- Bananas for fats: The creamy, thickening power of mashed (ripe!) banana acts the same as avocado in terms of replacing fat in baking recipes. The consistency is ideal, and the bananas add nutrients like potassium, fiber, and vitamin B6. One cup of mashed banana works perfectly in place of 1 cup of butter or oil!
- Nut flours for flour: A word of caution: Nut flours don’t rise the same way as wheat flour so an additional rising agent might be needed when replacing more than ¼ cup of wheat. Many gluten-free blogs detail how to streamline nut flour-based baking. And while these flours are typically higher in calories and fat, they also have more fiber and protein. Nut flours do tend to be heavier than classic wheat, so make sure to up the amount of baking powder and baking soda in the recipe so the dough can rise as normal. Another option is to replace only part of the flour in a recipe with nut flour!
- Vanilla for sugar: Cutting sugar in half and adding a teaspoon of vanilla as a replacement can give just as much flavor with significantly fewer calories. Assuming the recipe originally calls for one cup of sugar, that’s already almost 400 calories cut out! You can't sub this one in equal ratios, but next time you're whipping up some healthy cookies, try cutting 2 tablespoons of sugar and adding an extra 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Avocado puree for butter: They’re both fats and have nearly the same consistency at room temperature. The creaminess and subtle flavor of the avocado lends itself well to the texture of fudge brownies and dark chocolate flavorings. It can take some experimenting to get this swap perfect, but generally, using 1 cup of avocado puree per cup of butter works.
- Two egg whites for one whole egg: One egg yolk holds more than half the recommended daily cholesterol for the average adult. Trading out the yolk for a second white will cut out the cholesterol while doubling the protein. If making a dish that requires more eggs, keep one to two yolks for their rich vitamins A, E, D, and K content, but consider swapping out the rest.
- Skim milk for whole or 2% milk: Fewer calories and fat with the same amount of protein make this switch well worth it.
- Unsweetened applesauce for oil or butter: Don’t knock this one till you’ve tried it. The applesauce gives the right consistency and a hint of sweetness without all the fat of oil or butter. This works well in any sweet bread, like banana or zucchini, or in muffins—and even with pre-boxed mixes! On your first try, only try swapping out half the fat (so a recipe using 1 cup of oil would use 1/2 cup of oil and 1/2 cup of applesauce). If you can't tell the difference with that swap, try swapping a bit more of the fat next time around.
- Stevia for sugar: The natural sweetener stevia is lower in calories and up to 300 times sweeter than sugar. But watch the grocery bill—this fashionable sweetener can also cost up to 5 times as much as granulated sugar. Since it's so much sweeter, swap with caution: A recipe calling for 1 cup of sugar should be swapped for 1 teaspoon of liquid stevia (or about 2 tablespoons of stevia powder).
- Natural peanut butter for reduced-fat peanut butter: While they may appear better than traditional Skippy or Jiff, reduced-fat versions of peanut butter can actually have more sugar—and an extra-long list of artificial additives—than the classics. Natural peanut butter (preferably unsalted) provides the same sweetness without calling the extra junk.
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up Santa's Secret Baking Hacks, we hope you've been inspired to take a fresh approach to your holiday baking. With these clever tips and ingredient swaps, you can create treats that are not only kinder to your waistline but also burst with delightful flavors and nutrients. Remember, small changes can make a big difference, and these healthy cookies will keep you feeling merry and energized throughout the festive season.
FAQs
What kind of cookies do you leave for Santa?
Traditionally, people often leave classic chocolate chip cookies or sugar cookies for Santa Claus. However, you can get creative and leave any of his favorite cookies, as Santa appreciates the love and thoughtfulness behind the gesture.
What is the most eaten cookie at Christmas?
Gingerbread cookies are widely considered the most eaten cookies during Christmas. Their warm and spicy flavors, combined with festive shapes and decorations, make them a beloved holiday treat enjoyed by many.
How many cookies would Santa have to eat?
Assuming Santa visits millions of homes on Christmas Eve, he would have to eat an astronomical number of cookies. While the exact count is hard to determine, it's safe to say that Santa indulges in a little nibble at each home before moving on to spread joy to children all around the world.
What is the healthiest cookie to eat?
When looking for a healthier option, oatmeal cookies with whole-grain oats, nuts, and dried fruits can be a better choice. They are often lower in refined sugars and can provide some fiber and nutrients compared to traditional cookies. Remember, moderation is key even with healthier options!
