the recipe card below.
White whole wheat flour – I love baking with this flour because it’s the same nutritionally as whole wheat flour but is lighter in texture and a little sweeter in flavor. You can also use all purpose flour or whole wheat pastry flour. Unsalted butter – helps make the cookies light and prevents them from becoming too dry or crumbly. Maple syrup or honey – great unrefined sugar alternatives! Egg yolk – makes the dough easier to work with and produces rich, soft, and chewy cookies. Vanilla extract Icing – you can use homemade or store-bought. Details below.
How to Make Homemade Sugar Cookies
How thick do I Roll Sugar Cookies?
It depends on your texture preference. If you prefer soft and chewy sugar cookies, roll out the dough to about 1/3 inch thickness. If you are a lover of crisp and crunchy sugar cookies, 1/4 inch thickness will be perfect. Start monitoring around 6 minutes as they can brown quickly, especially around the edges.
Tips for Success
If the dough is too soft and sticky, add more flour, up to 1 tablespoon. Cut as close together so you will get as many cookies out of your dough as possible. Peel away the unused dough from around the shapes rather than lifting them from the parchment paper and onto the baking sheet. This prevents the shapes from getting distorted. Icing – if too thin, add more powdered sugar. If too thick, add more milk. Work quickly – immediately after icing, add sprinkles over the wet icing.
And most importantly, keep it fun! Remember, it’s okay to embrace the mess a little. Let the kids enjoy the process, an don’t worry too much about perfection. The fun and creativity are what make the experience memorable. Alternatively, you can grab any of your favorite royal icing from the store for convenience, which I totally get! Even though this icing recipe is easy, you’ll still need to gather the ingredients and dirty dishes, which can feel like a lot especially when you’ve had a long day. You can also skip the icing and sprinkle colorful sanding sugar or sprinkles before baking.
Storage Suggestions (In the Fridge and Freezer)
In the refrigerator:
In the freezer:
More Healthy Cookies
Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me! For decorated cookies, place them in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. OR freeze baked cookies. While you can freeze both decorated and non-decorated, I recommend the latter. Flash freezing method will work best, just like when freezing muffins, as it prevent the cookies from sticking together and allows you to grab only the amount you need.
