Cookies with a Nutritional Kick

As a kid, I was known as Bonnie the Baker. I loved to bake, especially cookies, but hated to clean up (my mom got that job, she’s such a sport!). So, you can imagine how happy I am to bring you today’s blog on baking!

Did you know that the word cookie comes from the Dutch word “koekje”, which translates to little cake? Celebrate this yummy dessert on December 18^th for National Bake Cookies day. It’s the perfect time to heat your oven and whip up a delicious baked treat!

There is no wrong way to enjoy or even make a cookie. There are so many wonderful recipes out there that you are bound to find a cookie that you enjoy. Once you find that perfect cookie recipe, get creative and add a variety of ingredient to give your cookie a nutritional boost.

Baking the perfect cookie can become a bit of an art, especially if you are an avid baker like me. There are some tips and tricks that you pick up after years of baking. Making some small adjustments in your baking can make all the difference and leave your cookie eaters impressed with your skills!

4 Ways to Boost the Nutrition in Your Cookies  

You probably have come across hundreds of cookie recipes. But there are ways to make cookies that add texture, flavor, as well as nutrients. Below are the basic ingredients for cookies with variations that make cookies an even more enjoyable dessert:

1. Flour: Classic cookie recipes usually call for all-purpose flour. Try upgrading your cookies with different kinds of flour. Almond flour and whole wheat flour are good substitutes that have a higher fiber content to aid in digestion.

2. Fat: The type of fat in cookies affects their shape, texture, and color. While adding different kinds of fat in cookies may change their look, you can still achieve the same great taste. Try cookies with avocado puree, avocado, oil, or canola oil. These various fat varieties are lower in saturated fat and higher in healthier fat.

3. Sugar: Many cookies call for sugar but changing the type of sugar can give you more nutritional benefits. Try reducing the amount of sugar used or try adding half sugar and half fruit puree for added vitamins and minerals.

4. Additions: Some cookie recipes call for nuts, which are healthy fats your body needs to function properly. You can also add dark chocolate chips for added antioxidants, or chia seeds for fiber and crunch!

Baking the Perfect Cookies

December is a great time to celebrate National Bake Cookies Day. It’s always great to share homemade desserts with friends and family. Take a look below for cookie baking tips!

• Chill the dough: Placing the cookie dough in the fridge after mixing helps to firm it up. If you are making soft and chewy cookies, chilling the dough can help enhance the flavor!

• Temperature: The brand of your oven doesn’t matter so much as the temperature. Preheating the oven and having it at the correct temperature ensures your cookie has the appropriate amount of browning and spreading.

• Baking time: Always check the recipe to make sure you have the right time for the kind of cookies you’re making. Overcooking and undercooking are easy when it comes to baking. Don’t forget to set a timer just in case. If you are making them without a recipe, check the edges for brownness.

• Cooling: Let your cookies cool! This is an important part of baking as it lets the cookies set and the flavors melt together even more.

Whatever way you decide to celebrate, remember to have fun in the kitchen and bake something you know you’ll enjoy eating!

Your Turn to Action: What is your favorite type of cookie? Mine is chocolate chip! What’s yours? Let me know in the comments below.

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